Annual event was held at SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
Cork Convention Bureau (CCB) successfully hosted its annual business events showcase, Keep Cork Meeting, at Páirc Uí Chaoimh this morning, bringing together key players from across the region’s conference and events industry.
Now in its 11th year, the event continues to reinforce Cork’s position as a leading destination for conferences, meetings, and corporate events. This year’s event welcomed 150 attendees and 45 exhibitors, including hotels, venues, activity providers, and event companies.
Exhibitors showcased a range of exciting new offerings for the corporate events market in Cork. Highlights included the newly refurbished Fitzgerald’s Bar at The Imperial Hotel Cork; Dripsey Castle Estate – Aladaric Ltd, an exclusive new setting for corporate events, retreats, and private stays; new dining options at Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens for Cork corporates; and the UCC Student Centre & UCC Summer Beds, showcasing that there’s “more to UCC than a college.”
Also making an impression were The Montenotte, presenting their new Woodland Suites; Moxy & Residence Inn Cork City, introducing their new property to the market; and the exciting, offbeat Cork Underground Donut Tour, offering attendees something truly different.
One of the most popular features of the event was the Conference Ambassador Clinic, which supported individuals interested in bringing international meetings and conferences to the region. The clinic offered tailored advice on the extensive financial and practical supports available year-round through Cork Convention Bureau and Fáilte Ireland.
At the event, Seamus Heaney, Head of Visit Cork, highlighted the strength and momentum in Cork’s business events sector: “This year already we have submitted bids, or have been asked to bid, for 12 international conferences that—if we secured them all—would mean 4,500 delegates in Cork between 2026 and 2029. And that’s just the first quarter of the year. Last year we secured business events to the value of €13.9 million, so we would expect to match this or exceed it in 2025.”
Evelyn O’Sullivan, Manager of Cork Convention Bureau, added: “The business tourist contributes three times more to the local economy than the leisure tourist, and many are now extending their stays by two to four days, which presents a huge growth opportunity. We’re here to support anyone looking to bring a conference to Cork with expert advice and hands-on assistance. Our aim is to inspire local companies to think of Cork first when planning their next corporate event.”
Established in 2007, Cork Convention Bureau is a public-private partnership dedicated to promoting Cork as a business tourism destination, generating valuable opportunities for the region. It operates as part of Visit Cork, which also promotes leisure tourism under the Pure Cork brand.
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