7.40am – 8.30am

Morning Networking Breakfast

Grab a croissant and a coffee and see who’s around!

8.40am – 8.45am

Welcome And Introductory Remarks

Don’t wander far as the short introduction will set up the day for all in attendance.

8.45am – 9.15am

10 Youth Marketing Trends in Food, Drink & Retail

Jane McDaid, Founder & Head of Creative Innovation, Thinkhouse

Targeting the youth market as part of your brand and digital marketing strategy involves more than sprinkling your content with buzz words or partnering with the latest Gen Z influencer. Effective marketing and brand futureproofing involves strategically analysing why your brand should engage with younger generations and developing tactics to do this effectively. THINKHOUSE founder Jane McDaid will help you understand the secrets of how some of the world's most successful brands remain relevant, generation after generation.

9.20am – 9.50am

Route to Growth 2025: Insights for Brands and Retailers

David Berry, Country Manager – Ireland, NielsenIQ

David’s presentation will look at the FMCG landscape across Europe, identifying its current status and key trends, and will compare it to the local marketplace here in Ireland. He will then look at the future outlook and prospects for growth, with a particular focus on three key areas – the changing consumer, evolving routes to market, and trends and themes for brands to capitalise on.

9.50am – 10.10am

Networking Break

How has the morning been? Have a break and a chat with other attendees, exchanging ideas and enjoying discussions.

10.10am – 10.40am

Panel Discussion – Retail Media & Artificial Intelligence

• Alan Russell, Head of AI & Automation, Musgrave Group
• Avril O’Hehir, CFO & CIO, Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland
• Sylvia Cawley, Head of dunnhumby Ireland

10.45am – 11.15am

Leading the Future

John Moane, Group Chief Executive, BWG Group

Having recently taken over as Group Chief Executive of BWG, John Moane will share his personal ambitions for the BWG business under his leadership, provide insight into the ethos and approach that has led BWG to becoming a €2 billion company, and his perspective on current market dynamics that will define the future of retailing in Ireland. John will also showcase key aspects of BWG’s new strategy for SPAR Ireland, including how SPAR intends to continue to lead the convenience market into the future through category defining innovation, sophisticated digital solutions and best-in-class store experiences.

11.15am – 11.35am

Networking Break

Another chance to unwind, chat and reflect.

11.35am – 12.05pm

Panel Discussion – FMCG

• Sarah Ferguson, General Manager, CEE, Med & Nordics, Kellogg’s
• Brian Malone, Commercial Director, Off Trade, Heineken Ireland
• Tom Gannon, Entrepeneur, Slicey Pizza Company, Tipperary Water & Finches
• Niall McGrath, Entrepeneur, Slicey Pizza Company
• Malachy O'Connor, Founder and Lead Consultant, Food First Consulting (Moderator)

12.10pm – 12.45pm

Maxol’s Response to Changing Market and Consumer Behaviours in Ireland

Brian Donaldson, CEO, The Maxol Group

Brian will explain the strategy and approach that Maxol has taken to reposition the business from being a traditional fuels-centric company to a convenience-led retail offer. As a brand that has traditionally been known as a fuel provider, Brian will outline the way in which Maxol is shifting the dial and changing consumers’ perception of the brand.

12.45pm – 1.15pm

Marketing Your Brand Using the Entire Marketing Mix’

Conor Kilduff, CEO, Love Irish Food

After 38 years of marketing brands and driving brand growth, Conor shares some lessons that he has learned along the way. These include the importance of managing the entire marketing mix, managing your proposition carefully and consistently – and of accounting for marketing as a business investment that generates long term return.

1.15pm – 2.30pm

Lunch

Finally, time to relax, reflect, and discuss the day with fellow industry professionals!