President’s Annual Lunch

President’s Annual Lunch 2024

We are delighted to announce that tickets for our President’s Annual Lunch are now available. A delicious two course meal followed by an inspiring keynote presentation and engaging panel discussion.

Event Details:
Date: 28th March
Time: 12:00 – 14:00
Venue: City Hotel, Derry

This gathering serves not only as a celebration of business and leadership in the North West but also as a prime networking opportunity. With an expected audience of over 200 guests, including influential leaders across various sectors, it offers a platform to foster connections and exchange insights on the economic, political, educational, and social landscape of our region. This year’s lunch will focus on our President Greg McCann’s theme of ‘place’.

Our esteemed keynote speaker is Minister for the Economy Conor Murphy MLA. We are looking forward to hearing from the Minister about his plans for the North West in more detail, and welcome his further engagement with the Derry business community.

Following lunch, our MC Jeananne Craig will lead a fireside chat with Chair of Tourism NI, Ellvena Graham OBE, and Head of Culture at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter. 

This event is generously sponsored by AIB Merchant Services for a second consecutive year. Their support is invaluable in making this occasion a resounding success.

Keynote Speaker

Conor Murphy MLA – Minister for the Economy

Conor Murphy has been elected either as a Sinn Féin MLA or Member of Parliament for Newry and Armagh since 1998. Conor was also a Sinn Féin Councillor for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council prior to his election to the Northern Ireland Assembly. He is currently the Minister for the Economy.

Panelists

Ellvena Graham OBE – Chair of Tourism NI

Ellvena was appointed as the Chairman of Tourism NI in July 2022.  She has extensive business experience, having worked across a number of different sectors including Energy, Banking, Agri-Food, Business Tourism, Higher Education & Sport. Ellvena was awarded an OBE in the 2018 New Year’s Honours list, for contribution to the economy and advancement of women in Business.

Aeidin McCarter – Head of Culture at Derry City and Strabane District Council

Aeidin McCarter is Head of Culture at Derry City and Strabane District Council with responsibility for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Festival & Events, Museum and Visitor Services and Marketing. She has led on the development of the Tourism and Arts and Culture strategies for the City and District and delivers an extensive programme of Festival and Events and Cultural Programming throughout the City and District.

Master of Ceremonies

Jeananne Craig

Jeananne Craig is a Derry-based journalist and copywriter who has covered breaking news, politics and entertainment for the Press Association, BBC, Guardian and Sunday Times. She returned to her hometown in 2018 after more than a decade reporting in London and Dublin, with interviewees ranging from Boris Johnson to Kim Kardashian.