When AFFLINK, a global leader in supply chain and strategic procurement services, first considered holding a meeting in Ireland, the main challenge they felt they faced was access. Upon meeting with Wallace Travel Group (a Destination Management Company based in Dublin), the priority was finding a destination that had access to both centres in Dublin and Killarney — something Wallace Travel Group was confident they could deliver.
AFFLINK’s ambitious brief was for a combined meeting, launch, and incentive programme to celebrate the launch of one of their new products, with a two-centre programme that revolved around both Dublin and Killarney. With the assistance of the Meet In Ireland team and their funding supports, Wallace Travel Group bid successfully for the meeting, and set about making AFFLINK’s vision into a reality.
A fruitful site inspection enabled the AFFLINK team to experience the Irish product included in their programme firsthand. Another priority for the client was a gala dinner evening — often a highly effective networking opportunity and a means of celebrating a successful meeting. With the help of Meet in Ireland’s Programme Enhancement Fund, Wallace Travel Group and AFFLINK’s were able to enrich their gala event and build something truly special for all involved.
In total, 250 delegates attended the meeting in Dublin, the incentive programmes in Dublin and Killarney that followed, and the final launch event in the Europe Hotel, Killarney. 
The combined meeting and inventive programme helped showcase a major advantage to hosting in Ireland — that delegates could fly directly into cosmopolitan Dublin and then out of Shannon Airport at the end of their programme. The AFFLINK team enjoyed the experience of hosting a successful meeting in Ireland, finding the process simple and rewarding.
“The consideration, design and final execution were magnificent — efficient, kind and dedicated, all the tour guides were the best. From the entertainment to the free dinners, the Gap of Dunloe to the Ring of Kerry, everything was harmonized beautifully,” said Peggy Cunningham, a member of the AFFLINK team.