Conference Case Study 3

The directors of the National Meteorological Services co-operate and examining questions of common interest under an informal grouping known as ICWED (International Conference of Western European Directors).  This prestigious event took place in Galway from the 21st – 24th of April 2009.

Services provided by Go West to the Organising Committee

• Professional Conference Manager to provide support and advice
• To source a selection of suitable
  venues to host the event and ancillary social events
• To organise and complete site inspection and negotiation with the chosen venue
• Venue management
• Reservation and co-ordination of all ground transportation including airport transfers and tours
• Management and co-ordination of the social programme

ICWED 2009

The Connemara Coast Hotel was the venue chosen by the organisers to host ICWED 2009. 

Go West coordinated a series of transfers from local airports to the hotel as delegates travelled from all over Europe.  The conference programme began with an informal buffet in the hotel offering delegates the opportunity to network and relax.

Social Programme

The challenge for Go West was to create, plan and manage a social programme for delegates and their partners which would enable their overseas guests to experience the Irish culture while maintaining the intimacy of the group.  The social programme managed by Go West exceeded the organizers expectations and provided delegates with unique and unforgettable memories of their visit to Galway.  The programme featured a guided walking tour of the city including a private meeting with Judy Greene world renowned potter who met the group at her premises and give them a talk and a demonstration of how her pottery is created and hand painted.  

The social programme also featured a unique opportunity to visit a private family home in Connemara.  Delegates were welcomed by family members and told the history of the house, a traditional thatch cottage.  They were also shown how to bake Irish bread over an open fire.  Later they were entertained by family members who performed a selection of jigs and reels on fiddle and accordion in the living room.  Members of the family demonstrated the art of sean nos dancing and set dancing.  Delegates were overwhelmed by the experience of see native Irish culture and language in such a natural and private environment.

Gala Dinner

The group had exclusive use of The Abbey at Glenlo Abbey hotel for the conference dinner.  Pre dinner drinks were served in the Oak Cellar Bar.  During the reception, guests were thrilled by a vibrant performance from one of Ireland’s most talented and well travelled traditional Irish musicians, Brenda Curtin.  Brenda is renowned for her lively personality and energetic performances on fiddle.  She captivates audiences as she dances and moves while playing the fiddle. One of the soloists from Michael Flatley’s world-renowned Lord of The Dance Show, Brenda has a Bachelors Degree in music and has won numerous All - Ireland Titles in fiddle, singing and 'lilting ' (celtic yodelling).

The icing on the cake was Siobhan
Manson, former lead dancer with
Riverdance, who performed a selection
of heart stopping jigs and reels.

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