More than 500 female business leaders will descend on Galway tomorrow (Friday, September 18th) for the most significant gathering of business women in Ireland.
Network Ireland’s national conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards — run in partnership with AIB — will attract leaders and entrepreneurs from sectors such as STEM and technology to retail and the creative industries.
Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton TD will officially open the conference and Maria Walsh MEP will deliver an address during a particularly significant year for Ireland as it holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
And more than 100 national finalists, representing Network Ireland branches throughout the country, will compete for awards across a broad range of categories including the coveted 2026 Network Ireland Businesswomen of the Year. The winners will be announced tomorrow night at a gala dinner at the Galmont Hotel.
The theme of Network Ireland’s 2026 national conference, which will take place in the Dexcom Stadium, is “Building Bridges”. The conference programme will explore some of the defining issues facing businesses today, including cybersecurity, business fraud, artificial intelligence and the rapidly evolving impact of AI on how businesses operate, compete and grow.
Contributions from AIB, Enterprise Ireland and Vhi will bring expertise across business, finance, health, cybersecurity and technology. And some of Ireland’s most inspiring founders and business leaders will present, including an entrepreneurs’ panel with representatives from Skin Formulas, The Belle Brush and ClearTech.
A key highlight will be a fireside conversation with pharmacist, entrepreneur and founder of the FABÜ wellness range, Laura Dowling widely known as the Fabulous Pharmacist. She will share the story of building her business and brand, the lessons she has learned along the way and her experience of turning professional expertise into a successful consumer business.
The arrival of hundreds of delegates, finalists, speakers, judges and guests will also deliver a significant economic boost to Galway and the wider West of Ireland, supporting hotels, restaurants, transport providers, retailers and other local businesses.
The conference will also have a strong all-island dimension, with a delegation of participants attending from the WeGrow programme. The programme is led by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, with Women in Business NI and Network Ireland serving as its delivery partners.
Karen Ronan, National President of Network Ireland, said:
“Galway has always been a place of creativity, innovation and enterprise, and it is enormously exciting to welcome 500 ambitious and accomplished businesswomen to the city. Hosting an event of this scale brings a real economic benefit to Galway and the wider western region, while also giving us an opportunity to showcase the exceptional innovation ecosystem that exists here.
“Our finalists reflect the extraordinary breadth of female talent in Ireland today. We are honoured that Minister Hildegarde Naughton will deliver our opening address and that Maria Walsh MEP will join us during such an important year for Ireland in Europe. Both women have consistently championed opportunity, education, leadership and the advancement of women, and their contributions will strongly reflect our theme of ‘Building Bridges’.
“This year’s conference is firmly focused on the future. Artificial intelligence offers enormous opportunities for businesses, but it also brings disruption, new responsibilities and heightened cybersecurity and fraud risks. We want our members to leave Galway inspired by the possibilities ahead, but also equipped with practical insights that they can bring back into their businesses”
AIB, Network Ireland’s longstanding official partner, will once again support the national conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards. Geraldine Casey, Managing Director, Retail Banking at AIB said:
“AIB is proud to continue its partnership with Network Ireland and to support the 2026 National Conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards. Both events will demonstrate the innovation, resilience and ambition of women in business across Ireland, and their contribution is felt within their companies, their communities and the wider economy.
“Bringing 500 businesswomen together in Galway creates an important opportunity to exchange knowledge, build relationships and celebrate achievement. We look forward to recognising this year’s outstanding finalists and celebrating with them in Galway.”