Irish Exporters Association 18th Export Industry Awards, Information Seminar highlights international business opportunities for exporters

The Seminar aimed to educate and inform exporters on international business development strategies and barriers to overcome in the current geo-political environment. The series of events are being held to mark the launch of the Export Industry Awards and Alumni Programme for 2018.

Companies can now submit their online application at https://irishexporters.ie/export-industry-awards/ to compete across 11 export industry related categories and be in with a chance to be announced Exporter of the Year 2018 at a Gala Dinner and Awards night on the 16th of November at the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin in the company of over 530 senior industry professionals.

Programme of events:

• 20^th May – Applications Open.
  Companies can now apply for the 18^th Export Industry Awards at https://irishexporters.ie/export-industry-awards
• 13^th June – Awards Outreach Seminar, Dublin
  This Seminar will educate and inform exporters on international business development strategies and barriers to overcome in the current geo-political environment. Event open to all.
• 5^th September – Awards Outreach Seminar, Cork
  This Seminar will educate and inform exporters on international business development strategies and barriers to overcome in the current geo-political environment. Event open to all.
• 16^th September – Closing Date for Applications
• September date TBC–Masterclass for Alumni, Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin
• 16^th November – Export Industry Awards, Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin

Simon McKeever, Chief Executive, Irish Exporters Association commented: “The Export Industry Awards have been recognising the tremendous achievements of companies working in the industry for 17 years and have been growing in strength and recognition each year. The current uncertainty regarding the outcomes of the Brexit negotiations requires the Irish export community to build resilience in an increasingly uncertain global trade environment. There are many opportunities and we need to support our exporters to attain them, and then highlight and celebrate their successes which can remain largely under the radar, for these companies are fighting hard for Ireland Inc on an international platform. We are delighted to work with platinum sponsors KPMG and Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin this year on the programme of events surrounding the Export Industry Awards and Alumni Programme. Our aim is to facilitate a programme of events that will inform and educate the export community and where past Export Industry Award winners can benefit from the knowledge of our project partners and remain involved in this important industry programme.”

Marie Armstrong, Partner, KPMG in Ireland commented: “We are delighted to support the Export Industry Awards and their recognition of innovation, quality and the development of new markets. Exports are fundamental to Ireland’s economic health, help raise the very high standards of our goods and services and sustain tens of thousands of jobs. We wish all of the participants in this year’s awards every success.”

Michael Flynn, Director of Executive Education, Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin said: “Trinity Business School constantly works to empower Irish business growth and leadership which is why we are delighted to support the Export Industry Awards. An export focused approach is essential for companies operating in Ireland’s open and globally competitive economy. The international success of nominees benefits all of us and we look forward to celebrating with them this year.”

Speakers & Panellists:

• Moderator: Simon McKeever, Chief Executive, Irish Exporters
• Sarah Colgan, Director, Marketing, Diaceutics
• Paul Blair, Sales Director, Irish Dog Foods
• Chris Brown, Director, KPMG Global Strategy Group
• Marie Armstrong, Tax Partner, KPMG
• Michael John Flynn, Director of Executive Education, Business & Administrative Studies, Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin

About the Export Industry Awards

The Irish Exporters Association’s Export Industry Awards in its 18th year is the premier event for recognising the achievements of Irish Exporters. The event is supported by a number of corporate and industry sponsors: KPMG, Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin, Bord Bia, Dixon International Logistics, Enterprise Ireland, Facebook, GS1 Ireland, The Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), and media partner The Sunday Times. It is important that we highlight the exporting companies who have excelled in their sector despite some difficult trading conditions and to highlight exporters who have been fundamental to Ireland’s success. Over 500 export industry professionals will attend this black tie event on 16^th of November. The award categories cover the emerging exporters to established indigenous exporters of manufactured goods, services, software and onward to the multinational companies.