The unprecedented challenges faced by our members this year as a result of the economic downturn demonstrate that no profession is secure, no company is safe. Understandably, our members look to their Institute to offer direction and business solutions in this difficult time. The need for practical, easily transferable lessons were core to the planning of this year's conference.
We have chosen the theme 'Inspiring Confidence' for this year's conference. While opinions diverge as to the cause of the current Irish difficulties, there is consensus that only a resurgent enterprise and business environment can lead us back to economic recovery. There is a need now to focus on the positive and that is what we want this conference to do.
We have carefully selected the plenary speakers to inspire, motivate and send you away with plenty of ideas. In welcoming Ivan Yates, David McWilliams and Gavin Duffy to Galway in May, we are fortunate to have speakers that combine economic knowledge with years of experience in business, allowing them to understand the challenges faced by many members.
We have listened to feedback and evolved the popular 3 stream approach - business, practice and tax - to place stronger emphasis on practical and technical information.
Following very positive feedback from members in relation to last year's event, our 2009 conference returns to the ever-popular Radisson Hotel, Galway. The great attendance at last year's conference - 420 members across business and practice - ensured the conference retained its unique social and business networking environment. In addition to the many hours of CPD you can obtain from the conference, the elaborate and exciting Gala Dinner is a time to catch up with old friends and make new ones. This year promises to be no exception.
Such a large event would not be possible without our sponsors too and we invite you all to visit their stands over the course of the two days. We look forward to welcoming you at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Galway in May.
For more information or to book your place online please visit www.icai.ie/annualconference