Since its launch in 2005, Engage  — Google’s EMEA Sales Conference — has been held in Ireland four times; in Killarney in 2009 and Dublin in 2010, 2011, and 2015. Since its beginning, creative events agency Cogs & Marvel has been involved in the planning and execution of the event, one that has grown from 800 delegates at its inception to 5,000 delegates in 2015.

Around 6,500 delegates attended the two day conference this year, making the most of a plenary theatre, 15 breakout sessions, a welcome evening event and a gala closing event. The delegates required three star + hotel accommodation, while all travel and transfers needs were managed to ensure the smoothest experience possible.

A corporate conference of this scale had never been held in Ireland. Cogs & Marvel viewed it as a chance to showcase Dublin’s potential for large events, and were determined to rise to the challenge of managing its ambitious requirements to the highest standards.
Adapting their 2015 formula, Cogs & Marvel united the 3Arena and The Convention Centre Dublin for the conference and plenary split, organised the welcome evening across nine city centre pubs and booked the RDS for the gala event.

As Google’s EMEA HQ, Dublin was the preferred option for Engage 2017, with 30% of Engage’s delegates already living in the city. Cogs & Marvel, supported by Fáilte Ireland’s Meet in Ireland team, proved the city’s proficiency to host an event of this size through a well-considered combination of venues.
All in all, 6,500 delegates attended Engage 2017, 4,500 of whom travelled to Dublin from international locations. Twenty-nine city centre hotels hosted this contingent for three room nights. Dublin Airport’s international connectivity also enabled Cogs & Marvel to book direct flights into the capital for over 70% of delegates, ensuring a highly successful turnout.

It’s onwards and upwards from here, with Cogs & Marvel already working hard to bring Engage 2019 back to Dublin, along with an estimated 7,000 attendees.