7th OCTOBER – 6th NOVEMBER 2026
DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAMME HERE
PROGRAMME
Friday 9th October
Mayo Impact – Connect, Market, Increase Income
Time: 9.30am-4pm
Location: Achill Sound Hotel
Event Organisers: South West Mayo Development Company, Údaras na Gaeltachta, Mayo North East Leader Partnership
Book here
Event Details:
Tacú le do Ghnó
Develop new income streams, utilise smart marketing and highlight your impact
Mayo Impact: Connect, Market, Increase Income is a practical and engaging Mayo Ideas Month event designed to help social enterprises grow their impact and financial sustainability. Through expert-led sessions on sales, social procurement, digital marketing, branding and storytelling, participants will gain new ideas, tools and connections to help develop income streams, reach new customers, and communicate their social impact more effectively.
Wednesday 14th October
The Confidence to Grow: What Successful Entrepreneurs Do with Self-Doubt
Time: 12.30-1.30pm
Location: Foxford Woollen Mills
Event Organisers: LEO Mayo
Event Details:
Self-doubt is more common among entrepreneurs than many realise. The difference is not whether it exists, but how we respond to it. Learn how imposter thoughts can influence decision-making, discover practical strategies for managing them, and hear first-hand how entrepreneurs are turning uncertainty into internationally successful businesses.
Thursday 15th & Friday 16th October
West x West
Time: All day
Location: The Royal Theatre, Castlebar
Event Details:
Tech, venture and cultural festival.
West X West in its 2nd year is a technology, investment and cultural festival held at the TF Royal Hotel & Theatre in Castlebar, Co. Mayo. It brings together Irish founders, entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders and cultural figures to discuss innovation, entrepreneurship, AI, business growth and the future of the West of Ireland as a hub for enterprise.
Speakers from major organisations including Google, Morgan Stanley, Revolut, Plug and Play, Delta Partners, CitySwift, Learnosity and Manna Drones.
Panel discussions on:
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Agentic AI
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Cybersecurity and digital identity
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MedTech innovation
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Scaling Irish companies internationally
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Venture capital trends and exits
Cultural events featuring prominent Irish artists and performers, including Bill Whelan, composer of Riverdance.
Purpose
The event was created to connect ambitious Irish founders with investors, mentors and global business leaders while showcasing the strengths of the West of Ireland. Organisers aim to foster meaningful business relationships, attract investment, and support the growth of Irish technology companies.
Wednesday 21st October
Building Skills Capability in SMEs Strengthening Regions
Time: 9am-2pm
Location: McWilliam Park Hotel
Event Organisers: Enterprise Ireland, LEO Mayo, West Regional Skills, ATU, Data 2 Sustain, University of Galway
By invitation only
Event Details:
Practical workshop for SME’s to help develop skills and talent within the company.
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Engage with a practical toolkit to help identify your business current and future skills needs.
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Develop a compelling Employee Value Proposition to attract and retain top talent.
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Understand some key supports and services available for upskilling your teams
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Hear insights from Fergal O’ Connor, CEO, BuyMedia on his company journey and the building of skills and talent along the way.
Friday 23rd October
Meet Mayo
Time: 9am-1pm
Location: Ballinrobe Racecourse
Event Organisers: LEO Mayo
Event Details:
Mayo’s premier business networking event. Hundreds of businesses from around Mayo come to exhibit, and browse the stands of other businesses in this bright and lively business expo. The event is free to Mayo businesses, and builds business links within the county.
Wednesday 28th October
Pathway to Innovate's "Data2Sustain Lunch & Learn"
Time: 12-1.30pm
Location: The Leeson Centre, Westport
Event Organisers: WestBIC, Platform 94, Data2Sustain
Event Details:
Pathway to Innovate programme brings you a Data2Sustain Lunch & Learn session.
Join WestBIC and the Pathway to Innovate Programme for a Lunch & Learn, on 28th October at The Leeson Centre to hear about Data2Sustain, Ireland's European Digital Innovation Hub, and learn how businesses can access the expertise, resources, and connections needed to accelerate innovation and growth through digital transformation.
Hosted by Pathway to Innovate regional partners, Platform94, along with WestBIC, this interactive session will explore the four key pillars of EDIH support:
• Test Before Invest
• Business Support & Investment
• Skills & Training
• Ecosystem of Expertise
Whether you are looking to adopt new technologies, strengthen your capabilities, or explore new opportunities for growth, the Data2Sustain team will provide valuable insights into the supports available to help turn innovative ideas into tangible outcomes.
Join us and discover how Pathway to Innovate can help connect your business with the tools, expertise, and opportunities needed to innovate with impact.
Friday 6th November
Mayo Business Awards
Time: 1-5pm
Location: Erris Coast Hotel, Geesala
Event Organisers: Mayo Chambers, LEO Mayo
Event Details:
Mayo’s gala business event, celebrating excellence in business, in its many forms. The event will be hosted by Kieran O’Malley, featuring a short video profile of all participating businesses, and a meal.
Wednesday 7th October
Jobs of the Future
Time: 9am-12noon
Location: St Mary’s Hall ATU Mayo
Event Organisers: ATU, LEO Mayo
Event Details:
Jobs of the Future and Apprenticeships Expo provides second level students in Mayo with an opportunity to interact with professionals and experts from a broad range of sectors and industries, to help them make more informed decisions on their career path.
The event is free of charge and open to senior cycle second level students, accompanying teachers and guidance counsellors. Space is limited so advance booking is required.
