City to host marketing conference

The local economy is set to benefit from a windfall in excess of €600,000 next July.

It follows Cork city’s successful bid to host a major international marketing conference which will see in excess of 350 delegates attend the renowned Academy of Marketing Conference.

The conference will be hosted by UCC in July 2025 marking and it will be the first time in 10 years that the event will be held in Ireland.

Fáilte Ireland estimated that each international delegate contributes approximately €1,866 to the Irish economy, underscoring the value of this event to local businesses, hospitality, and tourism.

The conference, co-chaired by Prof. Mary McCarthy, Dr Sean Tanner, and Dr Dave Alton, is supported by Fáilte Ireland and the Cork Convention Bureau, and the event offers the Cork business community unique sponsorship and engagement opportunities, with benefits extending across the city and beyond.

International conferences like the Academy of Marketing are integral to furthering UCC’s and the broader academic community’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With the theme ‘Saints and Scholars,’ inspired by Ireland’s academic and cultural heritage, the conference will explore how marketing can help address global challenges and align business practices with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Prof. Mary McCarthy, co-chair of the conference , said: “Marketing as a discipline is uniquely positioned to influence responsible consumption, ethical branding, and sustainable supply chains. The ‘Saints and Scholars’ theme offers an opportunity for academics to reflect on how their research can contribute to addressing these global issues.”

Prof. Anthony McDonnell, Dean of Cork University Business School at UCC, emphasised the strategic importance of hosting such a prestigious event. “We are proud to host the Academy of Marketing Conference, especially as it strengthens our international reputation as we continue to work towards our goal of becoming a triple-accredited business school. Hosting events of this scale demonstrates our dedication to being a leader in business education, while also highlighting the pivotal role of research in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Critical research and debate are essential parts of our vision in shaping leaders for a sustainable future, and we’re looking forward to robust discussion when the conference comes to UCC in July 2025.”

The conference will feature leading international experts in marketing, with keynote speakers to be announced in due course. Events will include workshops, discussions, and networking sessions.

Businesses interested in sponsorship or partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact the conference organisers.

For more, see academyofmarketing.org/am2025-conference.