Over 300 leaders of Irish industry gathered for a unique exploration of key themes and critical topics for the Irish economy.

In his speech Danny McCoy discussed a new trend of three cycles being experienced by the Irish economy. There are now three distinct business cycles involving traditional domestic sectors, indigenous and multinational exporters, and a new generation of intangible intensive, globally traded firms. To hear Danny McCoy’s speech in full, click here.

BBC broadcaster Andrew Marr looked at the political dynamics driving Brexit. He said that a significant element of those pushing Brexit were in favour of cutting employment and environmental standards to boost UK competitiveness, although they were reluctant to say this publicly. However, he questioned if such a position could command wider political, popular support post-Brexit. To hear Andrew Marr’s speech in full, click here.

Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM joined the Ibec podcast to discuss intangible assets, cybersecurity and diversity in the Defence forces, listen here.

Opening and welcome

• Matt Cooper, Broadcaster and Conference Moderator
• Paraic Curtis, SVP and GM, TE Medical, TE Connectivity and Ibec President
• Danny McCoy, CEO, Ibec

Securing Ireland’s economic success

Ireland’s competitiveness is influenced by our quality of life and our ability to attract and retain staff. What needs to be addressed to secure our economic success?

Scene setting: Siobhán Masterson, Head of Corporate Affairs, Ibec

Panel discussion

• Cecilia Ronan, Managing Director, Country Officer and CAO Citibank Europe Plc, Citi
• Michael Beary, Country Manager and Director of HR, Amazon Web Services, Ireland
• Ruth Curran, Managing Partner, MERC Partners
• Siobhán Masterson, Head of Corporate Affairs, Ibec

The future of Europe

The UK’s new relationship with the world and the implications of wider geopolitical trends for Irish business.

Keynote: Andrew Marr, Broadcaster, Journalist and Political Commentator

Panel discussion

• Andrew Marr, Broadcaster, Journalist and Political Commentator
• Danny McCoy, CEO, Ibec
• Michael Jackson, Managing Partner, Matheson
• Maeve McElwee, Director of Employer Relations, Ibec

Coffee and networking

The next phase of business sustainability

A showcase of how companies can transition to a more sustainable business model.

Scene setting: Karen O’Regan, Managing Director and Head of Strategy, Accenture

Panel discussion

• Catherine O’Kelly, Managing Director, Bord Gáis Energy
• David McRedmond, CEO, An Post
• Jamie Rowles, Head of Investment, Sky Ocean Ventures
• John Curran, Head of Sustainability, Musgrave
• Karen O’Regan, Managing Director and Head of Strategy, Accenture

Safeguarding intangible assets

A cyber security attack would cause widespread disruption, reputational damage and compromise Ireland’s FDI. A critical issue not just for domestic considerations but also due to the number of MNCs located here.

Scene setting: Vice Admiral Mark Mellet DSM, Chief of Staff, Irish Defence Forces

Panel discussion

• Vice Admiral Mark Mellet DSM, Chief of Staff, Irish Defence Forces
• Tony Clarke, Head of Information Security, ICON Clinical Research
• Edel Creely, Group Managing Director, Trilogy Technologies

Closing remarks

• Paraic Curtis, President, Ibec and SVP & GM, TE Medical, TE Connectivity

Networking lunch