ÔSpeed datingÕ for businesses set to attract 400 delegates

Date Published: {J}

BY ENDA CUNNINGHAM

A unique networking event to be held in Galway – designed to promote the West – is set to attract up to 400 businesspeople from across the West of Ireland.

Designed to help companies generate new business and allow businesspeople and entrepreneurs meet their peers from across a wide spectrum of business sectors.

Delegates will be specifically ‘matched’ with 10 other businesspeople to allow for a series of meetings to share their knowledge.

The ‘MeetWest 2011’ – to be held on November 21 and 22 – was launched at County Hall on Prospect Hill yesterday (Monday) morning.

The object of MeetWest is to promote business in the West of Ireland, and the programme has been arranged to offer new and innovative networking opportunities for attendees in a variety of formats.

It is anticipated that up to 400 delegates will participate during the event, making it a key event for businesspeople.

“The MeetWest event will provide a great opportunity for companies in the West Region of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon to generate new business for themselves.

“The support agencies involved are delighted to be able to create an environment that will facilitate more business for companies and I look forward to hearing from the great line up of speakers who should provide invaluable business advice,” a spokesperson said.

MeetWest is expected to attract participants across all business sectors including agri-food and beverage industry, pharmaceutical & health, construction, engineering, craft & textiles, IT, energy supply, alternative energies, manufacturing, printing & design, services to SMEs, research and education, tourism, hospitality, transport and logistics, representatives of business networks, Irish public sector buyers, micro-enterprises, small and medium-sized companies, large companies and multinationals.

Speaking at the launch, successful Tuam businessman John Concannon of JFC Manufacturing said: “I have participated in similar events to the MeetWest initiative in other parts of the country and found that they have been a good source of business for my company. I am delighted that this event is being staged in this region.

“I would strongly advise any other company operating from Galway, Mayo and Roscommon to register to be involved as soon as possible. It’s too good a business opportunity to miss,” he said.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentiinel.