Fáilte Ireland Conference Ambassador Programme
Fáilte Ireland (the National Tourism Development Authority for Ireland) operates a Conference Financial Support Scheme to encourage International Associations and Professional Conference Organisers to host conferences and meetings in Ireland.This forms part of our Conference Ambassador Support Programme, full details of which can be had by visiting our website www.meetinireland.com
FAQ's
Is it only available to non-profit organizations?
Fáilte Ireland endeavour to assist all organisations and associations who want to bring a meeting to Ireland as the scheme is not confined to any particular sector.Over the years we have been successful in attracting a wide range of conferences and meetings from all association sectors such as academic, scientific, medical, cultural, sport, law, commerce, etc.
The individual conferences have been as varied and wide ranging as “bee-keeping”, “neurogenics”, “animal cell technology”, “transcription in cancer”, “dog show”, and “public economic theory”, to mention but a few of the sectors hosted by Ireland.
Does the event have to be international?
Fáilte Ireland’s support scheme is primarily aimed at international conferences; however Fáilte Ireland supports both international associations and national associations, where there is a good representation of overseas delegates
Ireland has a strong destination appeal for international delegates. In a study commissioned by Fáilte Ireland over 1,000 delegates attending 25 conferences were interviewed in the first six months of 2009.
Among those interviewed, 88% of delegates were either satisfied or extremely satisfied with Ireland as a conference destination.Based on their experiences, more than 4 in 5 (84%) said that they were likely or very likely to recommend Ireland as a conference destination.
Almost 90% stated that they were very likely or likely to recommend Ireland as a holiday/short break destination and more than three-quarters (77%) said that they themselves were very likely or likely to return to Ireland for a holiday or short break in the future.
Does it have to contribute to the country’s profile?
All international conferences contribute to Ireland’s profile within its own subject matter.
We have the confidence that Ireland’s professional meetings industry can exceed all expectations, and in turn enhance Ireland’s reputation as a business tourism destination.
Fáilte Ireland would like to talk to all international associations who are interested in hosting a future conference in Ireland to discuss how we can support them.
Ireland has a strong tradition in attracting scientific, medical and academic meetings which has contributed to Ireland‘s reputation as a knowledge economy.In 2012 Dublin will host the European City of Science, a prestigious event that was won not only because of Ireland’s excellent access & facilities but also through the strength of the scientific community based in Ireland.
A number of major international events have already been confirmed over the coming years and this demonstrates a valuable commitment to the Irish business tourism sector.
This year some of the larger events include:
- 7th Annual Int’l Health Technology Assessment
1,100 Delegates
- 16th Int’l Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health
1,000 Delegates
- 4th Global Botanic Gardens Congress
1,000 Delegates
- 11th Biennial Conference of Eur Assoc of Social Anthropologists (EASA)
1,000 Delegates
- 6th Congress of the European Geriatric Medicine
850 Delegates
- TERMIS EU
600 Delegates
Minimum duration, attendees, overnight stays?
The criteria governing Fáilte Ireland’s financial support is not bound by restrictions of the duration of a conference, the number of delegates or the number of overnight stays. All applications are evaluated on their own merits and we endeavour to support all international conferences both practically and financially.
Must local sightseeing be involved?
This is not a condition of receiving support from Fáilte Ireland.
Ireland has always proven to be an attractive and friendly destination rich in culture and heritage, and most visiting delegates take advantage of this when coming to Ireland on business.
In a study commissioned by Fáilte Ireland over 1,000 delegates attending 25 conferences were interviewed in the first six months of 2009. From this survey Fáilte Ireland found that nearly one third of delegates extended their stay in Ireland either pre or post conference, by more than one day to upwards of a week.
When does offer start/stop?
The Fáilte Ireland Conference Financial Support Scheme has been in operation since the 1970s and some say that Ireland had the first conference Ambassador Support programme in the world.
With the success of this programme Fáilte Ireland Conference Financial Support Scheme will be a fixture for the foreseeable future.
The Fáilte Ireland Conference Financial Support Scheme operates all year round and we accept applications at any time of the year. Funding can be spread across a number of years depending on the budgetary requirement of the conference.Anyone wishing to apply for financial support can obtain an application form and guidelines at the following:
www.meetinireland.com/conferenceambassador
Completed application forms can be submitted via e-mail to:grainne.mcguinness@failteireland.ie
Fáilte Ireland makes a financial contribution towards the three main categories, 1) bid, 2) site inspection and 3) marketing.
The factors considered when deciding the level of support are: overseas delegate numbers, nature of the conference, location of conference, number of nights, potential for repeat business, etc
Financial support will help with:
Bid Documentation Preparation and Presentation
Fáilte Ireland offer financial funding to assist with the preparation and the travel involved in bidding for an international conference.
Site Inspection Hosting
A crucial element in the decision making process, Fáilte Ireland can help fund site visits for your committee members, covering meeting facilities, hotels, social options and attractions.
Marketing Support
Fáilte Ireland provide a financial contribution towards the marketing of your conference ensuring its success and boost delegate numbers.
Download the application forms from meetinireland.com
Practical supports
• Independent advice on all aspects of organising your conference.
•Sample bid documents, image libraries, videos and sample presentations.
• Governmental and regional letters of invitation can be organised to support your bid document.
• Complimentary maps and tourist guides along with a conference bag with your event logo displayed on it can be provided for your delegates.
Fáilte Ireland also works closely with Tourism Ireland and their global offices. Tourism Ireland can help promote a conference to be set in Ireland in the years running up to it, with promotional material and support.
For Further Information Contact:
Orla Canavan & Grainne McGuinness
Business Tourism Unit
Fáilte Ireland, Amiens Street, Dublin 1
Tel: (01) 884 7700 Fax: 353 1 855 6821
E: orla.canavan@failteireland.ie& grainne.mcguinness@failteireland.ie
W: www.meetinireland.com/conferenceambassador