The keenly-anticipated annual conference of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) will take place this year on October 1st 2026 at The Convention Centre Dublin (CCD).

The flagship tourism industry event of the year has the theme “Adjust, Adapt, Accelerate: Irish Tourism in Uncertain Times” and includes a stellar line up of contributors. The conference is kindly sponsored by anchor partners Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and AIB,

The conference will once again be moderated by award-winning broadcaster Dearbhail McDonald and speakers include Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD; incoming Chair of ITIC Anne O’Donoghue; US Ambassador to Ireland Edward S Walsh; Fáilte Ireland CEO Caroline Bocquel; Tourism Ireland CEO Alice Mansergh; Eduardo Santander, CEO of the European Travel Commission; Kate English, Chief Economist at Deloitte; Employment trends expert Peter Cosgrove; acclaimed chef Donal Skehan; Robert Watt, CEO of the Dublin City Taskforce; and ITIC CEO Eoghan O’Mara Walsh. And more speakers to be added!

A busy and insightful day followed by a networking drinks reception on board the MV Cill Airne which will be docked outside the Convention Centre Dublin.

This is an event not-to-be missed for anyone involved in the Irish tourism and hospitality industry. Tickets are €195 + VAT. Click here to register.

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CONFERENCE AGENDA*

09:30
Coffee & Registration

10:00
Welcome by conference moderator and MC, Dearbhail McDonald

10:05
Video 1: “How has Irish tourism fared in 2026”

10:10
Opening words by incoming Chair of Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, Anne O’Donoghue

10:20
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD in fireside chat with Dearbhail

10:45
‘Deepen and defend’ – Dearbhail in conversation with US Ambassador to Ireland, Edward S Walsh

11:00
40 under 40 – Irish tourism’s young leaders

11:15
Coffee break

11:45
‘Irish tourism and the EU presidency’ – panel discussion with Caroline Bocquel, CEO Fáilte Ireland, Alice Mansergh, CEO Tourism Ireland and Eduardo Santander, CEO European Travel Commission

12:30
‘Culinary Tourism – Ireland’s opportunity’ – chef Donal Skehan chats with Dearbhail

13:00
Lunch – interactive food stations with chefs and Donal Skehan

14:00
Special Recognition Award – Video and presentation to winner

14:20
‘The Future of Work in an AI world’ – Peter Cosgrove, MD of Futurewise

14:50
Keynote speaker tbc in conversation with Dearbhail

15:15
‘Can we forecast what comes next?’ – Kate English, Chief Economist of Deloitte, Robert Watt, CEO of Dublin City Taskforce, and Guest tbc in conversation with Dearbhail

15:45
Wrap up chat with ITIC CEO Eoghan O’Mara Walsh

Dearbhail concludes the conference with a discussion with ITIC’s CEO.

16:00
Conference concludes

16:00 to 18:00
Drinks and networking onboard MV Cill Airne, docked outside the CCD

*Subject to change

SPEAKERS

Dearbhail McDonald

Moderator

Anne O’Donoghue

Incoming Chair, ITIC

Peter Burke TD

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism & Employment

Robert Watt

CEO, Dublin City Taskforce

Caroline Bocquel

CEO, Fáilte Ireland

Alice Mansergh

CEO, Tourism Ireland

Eduardo Santander

CEO/Exec Director, European Travel Commission

Donal Skehan

Chef/Presenter/Author

Peter Cosgrove

MD, Futurewise

Edward S Walsh

US Ambassador to Ireland

Kate English

Chief Economist, Deloitte

Eoghan O’Mara Walsh

CEO, ITIC

VENUE

The Convention Centre Dublin

The Convention Centre Dublin was developed to provide a world-class conference venue in the heart of Ireland’s capital city. Located just 15 minutes from Dublin Aiport in Dublin’s Docklands, the finance and technology hub of the city, The CCD is ideally positioned to entice the international business tourism market.

Since The CCD opened in September 2010, over 2,200 events have been hosted. As business tourists spend money on hotels, taxis, dining out, entertainment, shopping, cultural experiences and tourist attractions, events held at The CCD help to generate significant revenue for the Irish economy.

The CCD is accessible, iconic, flexible and inspirational, offering event hosts and delegates the perfect venue for their event, delivered to exceptional standards by their award-winning team.

Purpose-built facilities coupled with an expert team, ensures that The CCD can deliver any style of event. Whether it’s a board meeting, a corporate banquet, or an international association congress, The CCD have the necessary expertise and equipment to bring events to life, and deliver a memorable experience for all.

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