IPG set for Citywest in September
The ‘Gathering’ event at Citywest Hotel and Conference Centre has proven extremely useful and productive for owners, managers and bartenders of Irish pubs both abroad and at home.
“It has grown organically in many ways with some of the largest growth coming from publicans based in Ireland,” explained IPG’s Business Development Director Kevin McParland, “We’re very aware of the increased interest from owners, managers and staff within the hospitality trade in Ireland and we‘ve adapted our programme to include content and exhibitors relevant to Irish publicans as well as our members overseas. Once again, Guinness have come onboard as an associate sponsor”
The free two-day event has five key activity strands: Design and Technology, Management and Standards, Engaging Your Audience, Finances and Values, Food and Drink.
Feedback from previous events showed that while the show was very successful for the pub owners, there’s been a lot of interest from managers and bartenders which perhaps we hadn’t catered for as well in previous years,” he added, “This year we’ve segmented strong content tailored for the managers and the bartenders attending the show. They’re hugely important to the present and future of the sector. They’re represented better in our Awards Presentation this year too with additional categories for Bartenders and Managers.
“Last year’s awards dinner had over 250 attendees including some of the most important and influential people and businesses in our sector all celebrating winners in sponsored categories including Best Native Irish Pub, Best Pub Manager and Best Bartender of the Year.
“We’ve also a strong trade show element to the event which has proven to be invaluable to publicans looking for new Irish products and services. Excellent business was won last year by Irish suppliers and we aim to continue helping small and large suppliers meet and connect with trade buyers in the Irish Hospitality sector globally. Supplier sectors include drinks companies, food, management systems, bar equipment, EPOS, tourism and design/build.”
