Network Ireland Waterford Sold Out Event Hailed As Inspirational
Network Ireland Waterford’s first event of 2025, held at the Granville Hotel on Wednesday last, was a resounding success, drawing a full house of professionals eager to delve into the latest trends in marketing and in digital and print media. The event titled “Collaborate to Elevate: A Marketing & Media Mix” was a sell-out gathering and provided valuable insights from leading experts in the industry.
The event featured a dynamic line-up of speakers, each offering a unique perspective on key aspects of marketing and communications. Guest speakers included Mary O’Neill of Healy Communications and host of WLR FM’s weekly business programme ‘The Hot Desk’, Sharon Ginnetty of Optimise Marketing and Ann Marie Sheehan of Aspire PR & Marketing.
After a warm opening welcome address from Network Ireland Waterford President Ann Marie Shannon of Veritas Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors, Mary O' Neill was welcomed to open the presentations. Mary of Healy Communications and host of WLR FM's "The Hot Desk," captivated the audience with her 25+ years of experience in broadcast journalism. She discussed navigating the ever-changing media landscape, mastering media interviews, building a positive online reputation, and the power of storytelling.
Sharon Ginnetty of Optimise Marketing, a digital marketing strategist, took to the stage to deliver an information packed presentation outlining how businesses can effectively incorporate AI into their business and can leverage on owned, earned and paid media. Sharon also highlighted the most effective social media channels to elevate your businesses presence, shared insights in creating a digital marketing plan and discussed the supports available to businesses.
The event concluded with Ann-Marie Sheehan’s session on media relations. Ann-Marie of Aspire PR & Marketing, an expert in public relations, summarised the dos and don’ts of public relations and how to leverage local and national media to your advantage. Ann-Marie also outlined how to craft a winning press release and the importance of building relationships with the media, all illustrated with engaging case studies.
The Marketing and Media Mix event proved to be a fantastic way to kick off Network Ireland Waterford’s 2025 calendar of events, with attendees gaining valuable insights and practical tools to enhance their marketing and media efforts. It was an inspirational morning for networking, learning, and collaborating with like-minded professionals in the vibrant Waterford business community. Attendees found the morning “inspirational” and “motivational” and were already looking forward to upcoming events.
Network Ireland Waterford will host two events in February. The first is a coffee morning on February 14th. The second is a Waterford Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event, to be held by Theatre Royal in collaboration with Network Ireland Waterford, on February 27th. This event is open to members and non-members both men and women.
For more information on how to join or if you would like more information about Network Ireland Waterford events, contact waterford@networkireland.ie or visit networkireland.ie website.
Pictures
#5 L to R: Claire Mooney of Reduce Costs, Ann Marie Shannon of Veritas Chartered Accountants and President of Network Ireland Waterford, Gabrielle Cummins of Beat 102 103 and Margaret Julian of The Compliance Specialist
#14 L to R: Ann Marie Sheehan of Aspire PR & Marketing, Ann Marie Shannon of Veritas Chartered Accountants and President of Network Ireland Waterford, Sharon Ginnetty of Optimise Marketing and Mary O’Neill of Healy Communications and WLR’s ‘The Hot Desk’
