Lou HickeyMarketing Director EMEA, One4all
Award-winning marketing and public relations professional, Lou Hickey has over twenty years of experience working with consumer and corporate brands across the EMEA and APAC regions. A commercially astute marketing strategist with creative flair, she leads strategy for three consumer brands under the Blackhawk Network portfolio – One4all, Gutscheingold and Restaurant Choice – across ten countries. A regular judge on award panels including the UK’s GCVA, and The Spiders, she is listed in the Business & Finance and Cvent Index Top 100 Marketing Professionals..
Terry SpenceMSc - Director of B2B Sales, One4all
Terry has over 20 years’ experience building and leading high-performance sales teams across multiple sectors in the B2B arena including the Incentives, Motivation, Telecommunications, Retail and Prepaid Financial Services sectors.
Adept at defining innovative growth strategies to drive new business development and enhance market penetration across untapped verticals, Terry has been involved at a senior level for the strategic development of various sales channels, both in Ireland and the UK markets.
His industry knowledge and experience across major blue-chip companies, along with his business understanding, drive and passion for success, positions Terry as a key inspirational leader.
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Robert FarrellProgram Director, Innopharma Education & Non Exec Director, Compliance Institute
Robert Farrell is a lecturer, trainer and speaker specialising in Digital Transformation. Robert has delivered training to audiences in North America, the Middle East and Europe including Google, HubSpot, Citibank, DocuSign, BT and many more. He holds a postgraduate diploma in digital transformation, a masters in strategic management and several digital marketing certifications.
Alan DevlinCEO at eDot Invest
Alan Devlin deals with the development of business management, growth and finance. He has a great experience in eBusiness; he has worked with clients such as Coca Cola, AVIVA, Johnson & Johnson, Heineken and more.
Miriam SimonTrading Strategy, The Retail Powerhouse
Miriam Simon is an experienced business strategist and retail expert with over 30 years of experience in senior roles at some of the world’s leading brands, including TK Maxx, Monsoon Accessorize, LifeStyle Sports, and B&Q.
A sought-after speaker on retail trends and consumer behaviour, Miriam regularly delivers commercial seminars and programmes across the Country. A highly qualified and experienced professional, Miriam is a strategic thinker with a proven track record of success. As an accredited executive coach, she is a member of the Institute of Directors and supports the European Innovation Council. Miriam is also a voluntary council member of Drogheda & District Chamber of Commerce, serving as Vice President 2021/2022.
In addition to her work with CEO’s and ambitious tech / med tech business, Miriam is a passionate advocate for small business, and has a deep understanding of the challenges they face. In 2021, she founded The Retail Powerhouse, a low-cost service for small independent retailers. The Retail Powerhouse provides access to live masterclasses from retail industry experts, alongside commercial trading tips & support, to help small businesses grow and thrive.
You can learn more about Miriam and her work at www.miriamsimon.ie.
Jermain WilliamsCo-Founder and CEO, Engage
Co-Founder and CEO of Engage Interactive, Jermain is a highly experienced and award winning digital marketer. With over 20 years experience in the industry, Jermain has designed and developed marketing strategies, website and apps for a wide range of National and International clients that include Audi, Škoda, Volkswagen, Seat, Cupra, Microsoft, SAP, Epson, San Francisco 49ers, Manchester City FC, Mercedes F1, McLaren, Vodafone, EA Games, BMW, Bank of Ireland and Diageo. Jerman has a BA in 2D and 3D art and design and is a IPMI certified project manager.
Mark JordanChief Strategy Officer, Skillnet Ireland
Mark is the Chief Strategy Officer at Skillnet Ireland, and has held a number of senior leadership roles in the Financial Services and FinTech industry. Having worked in the UK, US, Switzerland & Ireland, he is an experienced and innovative leader possessing expertise in technology deployment, operational management, system transformation and regulatory compliance.
Throughout his career, Mark has managed and delivered many global strategic transformation programs around system redesign, operational workflow improvements, outsourcing, offshoring and process re-engineering. He also specialises in identifying and developing partnerships and successful commercial engagements with governments, industry bodies and subject matter expert companies.
At Skillnet Ireland, Mark is leading the organisational growth strategy and technology skills agenda. He is engaged with the European Commission, higher education, government departments and industry sectors in Ireland, and is focussed on readying business for the impact technology will have on the future world of work.
Dr Yuhui GaoAssociate Professor of Marketing, DCU Business School
Dr Yuhui Gao is Associate Professor of Marketing at DCU Business School, Dublin City University. She holds a PhD in Marketing from Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business, University College Dublin (UCD). Yuhui has served as the Chairperson of the BSc in Marketing, Innovation and Technology programme at DCU for over seven years.
She has been awarded as AdvaneHE Senior Follow. Her current research interests are marketing performance management (marketing metrics), marketing strategy and sustainability. She has published widely in numerous international peer-reviewed journals including European Journal of Marketing, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Journal of Business Ethics, Industrial Marketing Management, International Business Review, Journal of Strategic Marketing, Journal of Small Business & Entrepreneurship.
Yuhui is a member of European Marketing Academy, American Marketing Association and Academy of Marketing Science. She is a recipient of the Irish Research Council Research Ally Prizes 2021. She has been nominated for the President’s Awards for Engagement 2022.
Naoise Ó ConchubhairHead of Digital, Detail. Design Studio
Naoise is a multidisciplinary designer spanning visual design, web development, digital strategy and education. He works for clients large and small to create socially conscious products, brands and services. He is dedicated to teaching and fostering the next generation of creative talent as a visiting lecturer at IADT and Auburn University and as a member of ICAD, the 100Archive and the Threex3 Design Internship program.
Paul WalshDirector - Programme & Project Management, Expleo Group
Paul Walsh is the Director of Programme and Project Management at Expleo. With Expleo for 9 years, I have been responsible for the Programme and Project Management Service which includes; framework, business, people, and solution development.
David MonaghanDeputy Editor, Business & Finance
David Monaghan is a writer and journalist who has covered arts, culture, Film, tech, and LGBTQ+ and community issues for HeadStuff, GCN, Dublin Inquirer, Business & Finance, and others.
Alan HennessyThe Digital Mentor and CEO, Kompass Media – Digital Marketing Agency
Alan Hennessy is a Digital Marketing Consultant, Podcaster and Trainer, Keynote Speaker and Best Selling Author.
Alan is the CEO of Kompass Media, offering a wide range of Digital Marketing Solution for their clients.
Alan is the host of Social Media Talks with over 1000 downloads per month. He has interviewed some of the worlds most influential people in business and experts in Digital and Social Media Marketing.
Alan is co-founder of The Global Tea Break Network, a global business community with over 500 members.
Alan delivers Digital Marketing Mentorship programme to business professional that guide and assist them to fast-track their learning in create visibility online and building their brand awareness across all digital platforms.
Alan is a published author with a No.1 Best Selling Digital Marketing Book in 2023.
“Solving The Digital Marketing Jigsaw Puzzle”
Adebola OlomoFounder & CEO, Deefrent Media Agency & Communications Lead, Women in AI Ireland
A dynamic force with a brilliant blend of tech expertise and marketing acumen. With a decade of multi-faceted experience, she has made an indelible imprint on the industry. A former HubSpotter, Adebola now helms Deefrent Media Agency in Ireland while also serving as the Communications Lead for Women in AI Ireland.
As the co-founder of ThriveInclusion, an inspiring social enterprise committed to advancing digital inclusion, Adebola personifies her steadfast dedication to narrowing the digital divide and fostering a more inclusive tech landscape.
Lisa-Nicole DunneFounder and MD, Mantra Strategy
Lisa-Nicole Dunne with over 15 years of experience in strategy, leadership, growth, and high performance, she is the founder and managing director of Mantra Strategy, a strategy consulting agency and leadership institute that helps organisations develop clear, effective, and impactful strategies, empower purposeful leaders, and create the environment for impact. Lisa-Nicoe works with clients across various sectors, including social services, social enterprises, start-ups, and corporate partners, to facilitate ideation, innovation, culture, brand, and positioning strategies, and to align teams behind a shared vision and mission.
As a strategist, leader, and advocate, Lisa-Nicole is passionate about driving positive changes in society, especially in the areas of neurodiversity, autism, and gender equality. She is the founder of The Lunchtime Circle, a network that provides mentoring, collaboration, think tanks, and networking opportunities for charities and social enterprises over lunch. In addition, she volunteers as the chair of the WorkEqual event and International Women’s Day committee, supporting the campaign for equality at work.
Donal FitzpatrickSenior ICT Design Advisor, National Disability Authority
Dr Donal Fitzpatrick has 22 years’ experience in academia and as an advocate for accessibility for persons with disabilities. He is currently Senior Design ICT Advisor at the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design at the National Disability Authority.
He has extensive experience in research and teaching activities in the areas of Web Technologies, User Experience and Interaction Design as well as Software Development. During his career he has published and spoken extensively on topics relating to the accessibility of technology for persons with disabilities. Some of the topics are:
1. Access to STEM content for people who are blind and vision-impaired;
2. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) from both the student and instructor perspectives;
3. Inclusion in the classroom.
Donal has been involved in funded research at both national and international levels in the capacity of Principal Investigator or Co-PI. He is also an Invited Expert on the Education and Outreach Working Group of the W3C, and is Chair of the Technical Code Maintenance Committee for the International Council on English Braille. He has also engaged with external stakeholders as a consultant in the areas of conformance to accessibility standards with particular emphasis on complex data visualisations or applications with bespoke user Experience requirements.
Gillian HennessyMarketing Director, EY
Gillian Hennessy is a seasoned marketing director with a rich background spanning consumer, retail, and professional services sectors. With a strategic mindset and a passion for innovation, she has spearheaded numerous successful digital marketing campaigns, leveraging her expertise in online platforms and data-driven strategies. Gillian’s career is marked by a keen understanding of market trends, consumer behaviour, and emerging technologies. Her commitment to driving results and fostering brand growth has consistently elevated her teams and organisations. Gillian is passionate about shaping the landscape of digital marketing, embodying a relentless pursuit of excellence in the ever-evolving realm of consumer engagement.
Allan MulrooneyChief Executive, Western Development Commission
Allan Mulrooney is currently serving as the Chief Executive of the Western
Development Commission which plays a pivotal role in steering the economic and
social development of the West of Ireland. With a background in communications,
Allan previously held the position of Head of Communications at the WDC before
assuming his current leadership role. Allan’s professional journey included impactful roles with IDA Ireland and eir. Before
that, he honed his skills at Thinkhouse, a globally recognized PR and marketing
agency and as country manager for Monster Energy.
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