Every year, thousands of participants attend Fáilte Ireland’s global travel trade fair, Meitheal — but the 2019 edition contained a new and exciting difference. For the first time ever, the Meet in Ireland team introduced a dedicated MICE programme, “Meet in Ireland 2019”, bringing global event planners and leading Irish MICE suppliers together for a B2B workshop and series of networking opportunities.

The Meet in Ireland 2019 programme involved six educational trips, a morning workshop of networking appointments, an afternoon of teambuilding activities and a lavish gala dinner at Weston Airport.

The B2B workshop element took place on 2 April at Citywest Hotel, Dublin. It saw MICE suppliers from all over Ireland and regional convention bureaux representatives gather to meet a variety of international meeting planners. Events and team-building company Orangeworks brought energy and an international flavour to proceedings by leading delegates in a haka, before the buyers and suppliers settled down to pre-arranged, one-on-one appointments.

It was a productive morning and full of opportunities to network; with each attendee completing multiple appointments.

Feedback on Meet in Ireland 2019 was glowing, with buyers highlighting the opportunity to meet suppliers offering so many different products and services and develop long-term planning networks as a particular advantage. Others spoke about the wide range of unique activities available in Ireland, linked to our strong traditions, natural environment, artisan food and drinks, and passionate people.

Fáilte Ireland and Meet in Ireland understand the importance of the new business-tourism focused elements of Meitheal: with business tourism contributing €76 million to the Irish economy and supporting 22,000 jobs, it’s crucial to put Ireland’s best foot forward, showcase our fantastic products and present Ireland as the world-class MICE destination it truly is.

To find out why you should choose Ireland for your next international MICE event, contact the Meet in Ireland Team today.