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#AVEACONF24 INNOVATION · AGILITY · INCLUSION 13-15 OCTOBER 2024 future-proofing for success... KILKENNY DETAILS

Welcome to #AVEACONF24

The 2024 Annual Conference of the Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions

Our Annual Conference will take place in Kilkenny on Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th October 2024. We are looking forward to a great attendance, lively conference programme, and an exciting host city with plenty to showcase.

CONFERENCE BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN!

BOOK HERE!
For early arrivals, we have a Sunday (13th) after-dark mystery event – last year we found this to be a hugely successful evening, a great ice-breaker, and an opportunity to deepen the connections.

Our Learning Journeys on Monday morning will include guided visits to attractions, experiences and landmarks in Kilkenny.

The plenary sessions of the Conference, taking place at the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, will run from lunchtime Monday 14th to lunchtime Tuesday 15th, and dinner on Monday night will be a beautiful affair in St Canice’s Cathedral.

AVEA prides itself on its ethos of collaboration and knowledge sharing, and as previous attendees will testify, the networking and engagement opportunities are second to none.
In addition our Leadership Panel of Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland, and ITIC, our speaking guests include:

• Laura Magee, CEO, Thoroughbred Country
• Nik Wyness, Head of Marketing, the Tank Museum, Dorset
• Alison Bowyer, Executive Director, Kids in Museums
• Ciarán Connolly, CEO, ProfileTree
• Eleanore Hutch and Kat Riddell, Diageo Brand Homes
• Kathryn Havelock, Board Member, VocalEyes
• Michael Faley, Sector Lead for Travel, Google
• Gary Farrington, Senior Partner Manager EMEA, Expedia Group
• Rachel Kuhn, Senior Director, BOP Consulting
• Anne O'Donoghue, CEO, Irish Heritage Trust
More details will follow as the programme is finalised. Details of hotels with preferential rates are below.

Conference Agenda

Sunday Oct 13th

Early Arrivers' Programme

19:00
Welcome networking Supper

20:30
After-dark Mystery Tour

Monday Oct 14th

09:30-12:30
Guided Learning Journeys in Kilkenny

12:00
Lunch

13:30
AVEA AGM (members only)

14:00-17:30
Conference Session 1

Alice Mansergh - Jenny de Saulles - Eoghan O'Mara Walsh - John McGrillen - Ciaran Connolly - Laura Magee - Nik Wyness - Geraldine Enright

19:30
Gala Dinner at Saint Canice's Cathedral followed by Conference Club Night

Tuesday Oct 15th

09:00-12:30
Conference Session 2

Eleanore Hutch & Kat Riddell - Alison Bowyer - Claire Saddleton - Michael Faley - Gary Farrington - Rachel Kuhn - Anne O'Donoghue

12:30
Wrap-up, Q&A, and final thoughts

12:45
Farewell Networking Lunch

Accommodation

Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel

Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel

Ormonde Street,
Kilkenny

Email [email protected]
quoting reference number 594811
(AVEA conference)
€159 B&B

Hotel Kilkenny

Hotel Kilkenny

College Road,
Kilkenny

Email [email protected]
quoting reference number GA000989
(AVEA conference)
€159 B&B

River Court Hotel

Kilkenny River Court

The Bridge, John Street Upper,
Kilkenny

Email [email protected]
quoting reference number 565708
(AVEA conference)
€120 B&B