Don’t expect any #allmalepanels at Inspirefest 2016 – Ann O’Dea

27 Apr 2016

Inspirefest 2016 launch card image via Luke Maxwel

It’s now only a matter of months before a diverse group of tech leaders descends on Dublin for Inspirefest 2016, which will take place from 30 June to 2 July.

Inspirefest 2016 promises to be another showcase of some of the best and most diverse talent from around the world and, according to its founder and CEO of Silicon Republic, Ann O’Dea, you won’t be seeing the event appear on the rather funny and eye-opening blog, #allmalepanels.

To give you a flavour of what’s expected to be discussed at this year’s three-day festival of sci-tech, think of the challenges of the future of the sharing economy, soft robotics and fintech, all from the angle of increasing diversity and inclusion in business.

‘A very special city’

Fast becoming one of Europe’s leading sci-tech and arts event, this year’s festival will again feature a range of high-profile international speakers in a series of discussions and talks in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from 30 June to 1 July, where some 3,000 attendees will gather over two days, with a family-friendly fringe event to take place in Merrion Square Park on Saturday 2 July.

At the launch this morning (27 April) in the Marker Hotel overlooking the impressive offices of some of the world’s largest tech and financial companies, some of those due to speak at this summer’s event waxed lyrical about Dublin as both a place to visit and a place to do business.

One such attendee was Accenture’s chief human resources officer, Ellyn Shook, who said: “Standing on this rooftop of the Marker Hotel really gives you a view of a very special city. I travel all over the world for my role and really there are very few places I’ve been to or can think of where you see Airbnb, Google, Facebook, an incredible educational institution like Trinity College [Dublin] all hubbed right here within [our eyes’ view].”

Inspirefest is Silicon Republic’s international event connecting sci-tech professionals passionate about the future of STEM. Join us again from 30 June to 2 July 2016 for fresh perspectives on leadership, innovation and diversity. Book your tickets now.

Colm Gorey was a senior journalist with Silicon Republic

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