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Neo Ireland launched
Eventznet, the NovaUCD-based company, who specialises in providing
web-based software tools and marketing solutions for event organisers, has
announced the launch of a unique network for event organisers in Ireland.
Called NEO Ireland (www.neoireland.com), this virtual and physical network is designed to provide the events industry in Ireland with a voice,
something that has not been possible to date due to the fragmented and diverse nature of this industry sector. NEO Ireland will also provide a forum for event organisers to meet and share experiences and information and it aims to become the focal point for information about the industry in
Ireland.
Eventznet, which is based in NovaUCD the Innovation and Technology Transfer
Centre at UCD, has used its technological know-how to develop the state-of-the-art portal which will be key to the success of NEO Ireland.
NEO Ireland is managed by Eventznet in collaboration with an advisory board of industry specialists.
People who organise events are constantly looking for new, innovative and creative ideas for their guests. However, due to the nature of the events
they are organising, they also require absolute reliability. This makes personal recommendations and shared experiences critical in the events
industry. The NEO Ireland portal will provide event organisers with the
ability to rate and review suppliers, and provide suppliers with the ability to showcase their products. The combination of the physical presence at planned networking events and the online presence in a portal
directory will provide suppliers with a wide range of promotional
opportunities.
In addition to providing advice on quality standards and a code of ethics, members are looking to NEO Ireland to provide a comprehensive, national
database of events that are taking place in Ireland. A 24-month calendar which can be updated online by the members is a key feature of the NEO
Ireland portal.
The events industry in Ireland is thriving. It is estimated that there are now more than 18,500 conferences and seminars taking place in this country each year in conjunction with countless product launches, press briefings, award ceremonies and networking events. Such events are organised by event organisers who are found in a variety of roles across businesses and
organisations, from Government communication teams and semi-state bodies to
marketing executives in private corporations and specialist event
management companies. It is estimated that up to 5,000 people are employed directly in this industry in Ireland
Sarah Carroll, Managing Director of Eventznet was instrumental in forming NEO Ireland. Her frustration with the lack of definition of the market she
targets led her to form the new network. According to Carroll, “We know
there is a huge market out there, we know it`s a market that needs fresh and innovative ideas and solutions.” However she added, “When preparing
business plans for our companies, we have no point of reference, no idea about the actual size of the market, the market`s worth or how much it`s going to cost us to reach our potential customers.” She continued, “I hope
that NEO Ireland will assist me and others in the events industry to answer these and other questions.”