Galway hosts one of Ireland’s largest gathering of businesswomen

GALWAY is set to welcome over 500 female business leaders for the Network Ireland’s National Conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards.

Organised in partnership with AIB, the event is expected to attract leaders and entrepreneurs from various sectors, such as STEM and technology to retail and the creative industries.

Hosted at the Dexcom Stadium, the conference will focus on the theme ‘Building Bridges’ examining some of the key challenges and opportunities facing businesses today.

The conference will be officially opened by Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton TD on Friday (Sept 17) while Midlands-Northwest MEP Maria Walsh will address the delegates as well.

More than 100 national finalists, representing Network Ireland branches throughout the country, competing for the awards across a broad range of categories including the prestigious 2026 Network Ireland Businesswomen of the Year.

The winners for the awards will be announced at a gala dinner at the Galmont Hotel.

Attendees will hear from a number of leading figures in Irish business, with contributions from AIB, Enterprise Ireland and VHI.

Among the keynote speakers is Pharmacist, entrepreneur and founder of the FABÜ wellness range, Laura Dowling, also known as the Fabulous Pharmacist.

“Hosting an event of this scale brings a real economic benefit to Galway and the wider western region,” said Karen Ronan, National President of Network Ireland.

“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,” she added.