Programme

TIMETOPICSPEAKER(S)
9.30 - 10.30amRegistration and Refreshments
10.30 - 10.45amWelcome address from Fáilte Ireland and Irish Hotels Federation (IHF)
  • Paul Gallagher, Chief Executive, Irish Hotels Federation
  • Jenny De Saulles, Director of Sector Development, Failte Ireland
  • Matt Cooper, MC
10.45 - 11.25amGlobal trends shaping business, government, and society

Craig will outline the emerging pressures and trends affecting climate change, with reference to environmental science data, exploring the systemic nature of the issues with a specific focus on nature and people, both critical to Ireland’s Tourism sector. He aims to bring a sense of place and context to the global pressures we are experiencing. 
  • Craig Bennett, CEO, Wildlife Trust and Senior Associate, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) 
11.25 - 12.00pmWhy business as usual is over

Richard unpacks why business needs to transform in order to remain competitive. He sets out the commercial implications for business and more specifically tourism to illustrate why investing in sustainability is paramount for future business success.
  • Richard Burrett, Co-founder and Director of Cambridge Social Impact Consulting and Senior Adviser to the Earth Security group
12.00 - 12.30pmPanel discussion: Meeting tomorrow’s customers today – futureproofing the Irish Hotel sector

This panel will explore how customer expectations are shifting, from eco-conscious travel choices to demand for transparency and authenticity, and how the sector can adapt to remain competitive and resilient. Panellists will discuss their own experiences and how climate action changes have improved their operational efficiency. 


  • Craig Bennett, CEO, Wildlife Trust and Senior Associate, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) 
  • Richard Burrett, Co-founder and Director of Cambridge Social Impact Consulting and Senior Adviser to the Earth Security group
  • Chris Austin, Chief Operating Officer, Cliste Hospitality and iNua Hotel Group 
  • Dara Cruise, Group General Manager, Neville Park Hotels 
12.30 - 1.30pmLunch
1.30 - 2.10pmFinance Section: Funding & Investment Pathways to Support Hotel Decarbonisation

This panel will address how to access finance and SEAI applications. It will focus on accelerating decarbonisation in the Hotel sector (profiling offering available from CAP Programme Partners e.g. grants, training, green finance etc.) 

  • Declan Meally, Director of Business, Public Sector and Transport, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)  
  • Colin Moran, Head of Lending, Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) 
  • Colette Shirley, Director of Sustainability, Corporate & Markets, Bank of Ireland
  • Richard Burrett, Co-founder and Director of Cambridge Social Impact Consulting and Senior Adviser to the Earth Security group
2.10 - 3.00pmPanel Discussion: Benefits of CAP and success stories

This session will highlight the transformative impact of the Climate Action Programme (CAP) across tourism businesses. Panellists will share real-world success stories from businesses that have embraced CAP initiatives, showcasing measurable improvements in energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and community engagement. Attendees will gain insights into how CAP supports long-term sustainability goals while enhancing visitor experience and operational performance.
  • Andres Fellenberg, Climate Action Programme Lead Advisor, EarthCheck  
  • Michael Magner, President, Irish Hotels Federation & Owner, Vienna Woods Hotel 
  • Tom Randles, Owner, Randles Hotels 
  • Carmel Lonergan, Director of Group Operations, Trigon Hotels
3.00 - 3.20pmSeizing the Opportunity: Ireland, the World’s Most Sustainable Tourism Destination 
  • Paul Gallagher, Chief Executive, Irish Hotels Federation 
  • Jenny De Saulles, Director of Sector Development, Fáilte Ireland