Carlow paving the way for innovative connections

Carlow is paving the way for key connections through informal business connections and shared learning, through their annual networking event, The Business Picnic. The Business Picnic is a free event designed to encourage professional connections in an informal setting. Open to businesses all over Ireland, the Picnic aims to encourage future business development, not just in Carlow, but nationally. Hosted by Anton Savage, with comedian Gearoid Farrelly joined by a panel of 8 successful business executives, Carlow Local Enterprise Office are hosting this key event on 20 June 2016, in the five star Arboretum home and garden heaven, Leighlinbridge Carlow between 6.00pm to 9.30pm.

Attendees will have the chance to meet ask questions, make connections and exchange ideas with successful Irish and International business people on the day.

Among the international panellists there to share learning and business insights includes Oonagh O’ Hagan, Owner and Managing Director of the successful Meagher’s Pharmacy Group. Since Oonagh bought Meaghers pharmacy in 2001, she has expanded the business to eight pharmacies and a thriving online store serving customers nationwide.  

Jeff Smith from Tennessee, USA, is an Officer within UNUM’s National Client Group with a focus on external Partner Relationships, Business to Business Integrations and Innovation. Mr Smith will share his insights on driving profitable sales growth. UNUM are a strategic software development services centre and have a successful base in Carlow.

Joanna Murphy, Chief Executive of ConnectIreland will share her knowledge on business development in Ireland and she leads ConnectIreland’s international marketing growth and has worked on countless successful marketing campaigns. They will all be on hand to offer support and advice on a wide range of topics based on their experience in Irish and International business world.

The panel will be presented by Anton Savage, MD of The Communications Clinic, and presenter of The Anton Savage Show (9-12 weekdays on TodayFM). As well as hosting, Anton will also share his experience alongside the 8 panellists who will be speaking at the event

This event was established by Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office in partnership with UNUM, Arboretum and ConnectIreland.   Speaking ahead of the event, Carlow Council’s Head of Enterprise Kieran Comerford said:

“We hope this event will encourage story sharing and positive connections that will drive future business - not just in Carlow but nationally. We’d encourage anyone who wishes to attend to accept this open invite for all business people across Ireland to exchange their business knowledge.”

Speaking at the launch, Anton Savage said

“It takes immense courage to start a business. Whether it’s as a sole trader or an employer. And it can be a very solitary and overwhelming endeavor. So an event like this, which gives business owners and founders a chance to learn from, and support each other, is a pleasure to be involved in. Plus, Gearoid Farrelly is there so it’s going to be funny, and the Arboretum is a gorgeous venue (with the planet’s most extraordinary toilets)”

Rachel Doyle Chief Executive Chairperson of the five star Arboretum is delighted to be hosting such and innovative event “I am delighted to be part of something that will help future business owners and growing companies, as well as to share my own business story with other business people, especially new and upcoming ones.”

The Business Picnic takes place on Monday 20 June 2016 in the Arboretum, Home and Garden Heaven, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow form 6.00pm to 9.30pm.

To reserve your place, contact enterprise@carlowcoco.ie or on Eventbrite ‘The Business Picnic’ by Local Enterprise Office Carlow.  To keep up to date with the Business Picnic activity, join in the conversation on twitter @CarlowLEO and follow #TheBusinessPicnic.