Meetings and events experts at leading venues discuss trends and the industry outlook
MARY FITZGERALD - The Johnstown Estate
Activity
2024 was an exceptionally busy year, marked by a combination of managing existing business and delivering several major projects.
A large portion of the year was dedicated to the construction and preparation of The Forde Suites.
This created significant anticipation among both new and returning clients, leading to a notable increase in bookings ahead of its launch late in the year.
We also introduced Parterre, our botanical-inspired cocktail bar, early in the year.
This new addition quickly became a favourite for post-event networking and social gatherings.
FACILITIES
The Forde Suites is our new standalone conference centre. It offers 15 versatile, light-filled meeting spaces, a private entrance, exclusive breakout rooms, a comfortable lounge area with a coffee bar, and The Orangery — a stunning space with an outdoor terrace, perfect for receptions, cocktails and barbecues.
What sets us apart is our ability to combine cutting-edge technology, accessibility and exceptional hospitality.
Our state-of-the-art AV systems include a 6m x 2.75m LED video wall, advanced Sennheiser microphones, LED displays, drop-down projector screens and motorised blackout blinds, ensuring seamless hybrid and in-person events.
These features place us at the forefront of conference venues in Ireland.
TRENDS
Sustainability was a central theme in 2024, shaping many client requests.
Organisations sought venues that aligned with their environmental objectives while also prioritising advancements in technology, flexible spaces to realise their event vision and thoughtful food offerings.
Technology remained a key focus, particularly for hybrid events, which enabled teams to connect without requiring extensive travel.
Food was another priority, with clients valuing diverse menu options and the ability to cater to a range of tastes and event formats.
OUTLOOK
We expect more relaxed meeting formats and networking lunches, with a move away from overly formal setups.
These approaches foster collaboration and encourage more meaningful connections among attendees.
Flexible spaces that can adapt to these styles will be a priority for organisers.
There is growing interest in incorporating wellness elements into events, such as mindfulness breaks, yoga sessions, or outdoor team-building activities.
These trends reflect a holistic approach to corporate events, balancing productivity with well-being and sustainability.
JONAS TREFFERS - Aloft Dublin City
ACTIVITY
2024 was an extraordinary year from a revenue perspective.
However, it faced severe financial headwinds, including Vat increases, higher minimum wages, rates, insurance and other business costs, making it a financially challenging year.
This year is expected to be slightly softer in terms of revenue compared to 2024. However, 2026 looks promising based on current projections.
TRENDS
One of the main topics of discussion, especially among business travellers, is sustainability.
To address this, we partnered with Cool Planet and Cardi Energy, two companies dedicated to decarbonising businesses.
Their remarkable work is evident in our carbon reduction achievements.
We set aggressive goals to achieve a 42% reduction by 2028, using 2023 as the base year.
After implementing their suggestions and collaborating with HVAC and mechanical companies like FLAKT, we achieved this 42% reduction by the end of 2024.
Another key priority is providing highspeed internet, which is now a standard expectation.
We offer seamless Chromecast to ensure business travellers experience a home away from home.
Our guests are increasingly tech-savvy and expect the latest technology both at home and in hotels, and we strive to meet these expectations.
OUTLOOK
Local experiences are becoming increasingly important as guests seek authentic, location-specific adventures.
Hotels that connect guests with local culture, cuisine and activities will have a competitive edge.
This includes offering guided tours, partnering with local artisans for unique workshops and providing information on hidden gems in the area.
By immersing guests in the local culture, hotels can create memorable and enriching stays.
EILISH KEALY - InterContinental Dublin
ACTIVITY
2024 was a strong year for us, with a significant increase in meetings and events revenue compared to 2023.
This reflects a continued recovery in the events market and the growing demand for high-quality, professionally managed events in Dublin.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability has become the top priority for many of our clients.
This is reflected not only in their requests for proposals on platforms like Cvent but also in their overall expectations.
In addition, specialised menus to accommodate a wide variety of dietary requirements have been a consistent request, highlighting the need for flexibility and creativity from our culinary team.
TRENDS
One of the key industry trends for 2025 is likely to be a continued focus on sustainability, not just in the event planning process but throughout the entire event experience.
From eco-friendly materials and waste reduction initiatives to locally sourced, sustainable menus, clients are increasingly expecting their events to fit with their environmental values.
We’re seeing shorter lead times for group bookings, which will continue to challenge venues to remain flexible and responsive to client needs and last-minute requests.
USP
We offer exceptional flexibility in the size and scale of events we can host.
Our Shrewsbury Ballroom accommodates up to 600 guests for a meeting or 500 for a dinner, while our junior ballroom, the Ailesbury, can host up to 200 guests.
We’re the only fivestar hotel in Dublin with two ballrooms, giving us a unique advantage.
UPGRADES
We’ve recently completed a state-of-the-art lighting upgrade in all our event spaces, which has elevated the ambiance and functionality of our meeting rooms.
Additionally, we were honoured to receive a Gold Award for sustainability, reflecting our ongoing commitment to responsible business practices.
SHAUNA HICKEY - Aviva Stadium
ACTIVITY
2024 was one of the busiest and most exhilarating years for match days at Aviva Stadium, marking a milestone in our history.
Hosting the prestigious Uefa Europa League final was a crowning achievement. We also hosted the Aer Lingus College Football Classic and welcomed Leinster Rugby while their home at the RDS underwent renovations.
We adapted our operations to host these matches seamlessly alongside our meeting and events.
Beyond the pitch, 2024 also saw a packed calendar of meetings and events held in and around these major fixtures, adding to the vibrancy and dynamism of the year.
USP
The venue boasts a range of flexible spaces, from intimate meeting rooms to expansive conference rooms that can accommodate up to 1,000 attendees.
The stadium’s unique architecture and panoramic views of the pitch create an inspiring backdrop that elevates any event.
Whether hosting a corporate seminar, product launch or gala dinner, the atmosphere is infused with the prestige of one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks.
ACCESSIBILITY
This is another key advantage.
Situated just a short distance from Dublin’s city centre and well-connected by public transport, the stadium is easily reachable for both local and international attendees.
On-site parking and nearby accommodations add to the convenience.
KATIE SEVILLE - Leopardstown, Fairyhouse and The Curragh racecoures
ACTIVITY
2024 has been a huge year for all three of our racecourses.
The non race day meeting and events side of each venue has continued to grow year on year, with more businesses looking for a unique destination for meetings, gala dinners, exhibitions and social gatherings.
TRENDS
We can see a huge demand for outdoor, festival style events happening this year. Street food-style menus, outdoor entertainment and unique locations.
Companies are looking for something they have never done before and what better place to host events than a famous Irish Rracecourse?
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability is a huge element of our business and one that our clients have a keen focus on.
We’re shaking things up with how we source and serve food — from putting a ban on air-freighted fruits and vegetables to implementing the planet positive Food Steps tool, which gives all of our clients a sense of how their event’s menu is contributing to their carbon footprint.
We are constantly updating our menus to keep up with the latest trends while also focusing on sustainability and working towards reaching Climate Net Zero by 2027.
KEITH MYERS - Hotel Stillorgan
ACTIVITY
2024 saw an excellent level of bookings for us, much busier than 2023, and Q1 2025 is shaping up to be the same.
This year, I predict a return to multi-day conferences and heavier use of AI in marketing efforts, hotel systems and personalised guest experiences.
TRENDS
Theme-wise, we certainly had a lot more health-conscious food requests and an increase in gluten-free, vegan and halal requests on the dietary requirement side of things.
There were still requests for Zoom capability to allow external attendees to tune in to in-house events, but that is lessening.
UPGRADES
We have recently added a state-of-the-art gym.
Our members enjoy complimentary towels, discount on food in our Brass Bar & Grill and complimentary car parking.
We have upgraded all projectors and increased our screen sizes.
We also added LoungeUp, which turns our front office operations fully digital and allows guests to check-in online up to three days before their stay and digital check-in at reception.
This provides hyper-personalisation not only in our hotel but across the entire Talbot Collection.
CAOIMHE GILMORE - CityNorth Hotel and Conference Centre
UPGRADES
The CityNorth conference centre décor, furnishings and technology were upgraded in 2024, bringing the almost 20-year-old facilities up to the latest international standards.
We have a wonderful product in our new-look meeting and conference facilities.
We have just completed our photography and virtual video recording to allow us seamless communication with potential clients. Significant investment by the hotel’s owners, McGarrell Reilly Group, has seen the improved technologies installed which include 65” Cleverlive interactive screens, Clevershare dongles, portable high-spec power speakers and a range of products to facilitate virtual and hybrid meetings.
SUSTAINABILITY
We have focused our team on delivering sustainable events, removing plastics and paper brochures, while increasing digital communications to reduce our carbon footprint.
We are enrolled in Fáilte Ireland’s Climate Action Programme and our conference team is committed to delivering sustainable events.
LOUISE BOLAND - The Club Hotel at Goffs
ACTIVITY
In 2024 we noticed a big shift towards greater employee appreciation and the importance of giving back.
AGMs started turning into overnight events, adding a social element where colleagues could enjoy great food, a fun atmosphere and even unwind at the spa.
We also saw a significant rise in employee engagement days, incentive trips, and team-building activities, all of which really helped strengthen bonds and boost morale.
UPGRADES
In 2024 we added on The Deck — our new outdoor spa — which is great for overnight corporate guests to unwind after a meeting or event.
It creates an elevated guest experience with wellness in mind.
SUSTAINABILITY
One thing that really stood out last year was how much people cared about sustainability.
More and more guests wanted to know what we’re doing to reduce our environmental impact — from the sustainable practices we use and the technology we incorporate, to our food offerings and where we source ingredients.
When it comes to food, people were especially curious about where our ingredients come from and how we support local producers.
We’ve always made it a priority to use seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Not only does this help support the local community, it also cuts down on the environmental impact of transporting food long distances.
Sustainability has become a huge part of who we are, both in the way we run our day-to-day operations and in the experiences we offer our guests.
It’s something we’re really proud of and love sharing with everyone who visits us.
OUTLOOK
In 2025, we predict wellness will continue to be a key focus in the events and hospitality industry, with a stronger emphasis on work-life balance.
As the importance of mental and physical well-being grows, we expect to see more wellness-driven team-building activities and corporate events designed to help people recharge and connect.
We foresee a rise in experiences that combine relaxation with productivity, such as mindfulness sessions, spa treatments, fitness activities, outdoor adventures and wellness escapes.
RACHEL BELL - Airfield Estate
ACTIVITY
2024 was much busier than previous years, especially for our event rental spaces as businesses are coming to us for team away days, board meetings and seminars.
We have started a corporate volunteering programme which has been popular and has seen more businesses make use of the estate.
We are very flexible and work with companies on what they need from their day including offering tours, breakout activities or special menus.
UPGRADES
Our Inspiration Kitchen is a cookery school at the end of our organic vegetable garden, with a backdrop of the Dublin Mountains.
This space is used for our cookery workshops and corporate team building. It is also a wonderful space for filming.
We have also recently established a Corporate Volunteering Programme inviting businesses to boost team spirit and make a positive impact.
Volunteering days offer your team a rewarding opportunity to connect with nature while giving back to Airfield Estate.
From helping on our farm to progressing sustainability projects, volunteers will enjoy a hands-on and educational experience.
SUSTAINABILITY
A lot of clients are very interested in sustainability and the measures that we are taking on the estate.
Food is always a hot topic and this ties into our farm to fork ethos with much of the produce coming directly from the estate.
As Dublin’s sustainable food hub and an educational charity, we provide that sustainable offering while also being somewhere enjoyable and interesting to visit.
OUTLOOK
Sustainability is a huge focus for companies.
When holding events or meetings, there is an expectation that they are choosing an environmentally friendly venue, taking into account where they have it, access to public transport, what they eat and what they do.
Airfield meets all these requirements, and in today’s world focused on CSR, that is important.
We were delighted to be named Best Venue & Hospitality in the DLR Chamber Awards and to win Silver in the All-Ireland Sustainability Awards for Best Tourism/Hospitality Initiative.
