DESTINATION
DESTINATION
This year’s #AVEAconf25 takes place in the historic city of Waterford on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th October.
At the convergence of the ‘Three Sisters’ rivers, Waterford City is characterised by narrow streets, lively public areas, and a cluster of cultural and heritage attractions. The conference theme is ‘Ireland’s tourism mosaic of amazing places’, and the programme includes speakers on AI, leadership, and business resilience.
Journalist Sarah Carey will once again act as MC for proceedings.
For early arrivals, we will host a special Sunday evening supper which is an ideal way to meet other delegates and break the ice over some great local food.
Monday morning sees our annual ‘Learning Journey’ elements, incorporating visits to some fantastic AVEA members in the locality.
Welcome lunch on Monday 13th precedes the start of our plenary sessions, which take place at the Tower Hotel on The Mall.
Gala Dinner on Monday night will be a very special occasion, taking place in the newest jewel of the Waterford attractions crown – Mount Congreve Estate, with a drinks reception at the House of Waterford Crystal before departing by coach.
Our plenary session resumes at 9.00am on Tuesday 14th, wrapping up with a farewell lunch.
Extras: Sunday Supper €50; Gala Dinner €90
PROGRAMME
PROGRAMME
Monday 13th October
From 09:00
Registration and badge collection
***
9.30 to 12.30
Learning Journeys in partnership with Waterford City & County Council
***
12:15
AVEA Annual General Meeting (members only)
***
12.30
Welcome Delegate Lunch
***
14:00
Proceedings Open: Sarah Carey
Chair Anne O’Donoghue
***
14:20
Donna Speed, CEO, ‘We The Curious’
***
14:50
Mark Kelly, Founder, AI Ireland
***
15:50
Sean McKeown, CEO, Waterford City & County Council
***
16:10
Geraldine O’Rourke, Cliffs of Moher, with Prof Jim Deegan and Ernesto Batista Sanchez, National Centre for Tourism Policy Studies
***
16:40
Jill De Azevedo, Head of Consumer Planning and Insights, Failte Ireland
***
17:10
Eoghan O’Mara Walsh (ITIC), Alice Mansergh (Tourism Ireland), Paul Keeley (Failte Ireland), Eimear Callaghan (Tourisn NI)
SPEAKERS
SPEAKERS

Sarah Carey
MC

Anne O’Donoghue
Chairperson
AVEA

Donna Speed
We The Curious

Mark Kelly
AI Entrepreneur & Thought Leader

Sean McKeown
CEO
Waterford City & County Council

Geraldine O’Rourke
Cliffs of Moher

Professor Jim Deegan
The University of Limerick

Ernesto Batista Sánchez
The University of Limerick

Jill De Azevedo
Head of Consumer Planning and Insights
Fáilte Ireland

Eoghan O’Mara Walsh
CEO
ITIC

Alice Mansergh
CEO
Tourism Ireland

Paul Keeley
Director of Regional Development
Fáilte Ireland

Eimear Callaghan
Head of Experience & Industry Development
Tourism Northern Ireland

Monica McLaverty
Strategy Implementation Manager
Tourism Ireland

Kat Brogan
MD
B Corp Mercat Tours

Catherine Toolan
MD
Guinness Storehouse

Brendan Kavanagh
Glasnevin Cemetery

Aileesh Carew
CEO and Museum Director
EPIC Ireland’s Emigration Museum

Dawn Woollam
Timberplay

Paul Marden
‘Skip the Queue’ podcast

Cllr. Seamus Ryan
Waterford City & County Council

Catherine Flanagan
CEO
AVEA
More speakers to be revealed!
SPONSORS
SPONSORS
























ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION

Main conference hotel
Tower Hotel, The Mall, The Viking Triangle, Waterford X91 VXE0
€140 B&B – email reservations@thw.ie quoting reference #147629

Mount Congreve Gardens and Country Estate, Kilmeaden, X91 PX05
New onsite accommodation in a unique setting from €179 – email reservations@mountcongreve.com and reference the AVEA conference.

Dooley’s Hotel, The Quay, Waterford. X91 P86C
€159 B&B – email hotel@dooleys-hotel.ie and reference the AVEA conference

Waterford Marina, Canada Street, X91 PK2W
€125 B&B – email reservations@waterfordmarinahotel.com and reference the AVEA conference

Fitzwilton Hotel, Bridge Street, Waterford X91 RC9A
€120 Sunday night; €130 Monday night B&B – email lhilliard@fitzwiltonhotel.ie