Rose of Tralee International Business Women’s Conference

SOME of Ireland’s leading businesswomen gathered at The Brandon Hotel on Monday for the second annual Rose of Tralee International Business Women’s Conference.

The keynote opening address at this year’s event was delivered by Tánaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald who said the festival is a valuable celebration of talented women who have added immeasurably to every field of business and enterprise.

She added that the event provided an excellent networking opportunity for Irish businesswomen and entrepreneurs.

Other speakers at the event included Reigning Rose Elysha Brennan; Dragons Den star Norah Casey; Cork Camogie player Anna Geary; former Rose of Tralee and now clinical psychologist Dr Clare Kambamettu; stylist and designer Sonya Lennon and UCD Lecturer and TV Presenter Aoibhinn Ní Shuilleabháin who was 2005 Rose of Tralee.

Under the theme ‘The Changing Face of Success’ the speakers shared their experiences and insights on topics such as leadership, linking the digital age and entrepreneurship.

Julie Sinnamon the CEO of Enterprise Ireland – who organised the event with support from AIB and the Department of the Diaspora – said the conference aimed to inform and inspire women to embrace business opportunities, leverage the Irish global network and reach their full potential.

“Enterprise Ireland recognises the huge contribution of Irish women in business. Last year we invested in a record number of female-led startup companies and we are determined to increase this number,” she said.

Speakers at the International Business Women’s Conference, held at the Brandon Hotel, Tralee “The Changing Face of Success” in conjunction with the Rose of Tralee International Festival. Included are front from left, Sonya Lennon, stylist, designer and...

Valerie O’Brien, Relate Care and Kelly Kirkpatrick, SOSV At the International Business Women’s Conference, held at the Brandon Hotel, Tralee. Pic: Eye Focus

Roslyn Kelly, Kerry Group, Siobhan Murphy, SOSV, Eva Hartyani, frock market and Cui Zhu, SOSV At the International Business Women’s Conference, held at the Brandon Hotel, Tralee. Pic: Eye Focus

Ciara Concannon, Enterprise Ireland and Isolde Johnson, Cool Bean Company At the International Business Women’s Conference, held at the Brandon Hotel, Tralee

Karina Linehan, AIB and Soyna Lennon, Stylist, Designer and Businesswoman At the International Business Women’s Conference, held at the Brandon Hotel, Tralee