DESTINATION
DESTINATION
This year’s #AVEAconf25 takes place in the historic town 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
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9.30 to 12.30
Learning Journeys in partnership with Waterford City & County Council
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12:15
AVEA Annual General Meeting (members only)
***
12.30
Welcome Delegate Lunch
***
14:00
Conference opens with MC Sarah Carey at The Tower Hotel. Monday sessions include: Resilience – Research – Strategy – Marketing Masterclass – Inclusion – Leadership
***
19:00
Pre-dinner reception at House of Waterford Crystal in partnership with Teeling Whiskey
***
20:00
Gala Dinner at Mount Congreve Estate and Gardens
SPEAKERS
SPEAKERS

Sarah Carey
MC

Anne O’Donoghue
Chairperson
AVEA

Catherine Flanagan
CEO
AVEA

Laura McCorry
CEO
Tourism Northern Ireland

Alice Mansergh
CEO
Tourism Ireland

Sean McKeown
CEO
Waterford City & County Council

Eoghan O’Mara Walsh
CEO
ITIC
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