16th European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS 2008)
The 16th European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS) is the largest and most prestigious Information Systems Conference in Europe.
The conference began on June 8th with a welcome reception and pre conference registration and continued until June 11th. It featured 213 papers, 6 panel discussions and 2 keynote speakers. The main objective of the social programme was to provide delegates with an unforgettable, enjoyable and memorable experience of Irish Culture and the “Galway experience”.
Name of Event 16th European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS 2008)
Name of Client Organisation Business Information Systems group at the J.E. Cairnes Graduate School of Business & Public Policy at the National University of Ireland, Galway
Type of Event International Conference
Date of Event From: June 9th 2008 To: June 11th 2008
Number of Delegates 400
Venue & Location National University of Ireland, Galway
Company Name Go West Conference & Event Management
Contact for the Event Kerry O’Sulilvan
Email: kerry@gowest.ie
Website for the Event www.ecis2008.ie
Event Background
The 16th European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS) is the largest and most prestigious Information Systems (IS) Conference in Europe.
A fully structured bid document was presented, which showed the capacity of the Organising Committee to run the conference and that there would be a professional conference management company involved and that the committee had a clear understanding of the budget required to manage it all. The bid was completed in 2005
Event Brief
The team at Go West managed the administration, logistical and operational aspects of the conference. This enabled the organizing committee to focus their efforts on the content of the conference programme and to network with colleagues.
In addition to managing and processing registrations for the conference, Go West managed a block booking of 350 hotel rooms. Conference delegates were offered a range of three star and four star hotel accommodation in the city centre at very competitive rates. Go West also co-ordinated all aspects of the Conference social programme including tours and entertainment.
Conference Programme
The conference programme began on June 8th with a welcome reception and pre conference registration and continued until June 11th. It featured 213 papers, 6 panel discussions and 2 keynote speakers. It also featured a varied social programme. The main objective of the social programme was to provide delegates with an unforgettable, enjoyable and memorable experience of Irish Culture and the “Galway experience”. To achieve this objective a variety of events were planned:
Sunday, June 8th – Welcome reception
On Sunday evening from 6-8pm there was networking reception which was held in the Aula Maxima, the great hall of the original university buildings, a fine example of Victorian Gothic architecture dating from 1845. At this reception drinks and finger food were provided.
Monday, June 9th – Irish Pub Evening and Concert in St. Nicholas’s Church
On Monday evening there were two social events an Irish Pub Night at the Quays Pub and a concert in St. Nicholas’s Church. The Quays pub which is housed in a 19th century building is situated in the centre of Galway City and has an international reputation for music and atmosphere. A continuous buffet dinner was provided in the upstairs of the Quays pub from 6:30 to 9:30.
The concert in St. Nicholas’s Church took place from 7:30-8:30. St. Nicholas’s was originally built in 1320 and the present day structure is the result of over 600 years of rebuilding and extension. Music was provided by Cois Cladaigh, a mixed voice chamber choir based in Galway, founded in 1982. The name - Cois Cladaigh is Irish and can be translated as "beside the Claddagh" which is a well-known area in Galway City. This 34 mixed voice choir specialises in European music from the late 15th and early 16th centuries and contemporary choral music, particularly from Ireland.
Tuesday 10th June – Conference Dinner
The conference dinner took place in the Radisson Hotel. Pre-dinner drinks were served at 7:30 and followed by dinner at 8pm. The entertainment for the evening was provided by the cream of Irish talent, Carmel Dempsey, one of Galway's best-known musical performers - a distinguished musician, a talented singer, with a great sense of humour- possessing all the necessary characteristics of a truly great Entertainer.
Carmel was joined on stage by Brenda Curtin on fiddle. Brenda was one of the soloists from Michael Flatleys world-renowned Lord of The Dance Show. She has a Bachelors Degree in music and has won numerous All - Ireland Titles in fiddle, singing and 'lilting ' (celtic yodelling!!).
Brenda has also performed for Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, and Lisa Minelli at a concert given in their honour in Dublin in 1989.
Guests were also entertained by four Irish dancers who thrilled them with their talent and even encouraged them to try a few steps.
Summary Of Services
Services Provided by Go West to the Local Organising Commitee
Experienced Conference Manager to provide support and advice
Support in bid process
Management and provision of on line registration and on site registration
Processing of registration payments and issuing of receipts
Provision and printing of branded conference badges
Negotiation and management of block booking 350 hotel rooms
Venue management
Audio-visual management
Management of transportation for the conference
Creating, planning and management of the social programme
Management and co-ordination of conference dinner and entertainment
What The Customer Said
“The availability of Go West is a real asset for the region in terms of being able to attract and organize conferences. One of the requirements when bidding for ECIS was that it include a professional conference management company. Indeed, I am now starting to look at additional opportunities to bring in groups of international visitors, which I would not do if Go West were not available to manage the logistics of accommodation, hospitality and transport.”
Professor Willie Golden, Dean of College of Business
Public Policy & Law at NUI Galway