“Driving Growth through Global Headwinds”

Inspired by this year’s Export Industry Awards Alumni Masterclass theme, “Driving Growth through Global Headwinds,” the event informed and educated participants with case studies from the 2018 IEA Technology Exporter of the Year, Cora Systems, the 2018 Services Exporter of Year, Wisetek and 2014 Life Sciences Exporter of the Year Aerogen. Participants also received expert briefings on Managing Global Challenges in Business from KPMG Ireland and Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin.

Topics also addressed included: international business development strategies and how to overcome cultural and business barriers in the global geo-political environment.

Applications for the Export Industry Awards are now open and companies can submit their applications through our online portal at https://irishexporters.ie/export-industry-awards/. Companies can compete across 12 export industry related categories to be announced, after a rigorous judging process, at a Gala Reception and Awards Night on the 8^th of November at the Convention Centre, Dublin in the company of over 500 export industry professionals

2019 Programme of events:

Simon McKeever, Chief Executive, Irish Exporters Association commented: “Ireland’s export industry has been a story of resilience, innovation and success with Irish products and services renowned for their high quality across the globe. For the past 18 years, the Export Industry Awards have been the leading awards ceremony recognising the outstanding achievements of businesses exporting from Ireland. Despite the headwinds in the global trading environment caused by Brexit, the slowing Chinese economy and increased protectionism, according to CSO data, Ireland’s goods exports exceeded €140 billion in 2018, an annual increase of 14.8% – a new record and clear sign that Ireland Inc. and the Irish export industry continue to adapt and punch far above its weight!

We are delighted to once again partner with our platinum sponsors KPMG and Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin for both, the Export Industry Awards and its esteemed Alumni Programme. Under the topical theme of ‘Driving Growth through Global Headwinds’, this years’ Alumni Programme promises to equip participants with the skills and resources to successfully exploit the challenges of trading internationally.”

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, Assistant Professor in Entrepreneurship, 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.”

Welcoming the event, Caroline Kelleher, Director of Public Affairs, Shannon Groupsaid: “Shannon Group is delighted to have been able to facilitate the Irish Exporters Association award briefing. As Ireland’s second largest cargo airport, with daily integrator services from DHL, FedEx and UPS, and with almost 20 logistics companies based at Shannon Free Zone, Smithtown and Western Business Park, who see the benefit of basing themselves near an international airport, this event is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the services that the airport can provide. The Export Industry awards recognise the remarkable achievement of companies working in the export sector and we would like to wish all entrants the best of luck.”

 Speakers & Panellists:

• Caroline Kelleher, Director of Public Affairs, Shannon Group
• Susanne Kerins, Head of Marketing, Cora Systems
• Derek Sweeney, Global Head of Sales, Wisetek
• Marie Armstrong, Partner, KPMG / President, Irish Exporters Association
• Michael John Flynn, Director of Executive Education, Business & Administrative Studies, Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin
• John Power, Chief Executive Officer, Aerogen

Moderator: Marie Armstrong, President, Irish Exporters Association

About the Export Industry Awards

Now in its 19^th year, the Irish Exporters Association’s Export Industry Awards is the premier event for recognising the achievements of Irish Exporters. The event is supported by a number of corporate and industry sponsors, including platinum sponsors KPMG, Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin, as well as Bord Bia, Dixon International Logistics, Enterprise Ireland, GS1 Ireland and media partner The Sunday Times. Exporting businesses are fundamental to Ireland’s global success despite increasingly uncertain international trade. The Export Industry Awards celebrate those Irish businesses that drive growth despite global headwinds. Over 500 export industry professionals will attend the black-tie gala event on 8^th November at the National Convention Centre.