MAJOR SUMMIT SET TO LIFT BELFAST CITY

Lifting the City (l-r): Moira Loughran, Invest Northern Ireland, David Gavaghan, Chief Executive Titanic Quarter Ltd, Belfast City Councillor Tom Ekin and  Orlaith Adams, Belfast Media Group at the launch of the Belfast One City Conference.

The ‘Belfast One City’ conference will bring together a diverse range of local and internationally renowned speakers on one platform to focus on ‘lifting the city’ and how it can speak with one voice to gain investment through innovation and collaboration.

Now in its 4th year, the event will kick off at the Belfast Met e3 Campus (Springfield Road) taking in Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich on day one (9 May) and moving to Titanic Belfast on day two (10 May), which will also incorporate a tour of the Crumlin Road Jail.

The conference will include a number of Northern Ireland Executive Ministers, Members of Parliament and MLAs from the Northern Ireland Assembly who will be supported by a range of business, education and civic leaders in the city.

Among the roster of speakers will be international delegates such as leading educator Rev. Joseph P. Parkes from New York and Minister Derek Mackay, MSP, Scottish Minister for Local Government and Planning.

Discussions at the event are expected to focus on how vacant sites in Belfast can be turned into wealth creators; lessons in lifting the city from other countries; investment for the future of Belfast and how we can plot out an ambitious agenda for the arts as a key driver for development. 

A number of the key sponsors of the Belfast One City Conference 2013 welcomed the launch of the event:  Sisk, Invest Northern Ireland, Deloitte and Titanic Quarter Ltd, United Airlines, Belfast City Council, Arts Council, Dalradian Resources, Translink and Phoenix Energy Holdings Ltd

David Gavaghan, Chief Executive, Titanic Quarter Ltd said:

“The theme of the conference, ‘lifting the city’, chimes with Belfast's desire to look beyond the tough economic environment of the past few years.   This conference is about building on the things that the city has achieved to date and what we can look forward to as we put the right levers in place.

"The One City Conference is key in capturing the enthusiasm and aspiration within Belfast's civic society and the business community.  The development of the connections made over the two day conference will deepen our resolve in the months and years ahead and provide the vital linkages into new networks that are essential in making things happen.

"The development of Titanic Quarter is a shining example of how ideas through vision and collaboration can create something that has contributed significantly to this city and is increasing the positive profile of Belfast on the world stage.”

Moira Loughran, Client Executive Invest Northern Ireland added:

“A focus on jobs, infrastructure and economic development is a key priority for this city as a whole. Lifting the city through developing the skills base, creating an attractive investment location and enhancing the opportunities that exist, is a significant undertaking and one which needs to be worked on and constantly developed.

"Belfast is a regional economic driver and emphasis must be placed on the nurturing and enhancement of its economic health. The One City conference brings together the people who have been responsible for its success to date and those who can assist in its future. Drawing together the right people, at the right time with a specific agenda will bring clarity of thought and action.

"The energy and promise that this conference brings is exciting and one which Invest NI is willing to support.”

To register for the Belfast One City Conference please go to www.belfastmediagroup.com/onecity