High Hopes for CORKMEET 2009 - International Business Networking Forum Officially Launched at Vertigo Suite, Cork County Hall

09 September 2009

CORKMEET 2009 celebrated its Official Launch at Vertigo, Cork County Hall on Tuesday 8th September, with over 150 guests in attendance, including dignitaries and people from the Cork City and County business communities.

Funded and organised by Trading Link Cork (a partnership for business between Cork County Council, Cork County and City Enterprise Boards and Cork Chamber), CORKMEET 2009 will provide a platform, over three days from November 11th to 13th, for Cork businesses to network with international and national businesses and business organisations. Networking through a full day of pre-arranged one-to-one meetings will be complimented by seminars and social events to enhance the networking opportunities for participating businesses.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr. Derry Canty, Cork County Mayor said: "Tonight we launch an event that not only is a first of its kind, of such a scale to be held in Cork, it is a first for Ireland and will be a proactive and innovative approach to help kick start our economic recovery." He added "CORKMEET communicates that we in Cork want to show our resilience and tenacity, planting the green shoots of recovery and creating an air of positivity and proactiveness that we hope will resonate throughout Ireland."

Martin Riordan, Cork County Manager spoke about the commitment to the Cork business community, demonstrated through CORKMEET and through other initiatives of the County Council. "Cork County Council have been involved in organising international business missions for the past number of years through our Economic Development Department.  With our partners in Trading Link Cork we have collectively invested considerable resources to provide a myriad of opportunities to market the Cork Region as a vibrant and ideal place to do business."

While, Sean O'Sullivan, CEO South Cork Enterprise Board (SCEB) explained the origins of CORKMEET and Trading Link Cork and why the partners are so committed to this new initiative. "We have firsthand experience of how successful these types of events have worked for businesses overseas and we believe that the decision to host CORKMEET 2009 will help bringing the experience home to the Cork business community."

Formally launching CORKMEET 2009, Minister for Trade & Commerce, Mr. Billy Kelleher TD said "It is very encouraging to see the pro-active approach of the Partner organisations involved in staging such a business initiative.  At a time when it appears more difficult than ever to trade, it is opportune that a platform is being laid down to support business.  Not only will Cork business have the opportunity to trade amongst themselves, but also with businesses throughout Ireland, along with offering international leads that may foster long term benefits.  With exports in the first half of 2009 having exceeded the same period in 2008, this is a very appropriate time to hold such an event and try and build on this."

The Irish Examiner, who are the Media Partner for CORKMEET 2009 were also represented at the launch. 

Up to 350 businesses will be participating in this event from 11th to 13th November in Cork, looking beyond the traditional promotional activities and making direct contact with potential Irish and international clients, developing new business links, and learning more about doing business internationally, from the experts in both formal and informal settings. Expected attendees will include Irish and International Companies from all Sectors; representatives of Irish and International Business Networks; Irish Public Sector Buyers; Micro-enterprises, Small and Medium-sized Companies; as well as Large Companies and Multinationals.

A subsidised fee for participants is €120 plus VAT per person, which includes the three days of events, all refreshments including Dinner on Thursday 12th November. An on-line registration system allows company representatives to create a unique company profile and request meetings with potential partners at the event's One-to-One Business Meetings on Thursday 12th November. Anyone interested in registering for CORKMEET 2009 should do so as soon as possible as spaces are limited and already there is strong on-line activity.  To register, or for up to the minute information on CORKMEET 2009, visit www.corkmeet.ie or call (026) 20520.