You’re invited... Summer 2023 sees the return of the “Powerhouse Picnic” with the amazing Lucy Kennedy and a host of enterprise talent sharing their stories in association with Network Ireland. The Powerhouse Picnic is on Thursday, 29th June 2023 in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow
The Powerhouse Picnic is an excellent opportunity to build new connections and expand your professional network while enjoying a fun and relaxed atmosphere. By attending this event, you may meet potential customers, clients, or business partners that could help your business grow, all while enjoying a delicious picnic spread. Additionally, the event is in association with Network Ireland, which means you can meet and connect with other members of this professional organization. This can help you build relationships and access a wider network of professionals in your industry.
Furthermore, the Powerhouse Picnic can also help you improve your communication skills. You will have the opportunity to practice your elevator pitch, presentation skills, and conversation skills while mingling with other attendees. Moreover, you can learn from other professionals in your industry, exchange ideas, and get feedback on your own work. This can help you stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices while enjoying a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
In summary, attending the Powerhouse Picnic in association with Network Ireland can offer many benefits, including expanding your network, building relationships, improving your communication skills, and accessing a wider network of professionals in your industry. All while enjoying a delicious picnic spread in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
This event is open to business owners and their key staff across Ireland and gives the opportunity to connect and gain knowledge from one another in a semi-formal networking environment.
Event Agenda:
5:30pm - 5:45pm Registration/Networking
5:45pm - 6:15pm BBQ & Networking
6:15pm - Welcome to the Powerhouse Picnic with Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise, Megan Manning , President of Network Ireland, Carlow, Cllr. Andrea Dalton , Jennifer Murnane O'Connor TD
6:35pm Powerhouse Bingo Networking with €200 Love Carlow Gift Voucher Prize.
6:45pm The Powerhouse Panel
7:30pm Close of Event
The event is free of charge and includes BBQ on arrival by the award-winning team at Woodford Dolmen Hotel-
Bio of Speakers
Lucy Kennedy, TV and radio presenter and number one bestselling children’s author of ‘The Friendship Fairies’ and ‘The Friendship Fairies Go To School’.
President of Network Ireland Emma Early Murphy
With 20+ years of experience in Corporate Sales, Marketing & Leadership roles across Telecoms, Retail and Hospitality, as well as self-employment, Emma has gained huge experience in her various roles and is passionate and dedicated towards supporting women in business at all levels to achieve their goals.
Emma founded Balloon HQ in 2017 & works alongside her husband Noel and the team who are based in Co. Kildare. Balloon HQ is an innovative, creative, event design agency specializing in Corporate Events bespoke branded décor, gifting and event solutions for business and consumer needs nationwide.
An active member of Network Ireland at branch and National level - Emma successfully led the Kildare branch as President in 2019 and is set to lead the National organisation as President in 2023 when the organisation will celebrate 40 years. She is also a member of the County Kildare & DLR Chamber, past Chapter Director & Director Consultant with BNI Ireland, and also an active client of the Local Enterprise Office Kildare. An award winning businesswoman, Emma won Networker of the Year in 2014 (County Kildare Chamber) and was crowned Network Ireland National SME Businesswoman of the Year 2016.
Emma loves spending time with her husband Noel, children Ayda & Kayla, dog Bailey and the donkeys!
"Your Smile is Your Logo,
Your personality is your business card,
How you leave people feel after they have done business with you is your trademark."
Tamara Seerkissoon, Tamara Seerkissoon Art & Coaching
As a former Head of Finance in the telecoms industry for over two decades, I experienced firsthand the demands and pressures of a high-stress corporate environment. However, after a personal health crisis in 2021 led to hospitalization, I discovered a new passion for helping others reduce stress and anxiety through therapeutic art. Now a vibrant abstract artist and mental health advocate, I want to use my expertise to guide individuals and organizations towards holistic wellness. My unique blend of experience and creativity allows me to create customised therapeutic art programs that help individuals explore and express their emotions in a safe and empowering way. Through my art and advocacy, I hope to reduce stigma around mental illness and promote the healing power of creativity.
Samantha Byrne, Vanilla Hair Design
The Proud Owner of Vanilla Hair Design. Where it all started 17 years ago and I still haven’t left I love what I do everyday making people smile, whether that is a beautiful cut , fabulous Bridal Hair upstyle or a little chat. One of my favourite things to do is educate the younger generation and making their dreams reality. I love my industry. Being the former Irish Hairdresser of the Year also was one of my stand out moments so far. The other is having the most Amazing Team ( The Vanilla’s)
Klara McDonnell, Entertainer and Content Creator
Klara McDonnell is an accomplished entertainer and content creator on social media, who has recently expanded her expertise into social media consultancy. After being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer when she was 37, she documented her recovery on social media with uplifting and fun videos. She became passionate about the power of video, especially short-form videos on Tiktok, where she felt you could connect with people more easily from all walks of life, all over the world. Since her recovery, Klara voiced characters on RTÉ Junior's Royal's Next Door and her social media clients include; St Patrick's Festival, Samhain Family Festival, Garageland, Patrick Bergin and Bloomsday Festival.
Miriam Lloyd, Christening Generations
I am in business over 12 years now and have successfully achieved an awful lot having being told early on opening a business in my back garden in a rural community in a recession in 2011 was absolutely nuts!
Melissa Doyle – Business Advisor – Local Enterprise Office Carlow
Melissa is Business Advisor in the Local Enterprise Office in Carlow County Council. She is responsible for providing financial and strategic advice to small and mid-sized companies. She has provided information, support, advice and guidance to the people within their business.
Previously, Melissa worked in the legal sector as Legal Executive for over thirteen years prior to her role in the Local Enterprise Office in Carlow County Council. Over the years, she gained a great understanding of the law and legal procedures. She also acquired administrative skills, attention to detail, time management and the ability to produce professional correspondence. Melissa was also Office Manager which coincided with her role as a Legal Executive. Prior to her legal background, she worked in the hospitality sector where she gained customer service skills and developed vital communication skills.
Melissa is a graduate from Carlow Institute of Technology and holds a Bachelor of Honours Degree in Law and has completed Certificate in Local Government Studies.
