Keynote, hosted by Facebook, “The Evolution of Social” - Thurs, Feb 9th, New York.  See calendar of events for more details.

New Senior Board Member

The IIBN is always looking to develop its board with accomplished entrepreneurs & executives, who enhance value to the network and its members. We are delighted to announce the following new board member for 2012, who has already added great value to the IIBN member experience.
A principal at the Gaffey Mellody Group at Merill Lynch, Sean Gaffey joins the 2012 board. A Financial Advisor/VP-Investments with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Sean has been an ardent supporter of IIBN initiatives and his group has generously hosted the network on several occasions.

Inauguration of Future Leaders Board

The inauguration of IIBN NY’s Future Leaders Board is a breakthrough initiative for the network. As we work to seed the next generation of talented Irish executives and entrepreneurs we are pleased to announce this board of recent graduates, participating in competitive internship and graduate programs in New York. The board will be chaired by Eimear Murphy, with board members Emma Swift, Adienne Dolan, Conall Burns & Anton McGonnell who will spearhead several exciting new actions for IIBN in 2012.

Member Showcase iBook

We are very excited about this new program to profile members and their businesses. IIBN NY will produce an iBook, for publication in March. This iBook will be distributed free of charge to IIBN Global members via the Apple iBookstore. Inclusion in this dynamic publication is free for New York members and member-owned businesses. We will also include a small number of nominal paid advertisements to cover the cost of hardware/software required for production and publication. If interested in including your profile, or that of your business, or indeed, advertising in the publication, please contact the editorial team at newyork@iibn.com

Invitation – Breakfast, hosted by Grant Thornton, Ireland as a location for global business and as a gateway to Europe – Thurs, Feb 16th @ 9:00am – 10:30am, New York

Hear Dan McCarthy, Head of Finance for Yahoo! in the EMEA and APAC region, explain why Yahoo! selected Ireland as their location of choice. They are not alone; Ireland is now home to numerous global organizations. Review complete event details and RSVP here

We look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events.

One of New York’s most sought after event venues, IIBN was generously hosted by The Gaffey Mellody Group. In the seasonal spirit, our event sponsor also had a random draw for two lucky winners, who now will have one more gift under the tree this year!

Appropriately, the winners were an IIBN London member and new New York member, highlighting the international strength of the network and the swathe of recent additions to the member base in New York.  New members in 2011 out-number past members by a factor of 2:1 which bodes well for 2012, with additions to the board and an exciting event roster in the planning process.
A special message of thanks goes out to Executive Director Fionuala Pender, who has been vital to IIBN NY reaching this juncture, wishing her the best on the arrival of her new baby in the coming weeks. A special message of welcome goes out to Sinead Crowley who has hit the ground running, filling Fionuala’s shoes during her maternity leave of absence.

We would like to wish our members and advocates best wishes for the holiday season and we look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2011 Review: IIBN NY had a stellar year in 2011, with almost three times the number of members we started with in January. This is a very positive reflection of the caliber of the six keynote and four sector-specific networking events hosted this year and serves as a great encouragement for our 2012 event planning.

The 2011 Keynote Highlights:

- Kevin P. Ryan, Founder/CEO, Gilt Groupe — announced 200 new Irish jobs in April by locating their International operations in Ireland

- Joe Hogan, Founder/CTO, Openet — Winner E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year, will represent Ireland in global final in Monte Carlo next year

- Mike Fitzgerald, Founder/CEO, Altobridge — selected by World Economic Forum as Technology Pioneer for 2012

- Daryl Kerrigan, Founder/CEO, Daryl K — our Summer Showcase fashion event drew over 100 attendees to a gallery in the Bowery

- Senator Mary Ann O’Brien, Founder/CEO, Lily O’Brien’s Chocolates — our best attended event of the year with over 120 attendees

- Denis Hickie, retired Irish rugby international shared his incredible insight following his professional sports career & transition to the world of renewable power

Our “Women in Business” events were our most well attended keynote events in 2011, we will be building on this in 2012.

2012 Preview: Event planning and organization for 2012 is already well underway. The IIBN NY board, along with the IIBN London executive committee, is working on several very exciting keynote events encompassing inspirational business leaders in fashion, food, technology & finance. We will be working to internationalize our international network, with innovative event concepts, always with the express goal of creating a candid forum for business discussion and professional development.

Thank you all from the IIBN NY Board: Colman Lydon (Chair), Mike Brewster, Garrett Corcoran, Turlough McConnell, Mary McEvoy, Ailbhe Mullen. We look forward to seeing you at future events.

The overall sentiment in Buzz Depot’s Social Media Report is extremely positive (at 64%). It has been estimated that IIBN reached 110,000 people over the duration of the conference. (Buzz Depot)

With over 180 participants from Ireland, UK and New York in Dublin on November 10th and 11th the feedback to the conference so far has been outstanding. The general feeling is that the pace, the buzz and the content were striking with quality speakers, and genuine opportunities to network and build business. 71% of survey respondents were very satisfied with the whole experience and 98% very satisfied to satisfied. (Survey Monkey).

‘What is great about the IIBN is that it is not just another talking shop about “how to fix the economy” etc. It is a doing shop of Irish entrepreneurs and business professionals who are committed to doing business with each other across, and within, borders. Alongside that, the conference offered inspiration from business leaders and real, hands-on, practical workshops from experienced professionals on how to structure a business for growth, and it then supports that with a network to sustain that growth. To be honest is a real global network that is creating real wealth and opportunity – that’s why I was there.’

The official launch of the conference was held on Thursday 10th November which was generously hosted by The Irish Times. Paul Kerley, Founder and former CEO of Norkom Technologies was the keynote speaker and each IIBN Chair gave a brief on why they are actively involved in the IIBN network.

Proceedings continued on Friday 11th November at the Aviva Stadium where Minister Coveney set the tone with a focus on engaging the Irish diaspora in a positive and practical way. Shane Ross was motivating, and certainly got people talking! Hugo McNeill, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs Ireland, moderated the panel event which focused on fostering Irish entrepreneurs globally generating a lively discussion that carried over into lunch. The afternoon session was kicked off by Niall Gibbons, CEO, Tourism Ireland and key sponsor of the conference, who reminded us of the importance of Ireland as a destination. Delegates were then invited to attend one of three interactive workshops on social media, networking and preparing your business for sale. The day concluded with a fascinating presentation from Barry Maloney, Partner, Balderton Capital who focused on the importance of the entrepreneurial spirit and how Ireland punches way above its weight in enterprise and business.

With fifteen 60 second pitches between Thursday and Friday the buzz was constant as new and seasoned entrepreneurs looked for exciting opportunities to do business together globally.
Added to this were the 28 stands in the Entrepreneur Zone which brought a cross section of business interests in contact with eachother from Ireland, the UK and America.

When asked if participants would like to attend a similar event in 2012 the response so far has been 100% Yes – so watch this space for an announcement for the date and location of the IIBN Global Conference 2012!

Here are a few of the comments from participants:

‘A genuine sense of shared purpose and willingness to forge new relationships. We knew why we were there and everyone was in a similar mood.’

‘The break out sessions and networking were great, the speakers inspiring.’

‘Quality Speakers – tightly focused and relevant presentations. Very positive/balanced outlook of presenters and attendees A capacity to look forward and build for the future without getting bogged down (like everyone else) in the financial issues. The two most enjoyable presentations from my perspective were Shane Ross and Barry Maloney.’

Photos to follow shortly.

This event took place at the splendid New York Athletic Club, 180 Central Park South, New York and was kindly hosted by IIBN Board Member, Managing Director at Credit Suisse, Michael Brewster.

About Denis Hickie:

Denis Hickie is Business Development & Relationship Manager with Mainstream Renewable Power, a leading Irish global renewable energy development company.   Previously, Denis worked as Development Director for Ireland for Europe during the last Lisbon Treaty Referendum.

Between 1997 and 2007 Denis was a professional rugby player with both Leinster, with whom he played for over 140 times and Ireland,  with whom he won 62 Caps, scoring 29 tries. In 2005 he toured New Zealand with The Lions.

Denis is also currently chairman of Show Racism the Red Card, an NGO who combats racist behaviour and promotes integration through the mediums of  education and sport.  He is also proud to be an ambassador for Climate Adaptation with the NGO Self Help Africa.

Click here to review photos taken during the evening

Special thanks and our extended compliments to Senator O’Brien and artist Roisin Fitzpatrick for their unique contribution to the event.

As part of IIBN New York’s ongoing keynote series we will be working towards another showcase event celebrating female executives and entrepreneurs in early 2012. It is our intention that this will make up an integral part of our six keynote networking events next year. If this is something you would like to be involved in, please reach out to us at newyork@iibn.com

Click here to review photos taken during the event

IIBN 1st Global Annual Conference
‘DOING BUSINESS TOGETHER’
Thursday 10th & Friday 11th November, Dublin
www.iibn.com/conference. Book now at

http://iibnannualconference2011.eventbrite.com

IIBN Global Annual Conference Update

This inaugural conference, exhibition and workshop will bring Irish entrepreneurs and business professionals from all over the world to Dublin to do business together. The programme has been designed to foster a lasting network of Irish business leaders based both in Ireland and abroad providing a platform for domestic companies to grow their businesses overseas.

Overview of programme

Thursday 10th November, 2011- Sponsored by The Irish Times
When: 6.30pm – 8.30pm.
Where: The Irish Times, 24 Tara Street, Dublin 2
Keynote speaker: Joe Hogan, Founder & CTO, Openet
This Thursday night reception will set the scene for the conference on Friday while allowing time for networking with conference attendees and key business players from across Ireland, the UK and New York in a relaxed environment.

Friday 11th November, 2011 – Hosted by Aviva. Key sponsor Tourism Ireland
When: 9.00am-4.30pm.
Where: Aviva Stadium, Landsdowne Road, Dublin 4
Keynote speakers will include Simon Coveney, T.D Minister for Agriculture, Food & Marine; Shane Ross, T.D and Business Editor, Sunday Independent; Niall Gibbons, CEO, Tourism Ireland and Barry Maloney, Partner, Balderton.

During the IIBN Global Annual Conference, you will:

• Meet successful Irish entrepreneurs from Dublin, London and New York.
• Have the opportunity to present your company to a global business network.
• Get advice on how to grow your business & expand internationally.
• Gain access to extensive network of business contacts in the UK and US.
• Get free membership to the IIBN for 6 months (New Members)

This is a unique opportunity for Irish entrepreneurs, businesses and companies to come and do business together. Book early to secure a place today.

Secure your place now at http://iibnannualconference2011.eventbrite.com

Early Bird Offer! Book now and take advantage of a limited early bird rate of €150 and secure your 60 second pitch and/or stand at the Entrepreneurs Zone (subject to availability).

To book go to http://iibnannualconference2011.eventbrite.com

www.iibn.com/conference

The IIBN New York chapter shed the post summer blues on September 8th with Mike Fitzgerald, CEO and Founder of Altobridge Ltd. (www.altobridge.com), an Irish telecommunications company. The event was generously hosted by the law firm of Crowell & Moring at their midtown Manhattan offices (www.crowell.com)

Mike Fitzgerald has a distinguished resume in the telecommunications industry, a graduate of University College Cork, he began his career with Ericsson and ran two business units before assuming key roles at two NASDAQ-quoted companies – ADC Telecommunications (ADCT) and interWAVE Communications (IWAV). In 1999 he led an MBO to form Microcellular Systems and carried out a successful trade sale of that business in 2000. In 2009, Mike was awarded the prestigious Ernst & Young’s Irish Entrepreneur of the Year in the Emerging category.

Like its CEO , Altobridge Ltd. was born in Kerry and under Mike Fitzgerald’s leadership the company has pioneered technology driven solutions to connect the world’s unconnected by offering low cost transmission of voice and data traffic across wireless networks .Mike provided the audience with a primer in wireless communications and described how Altobridge’s technical creativity, through the use of Altobridge lite-site™ has enabled affordable cellular access to remote populations previously underserved by traditional cellular networks. Earlier this month, in recognition of Altobridge’s achievements, the company was selected by the World Economic Forum as a 2012 Technology Pioneer joining the august company of previous Technology Pioneers including Google (2001) and Twitter (2010). To be selected as a Technology Pioneer, a company must be involved in the development of a major technology and/or innovation and have the potential for long-term impact on business and society. In addition, it must demonstrate visionary leadership, show all the signs of being a long-standing and sustainable market leader – and its technology must be proven. IIBN looks forward to following the continued rise of Mike Fitzgerald and Altobridge.

A special thanks to Bill O’Connor and Kelly Currie of Crowell & Moring for their hosting of the evening.

Click here to review photos taken on the night.

IIBN ventured downtown for the Summer Showcase event which was generously hosted by artist Ryan Keeley at his eponymous gallery in the Bowery, located a stone’s throw away from the now defunct CBGB’s rock club. The event attracted a diverse group of IIBN members and guests who had the opportunity to view Ryan’s work and mingle over Captain Gulliver cocktails courtesy of Swift Hibernian Lounge. Ryan’s artwork may be viewed at http://www.ryankeeley.net.

The evening featured Dublin born fashion designer Daryl K (Daryl Kerrigan) as main speaker. Daryl took the audience through her fascinating career path from her fashion studies at the National College of Art and Design , her move to New York and her rise to prominence in the early 90′s when she pioneered the low rise boot cut jean. She quickly became the darling of the downtown fashion scene and her aesthetic, a combination of femininity, functionality and style, remains timeless as evidenced by rave reviews of her new collection at New York Fashion Week earlier this year. Daryl K’s flagship store and studio is located on Bond Street http://www.darylk.com.

Click on the photo to review photos taken on the night.