Dublin, 2nd October 2024 – The digital landscape for small businesses is evolving rapidly, and today, entrepreneurs from across Ireland will gather in Dublin for a full-day event designed to equip them with the latest tools, strategies, and insights to thrive in 2025 and beyond. Hosted in collaboration with Google and the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Wexford, Carlow, Waterford & Kilkenny this event promises a dynamic line-up of speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities.
The event will kick off with registration, breakfast, and networking at 10:00 AM, providing attendees with the chance to connect with peers and industry leaders. Google will officially open the event with a welcome address at 11:00 AM, setting the stage for a day filled with valuable knowledge-sharing.
Annette Rowsome from LEO Wexford will deliver the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of digital strategy for small businesses. Following her introduction, Amanda Webb, Founder of Spider working, will lead a session on basic digital strategies and tools. Webb’s talk will cover essential topics, including attracting website visitors, utilizing scheduling tools, and the benefits of integrating a newsletter and creative strategy into business operations.
Speaking about the event Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland said: "Small businesses are an integral part of our economy, creating and sustaining significant employment, fuelling innovation, and driving local growth. However, the digital landscape for these businesses is evolving rapidly. That is why this event, delivered in partnership with the Local Enterprise Office in Wexford, is so important. As a proud Waterford woman, I am excited to see how we can provide small businesses in the South East with the tools, training, and support they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. We are committed to helping SMEs grow so they can continue contributing to the prosperity of our local communities."
One of the event's highlights will be the AI Art Showdown at 11:45 AM, where participants will learn the art of image prompting with Google AI. This session promises to be both educational and entertaining, demonstrating the creative potential of AI in digital marketing.
Google will also present a session on boosting productivity with AI, offering practical advice on leveraging AI-powered tools to save time and enhance efficiency. This will be a must-attend for those looking to integrate AI into their daily business operations.
After a networking lunch, attendees can choose between two breakout sessions. Tara Elzingre from Tara Elzingre Consultancy will delve into content creation and marketing fundamentals, while Kristian Downer, Founder of DowSocial, will explore the impact of AI on marketing strategies, providing insights on how to leverage AI for business growth.
The day will culminate in a panel discussion titled "Online Strategies for Small Businesses in 2025," moderated by Google. The panel will feature industry experts, including Jen Langan, Marketing Director at Grow It Yourself Ireland; Darragh O’Ciarba, Co-Founder and CEO of Groopeze; Miriam Cushen, Owner of Cushendale Woolen Mills; and Leona O’Shea, Marketing and Quality Assurance Manager at Barrow Training. Together, they will explore the latest online tools and tactics for small businesses to navigate the competitive digital landscape.
Stressing the importance of Digital Kieran Comerford, from Local Enterprise Office in Carlow County Council said “As Local Enterprise Office are delighted to be working with Google on this event “As Local Enterprise Offices we know that Digital transformation is not just a luxury for large corporations; it is a critical necessity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in today's fast-paced business environment. Embracing digital tools and AI technologies empowers SMEs to compete on a level playing field with larger enterprises. By leveraging data-driven insights and automating routine tasks, SMEs can enhance their operational efficiency, improve customer experiences, and innovate at a faster pace. AI offers the potential to unlock new revenue streams, optimize marketing strategies, and personalize customer interactions at scale. Those who resist this change risk being left behind, while those who embrace it will position themselves for sustainable growth and long-term success in the digital economy."
This event represents a unique opportunity for small business owners and entrepreneurs to stay ahead of the curve, learn from industry leaders, and network with like-minded professionals.
For more information and to register for future events, please visit https://bit.ly/Digital25Waterford
For further information contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie
