Almost 500 healthcare professionals from over 16 countries have returned to Ireland to meet and share ideas as part of RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences' annual alumni conference. RCSI's Alumni Gathering is taking place at the university's Dublin city campus from now until Saturday 20 August, and includes former students from 2020, 2021 and 2022, making it the largest gathering of RCSI alumni in the university's history. Fáilte Ireland estimates the event is worth €800,000 to the Irish economy.
Details
The event is supported by Fáilte Ireland through its Conference Ambassador Programme, which sees the national tourism development authority work with individuals, academics and industry experts to bring high-level international conferences and events to Ireland.
Since 2009, Fáilte Ireland has supported over 3,000 ambassadors to bid to host their international conferences in Ireland worth in excess of €1 billion. This revenue is not only a significant contributor to the Irish business tourism industry, but has an enormous impact on the wider tourism ecosystem. 45% of the revenue generated from these international conferees goes to non-tourism suppliers such as venues, AV companies and furniture hire while the remaining 55% goes to the wider tourism industry such as accommodation, transport, and food and beverage.
Statements
Recognising the importance of industry expertise in attracting association conferences, Fáilte Ireland's head of commercial development, Paul Mockler, said, "Fáilte Ireland's Conference Ambassador Programme has been one of the key drivers of success for Ireland as a business tourism destination. Through the programme, our business tourism team identifies influencers across a range of disciplines and encourages them to bring an international conference to Ireland. International business conferences are not only lucrative in terms of generating significant revenue for regions across the country, they also position Ireland as a recognised centre of innovation and excellence in a range of fields. In the first half of this year, Fáilte Ireland has already secured 232 business events and conferences worth €89.6 million to the economy which will take place between 2025 and 2027.
"As part of this work, our team was pleased to work with the RCSI team on their alumni conference which we estimate to be worth €800,000 for the Irish economy. The high-profile delegates attending the conference further reinforces Ireland’s status as a powerhouse in the sector of medical sciences, and the strong connection they have maintained with RCSI and with Dublin as the city where they began their journey as healthcare professionals."
Aíne Gibbons, director of development & alumni relations, RCSI, said, "After two exceptionally challenging years for healthcare professionals, we are delighted to welcome RCSI alumni from across the world back to Dublin for what promises to be an exciting weekend of celebration and connection. Gathering to reunite with classmates is an important RCSI tradition, reflecting the deep sense of community felt by these healthcare professions, each united by their time spent at RCSI.
"In many diverse healthcare settings, our alumni have been at the forefront of the global response to the pandemic. We are immensely proud of what they have achieved, and their commitment to excellence in patient-centred care. Generations of RCSI alumni have dedicated their lives to addressing the healthcare needs of populations across 98 countries of the world. They are remarkable role models for RCSI students today and those who aspire to a career in service of improving patient outcomes."
Additional Information
A key focus of RCSI's alumni gathering is the scientific meeting, which will run across the three days and features 30 alumni speakers presenting on a range of diverse medical topics. In addition to this, alumni will have a chance to network and socialise at the various functions and tours that have been organised. A special aspect was the Jubilee Celebration on Thursday 18 August, at which alumni who graduated over 50 and 60 years ago were honoured and acknowledged by the university.
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