Festival of Business 2026
The Festival of Business, a signature NI Chamber event, brings together over 1,200 professionals for a day of inspiration, learning and connection.
You can expect to gain valuable insights from world-class speakers on topics such as sales, marketing and business growth strategies. The event features interactive workshops, engaging entertainment and opportunities to explore innovative solutions from impressive exhibitors spanning diverse industries.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive or business owner, the Festival of Business provides the knowledge, contacts, and motivation to propel your professional growth and success in Northern Ireland’s thriving economy.
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📅 16 Sept | ⏲️ 08:30 am - 1:30 pm |📍 St. George's Market
Get to know the local showcasing companies
Learn a little more about our visionary exhibitors
We have compiled the bios and links of 120 local companies driving innovation across industries.
Our exhibitor bios offer a glimpse into the expertise and passion that await you. From tech startups to established market leaders, each exhibitor brings a unique perspective to the festival. Discover potential partners, mentors, or even your next big inspiration!
Social Media Tools
Share the good news with your online community
Whether exhibitor or attendee, ensure you maximise your time by promoting your attendance at Festival of Business with our social media graphics.
Festival of Business Event Host
Caroline O'Neill
Founder, Digg Community
Caroline O'Neill is the founder of the Digg Community, encompassing Digg Mama, Digg for Success, Digg Podcast, and the registered charity Digg Deep for Kids. With over 250,000 social media followers, Caroline’s platforms focus on connection and making a difference.
Digg for Success has empowered over 2,000 professionals through mentoring, workshops, and events, while the Digg Podcast reached number 3 in the UK podcast charts. Her registered charity, Digg Deep for Kids, has raised over £700,000 to support families in need.
At the heart of it all, Caroline is committed to inspiring and uplifting communities.
Festival of Business Main Stage Speakers
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Sinead Quinn
Director of Inflight Department, Ryanair
Flying Fully Digital; Turning Customer Experience into Commercial Growth
Sinead Quinn leads Ryanair’s Inflight department, the airline’s largest people function, bringing over 25 years of experience in aviation operations, customer experience and team leadership. .
With a track record of driving innovation and transformation at scale, Sinead offers practical insights on leadership, operational excellence and and how Europe’s largest airline group is reimagining exceptional customer experiences for more than 200 million passengers each year.
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James McManus
CEO, Earth's Edge
Resilience at Altitude: Thriving When the Pressure Is On
James McManus is an expedition climber pushing the limits of human endurance, currently holding the Irish altitude record without supplementary oxygen at 8,324 metres.
Drawing on his experience in some of the world’s most demanding environments, James shares powerful insights on Discipline, unfinished goals and how individuals and leaders behave when timelines stretch and pressure accumulates.
Business Studio Sessions Stage Speakers
Jonathan McWhinney
Commercial Director, Thompsons Tea
In Conversation with Thompsons Tea
Jamie Thompson
Director, Thompsons Tea
In Conversation with Thompsons Tea
Jordan Graham
Founder, Sugar Snap
The Culture of Premiumisation: Why consumers are seeking luxury feelings in everyday purchases
Greg Lucas
Sustainability Manager
Growth by Design: How IKEA balances Sustainability, Affordability and Commercial Success
Asa Fermandell
Business Leader UK & Ireland, IKEA
Growth by Design: How IKEA balances Sustainability, Affordability and Commercial Success
Last year's event highlights
Festival of Business Sponsors and Partners
Budget Energy
Headline Sponsor
Budget Energy is a Northern Ireland based electricity supplier dedicated to helping households and businesses manage their energy costs with confidence. It focuses on providing simple, competitively priced energy solutions, backed by reliable service and clear communication.
Belfast City Council
Venue Partner
We offer free, tailored support to businesses, co-operatives and social enterprises who operate in the Belfast area. We help drive Belfast's economic growth by supporting residents, employers and organisations to strive for innovation and excellence, creating pathways to growth and employment.
Sign up here to find out more
AXL Audiovisual
AV Partner
For every live event that needs sound, lighting or AV support, our team of event technicians can help.
We specialise in conferences, live music, corporate events and so much more. We work on over 350 events every year, making sure your event stands out.
U105 Radio
Media Partner
Radio station in the greater Belfast area.
U105 broadcasts on 105.8 MHz FM with a power of 2kW from the Arqiva site at Black Mountain, on DTT (Freeview) Channel 726 to all of Northern Ireland, and streams on the Internet for UK listeners at www.u105.com.
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NI Cyber Security Centre
Sponsor
We monitor, prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats around the clock.
We work to build a cyber-aware society and business community, helping protect technology, systems, and data while supporting the delivery of the Government Cyber Security Strategy and championing cybersecurity across Northern Ireland.
Mattioli Woods
Sponsor
Mattioli Woods is a leading UK provider of wealth management and employee benefits. It's dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial ambitions.
The company takes pride in building meaningful, long-term relationships with its clients, providing trusted advice, exceptional service, and tailored solutions designed to put clients' needs first.
Second Nature
Sponsor
Second Nature is not a hotel or a serviced apartment. It's a hometel- the kitchen and privacy of your own space, backed by the quality of a hotel. Built for people who stay longer, work differently, and want the places they use to operate responsibly. Across Belfast, Southampton and Chiswick, with York and Leeds on the way.