Business Diary: NICVA Summit Date Confirmed

NICVA Summit

The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) hosts its flagship summit on June 10 at ICC Belfast amid growing pressures on voluntary organisations. The event will bring together hundreds of leaders, practitioners, and decision makers from across the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, alongside partners from government and the business sector.

It comes at a critical moment for the sector, as organisations face increasing financial and operational pressures, alongside rising demand for services in communities across Northern Ireland. The NICVA Summit will provide a timely opportunity to share insight, highlight impact, and explore collective responses to the challenges ahead.

Hosted by broadcaster Sarah Travers, the one-day event will build on the success of the inaugural NICVA Summit held in 2024, which attracted widespread engagement and was praised for its practical focus and collaborative approach.

The programme will feature a keynote address from Matt Whittaker, chief executive of Pro Bono Economics, alongside a diverse line-up of guest speakers, panel discussions, interactive member-led workshops, and engagement hubs. Delegates will have the opportunity to hear from sector experts, connect with peers, and contribute to conversations shaping the future of the industry in Northern Ireland.

Motor Industry Awards

The Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards in partnership with Used Cars NI have opened for entries for 2026, marking the fourth year of the region’s premier event celebrating automotive excellence. The gala awards ceremony will return to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast, on Friday November 6.

The 2026 awards will see the return of Sandy Burgess, former CEO of the Scottish Motor Trade Association, as head judge. Sandy will lead an expert panel in evaluating entries across 23 categories, recognising excellence in retail, service, innovation, and individual achievement across the local automotive sector.

A key highlight for 2026 is the return of the Lifetime Achievement Award, with the winner selected by the judging panel. Reserved for individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on the industry in Northern Ireland, this prestigious accolade is presented every other year, making its return a highly anticipated moment for the motoring community.

Entrants have until Monday August 3, to submit their nominations and showcase their achievements. To find out more and submit an entry, visit https://nimotorindustryawards.com/

Manufacturing Month

Manufacturing Month, the flagship initiative in Northern Ireland’s business and economic calendar, returns throughout May with an ambitious programme designed to celebrate, support, and challenge the manufacturing sector. Led by Manufacturing NI and supported by the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), Barclays, KPMG, Mills Selig, Reliance Automation, Vickerstock, and Carbonfit, the month-long campaign will showcase the strength, innovation, and leadership that have positioned the region’s manufacturing base as a global success story.

Throughout the month, businesses, policy-makers, educators, and industry stakeholders will come together to highlight the sector’s vital contribution to the economy and society. The 2026 programme (www.manufacturingmonthni.com) will culminate in the sector’s premier leadership forum, the Anchor High Leadership Summit on Thursday May 28, followed by the Manufacturing NI Hall of Fame Awards, recognising exceptional leaders who have made a lasting contribution to Northern Ireland’s industrial landscape.

Across the month, a wide-ranging programme of activity will include industry round-tables, the ‘Meet the Makers’ podcast series, business delegations, community engagement events, and a coordinated media and digital campaign. Together, these initiatives will spotlight the companies and people shaping the future of manufacturing while promoting the sector as a modern and rewarding career path.

Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s economy, driving productivity, underpinning exports, and leading innovation, skills development, and the transition to a more sustainable, net zero future.

Chamber Entrepreneurship Event

Nick Boyle, founder of one of the UK and Ireland’s fastest-growing renewable energy companies, will be keynote speaker at Belfast Chamber’s ‘Go Big or Go Home’ entrepreneurship event, which will take place from 4pm-7pm on May 7 at Ulster Bank’s city centre headquarters in Donegall Square East.

Delivered in partnership with Belfast City Council and Ulster Bank, the event will bring together the city’s most ambitious founders, investors and innovation leaders for an insight-driven programme focused on scaling, investment and global growth.

As keynote speaker, Mr Boyle will draw on his experience of co-founding Lightsource and scaling it into one of the world’s leading solar energy developers, completing a multi-million pound full acquisition with BP in 2024. His address will offer a candid perspective on building at pace, securing investment and navigating the realities of high-growth entrepreneurship.

The programme will explore the full entrepreneurial journey, from early-stage momentum through to Series B and beyond, offering a candid look at the strategies, decisions and leadership challenges that define each phase of growth. Attendees will gain valuable insight into the funding landscape, from equity investment to traditional finance, alongside a clearer understanding of how investors assess opportunities and what makes a business stand out.

For further information and to register, visit: belfastchamber.com/events/go-big-or-go-home-celebrating-local-entrepreneurs/

Science Blast Belfast

Northern Ireland’s science, technology and education sectors will take centre stage at this year’s ESB Science Blast Belfast showcase at ICC Belfast on May 5, with a strong line-up of organisations demonstrating how STEM is driving innovation across the economy.

The event will feature interactive exhibits from the Ulster Museum, Marble Arch Caves, Kainos, Armagh Planetarium, W5, NI Water and NI Fire & Rescue, highlighting the breadth of STEM capability across heritage, environmental science and digital technology.

The showcase forms part of one of Ireland’s largest STEM engagement programmes, which will welcome more than 17,000 students this year and surpassed the milestone of 100,000 participants since its launch.

Since launching in 2010 as the RDS Primary Science Fair, and evolving into ESB Science Blast in 2019, the initiative has engaged pupils from across all 32 counties, connecting classroom learning with real-world industry.

Distinct from traditional science competitions, ESB Science Blast is non-competitive, with every participating class receiving feedback and recognition. The programme maintains near gender parity and supports DEIS schools and Irish-medium education, widening participation in STEM.

With global industries increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, climate innovation and advanced technologies, the Belfast showcase underlines Northern Ireland’s role in nurturing the next generation of talent and strengthening the future skills pipeline.

Women in Tech Awards

Entries are now open between for Northern Ireland’s 2026 Women in Tech Awards, which is inviting the sector’s best-in-class to put themselves or a colleague forward before the deadline of Monday May 11. Hosted by Women in Business at the Europa Hotel on June 19, this year’s ceremony features a new Software Engineer of the Year category and is set to welcome more than 300 delegates from across the north’s tech industry at a time of continuing growth.

A study by Optisearch published this year showed Belfast has a tech job demand rate of 3.7%, the second highest in the UK, driven by key growth sectors including creative technology, cybersecurity, AI, and the life and health sciences.

Women in Business director Caroline Coyle said: “As the only awards of its kind here in Northern Ireland, it’s a real privilege to celebrate those women making a demonstrable impact on what continues to be such a vibrant and dynamic industry. This is the fifth edition of our Women in Tech Awards, and it remains a key fixture on the business calendar for platforming tech’s women leaders within a sector where the scales of gender balance have for too long been tipped against them.”

Alongside headliner Vanrath, supporting sponsors of this year’s showcase include Version 1, Pytilia, IQ&Co., and Allstate NI. For more details on entry visit: https://www.womeninbusinessni.com/events/women-in-tech-awards

Workplace Wellbeing Conference

Medical doctor and TV presenter Dr Ranj Singh will feature as keynote speaker at the 2026 Healthy Working Lives conference, Northern Ireland’s largest workplace wellbeing event, run by Business in the Community and taking place at the Galgorm Resort on Wednesday June 3. Hosted by BBC health correspondent Marie‑Louise Connolly, the half‑day conference will bring together leading voices from across the business and health sectors and is delivered in partnership with key sponsor Britvic Ireland and supporting partner Henderson Group.

Attracting more than 170 HR professionals, operational managers, and workplace wellbeing practitioners, this annual event provides a powerful platform for employers to connect, learn, and explore forward-looking strategies for creating healthier, more resilient workplaces.

Keynote speaker Dr Ranj Singh will bring his extensive experience to explore the growing importance of empathy, openness, and leadership in building healthier workplaces. Interactive breakout sessions will address key wellbeing themes including: equipping managers to understand and confidently discuss menstrual health; simple strategies for integrating movement into the workday; how compassionate leadership drives trust and reduces burnout; and building inclusive workplaces through cultural competency.

The programme will include perspectives from leading organisations such as Bank of Ireland, Fujitsu and Henderson Group, and delegates will have the opportunity to network with peers and receive a special Elemis gift bag at the end of the event. To reserve your place, please visit www.bitcni.org.uk/HWL

CIPD Awards

The search is on to find Northern Ireland’s top HR talent and employers leading the way in driving better jobs, workplaces and investment in their people. It follows the launch of the 2026 CIPD Awards, taking place on October 1 in Titanic Belfast, the region’s biggest celebration of HR excellence, recognising the outstanding achievements of HR professionals and people teams who are delivering impactful initiatives to build high-performing, productive and healthy workforces.

Free to enter and open to all organisations - regardless of sector or size - the Northern Ireland awards attract around 400 delegates each year. With 11 categories, the initiative recognises individuals, teams and inspiring initiatives that are shaping better work and working lives.

It included two new categories for 2026, recognising the factors shaping the world of work. They are: Best in AI, technology and workforce transformation; and Best consultancy or strategic partnership. There is also a highly acclaimed accolade for Outstanding contribution in the field of people development in Northern Ireland. Last year, this award went to Don Leeson, former chief executive of the Labour Relations Agency.

The deadline to enter the MCS Group-sponsored awards is June 19. For more details go to https://northernirelandhrawards.cipd.org/

Coalisland Summer Bash

The Coalisland Summer Bash returns to the town on Sunday May 17. The free family event, organised by Mid-Ulster District Council, will take place at the Shared Space, Lineside from 10.30am – 1pm to coincide with the annual Newell Stores 10k and 5k run.

During the event, visitors, runners and supporters can enjoy a host of free family friendly activities including face painting, walkabout characters, large games and the return of the very popular bubble bike with hundreds of bubbles a minute.

On stage, Stevie King will welcome and entertain families along with live music from Frank McKernan, The Solo Set; Coalisland Clonoe Comhaltas, and dance performances from JD Dance. For more information on the Coalisland Summer Bash go to: www.midulstercouncil.org/summerbash.

Fleadh Trader Opportunities

Belfast City Council has highlighted a range of upcoming opportunities for local businesses and independent traders at this summer’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. With over 800,000 people expected to enjoy the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture from Sunday August 2 to Sunday August 9, a dedicated food village in the grounds of St Anne’s Cathedral will offer visitors from around the world a flavour of the city’s thriving food scene and high-quality local produce, as they refuel and relax between competitions, sessions and events.

Recruitment of food and drink traders, managed by the appointed operator, will open shortly. Details will be available from the council website and social media channels, as well as industry partners. St George’s Market has also been confirmed as opening for the duration of the festival (10am to 5pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 10pm Thursday to Sunday). It will offer live traditional music, food and craft stalls and accessible seating, as well as additional space for traders in neighbouring Verner Street.

Stalls will be offered to existing traders at the market, with an open call to fill any remaining spaces. Opportunities will be advertised via the council’s website and social media channels in May. A limited number of temporary street trading opportunities are also planned for three streets in the heart of the proposed pedestrianised area in Belfast city centre, at High Street, Bridge Street and Royal Avenue.

Businesses, vendors and entrepreneurs can apply online at belfastcity.gov.uk/fleadh from Monday April 20 until Friday May 29. Sites will be available on each day of the festival for vendors selling arts and crafts, artisan products, high-quality souvenirs and a limited amount of food and soft drinks. Full criteria and fees are available now on the council website.

Young Leaders Conference

The Young Leaders Conference returns to Riddel Hall in Belfast on Friday June 12, with entrepreneur and Untapped podcast host Spencer Matthews confirmed as this year’s keynote speaker. Now in its 13th year, with Carson McDowell returning as headline sponsor, the conference is recognised as one of the north’s leading events for young professionals, attracting attendees from across industry keen to progress their careers and expand their networks.

Each year, the conference delivers practical leadership insights, real-world experience, and access to influential speakers shaping business today. This year, David Meade returns to host the event, which will also feature Dr Hannah Crithlow, internationally acclaimed neuroscientist, broadcaster and tech commentator, with further speakers to be announced soon.

The conference is supported by a strong line‑up of partners - headline sponsor Carson McDowell, alongside Vanrath, Bank of Ireland, Oasis Travel and AAB. Queen’s University Belfast will once again sponsor the prestigious Young Leader of the Year Award. Organised by a voluntary committee of leaders from across sectors, the Young Leaders Conference offers a full day of keynote sessions, panel discussions and networking opportunities. Early bird tickets are now available at www.youngleadersni.co.uk.

Free Fraud Awareness Events

Bank of Ireland has launched a series of free fraud awareness events across the north for consumers as part of its commitment to safeguarding the financial wellbeing of its customers. Events have been confirmed to take lace from 10am-noon in Glengormley (May 8), Enniskillen (May 15), Bangor (May 29), and Magherafelt (June 12), with future events planned, ensuring customers and local consumers in every county have an opportunity to attend an event.

The new series of free to attend drop in events are one element of the bank’s comprehensive consumer fraud awareness programme which is designed to educate and inform consumers on how they can protect themselves from financial criminals. In addition to providing immediate support to consumers, Bank of Ireland has partnered with Victim Support, recognising that the harm caused by fraudsters often goes beyond the immediate financial impacts.

Procurement Workshop

Reveal Business is hosting a training course on Wednesday May 20 at Linenhall Street in Belfast entitled Practical Procurement To Deliver Cost Savings Workshop. Volatile, challenging times are difficult for many businesses right now. So finding cost and operational savings could be the best way to improve your bottom line, boost profits and the valuation of your business.

This workshop has been developed to give procurement and purchasing individuals the skills, techniques and tools to deliver savings and improve business performance; analyse costs, pricing, and data effectively; and manage risk and negotiate better outcomes. Procurement specialist Justin McGorman will outline practical best-practice purchasing and procurement strategies that can be applied and implemented immediately.

The course will also focus on ‘time and resources’ and how we free up people so they can pursue value-added activities. For more details or to book directly email: justin@revealbusiness.co.uk or visit Eventbrite: https://lnkd.in/eFM4dkY7

Women in Business Entrepreneurs Conference

The only all-island female conference for entrepreneurs returns for its 10th year this June with AIB back as title sponsor. Taking place on June 4 at the Carrickdale Hotel in Dundalk, the 2026 Women in Business All-Island Female Entrepreneurs Conference will welcome more than 300 women-led business owners from across the island on for a focused full-day event of empowerment and entrepreneurial collaboration.

Following a sell-out crowd last year, the event will focus on the theme ‘Keeping it Real’, with Laura Tenison MBE, founder of JoJo Maman Bebe, confirmed as keynote speaker alongside conference host Caroline O’Neill. The event also sees the return of the popular marketplace, where women business owners have the chance to showcase their wares to industry peers and support organisations.

Attendees will hear the latest insights and lived experiences of entrepreneurship across the island and beyond, with key topics to be explored including access to finances, expanding into new markets and the wider business support ecosystem. For more event details visit womeninbusinessni.com/events

Hummingbird Awards

Entries have officially opened for the 2026 Northern Ireland Hummingbird Awards, with employers across the regional being urged to showcase their leadership in equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) at a time when workplace culture has become a defining factor in attracting and retaining talent. Following a sold-out inaugural year, the awards return to Belfast City Hall on Thursday May 28 to recognise the organisations and leaders driving measurable progress and meaningful change across Northern Ireland.

With the local labour market remaining highly competitive, EDI has evolved from a reputational consideration into a strategic business priority. The 10 categories for 2026 reflect modern corporate social responsibility (CSR) and HR excellence, including diverse employer of the year, workplace EDI champion, and innovation in accessibility. Submissions are now open for the public, private, and third sectors, with organisations encouraged to demonstrate measurable impact, clear strategy and meaningful cultural change.

For entry forms, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket information, visit: www.nihummingbirdawards.com.feature three high-profile keynote speakers whose work spans urban planning, culture and innovation.

Learning Endeavour Awards

Open College Network’s eighth Learning Endeavour Awards, which recognise and celebrate the achievements of learners and their training providers by showcasing the power of learning to transform lives for the better, will take place at Titanic Belfast on June 23. Unique within Northern Ireland’s education and training landscape, the awards bring together learners and educators from schools, further education colleges, private training providers, and community and voluntary organisations.

The event highlights the dedication, resilience and personal growth of individuals who have pursued OCN qualifications. OCN chief executive Martin Flynn said: “These awards continue to grow in scale and impact. We are thrilled to return once again to the iconic Titanic Suite at Titanic Belfast, which will provide an inspirational backdrop for a celebration of Northern Ireland’s learners and educators.”

OCN Recognised learning centres across Northern Ireland are now invited to submit nominations for their exceptional learners. Nomination forms are available now via OCN’s website https://ocnni.org.uk/learner-awards until 4pm on Tuesday April 7.

Power of Influence

A cult survivor will speak for the first time at event in Belfast on May 27 exploring the power of influence from the dark edges of society and discuss how this can often shape business decisions, societal thoughts and attitudes. Psychotherapist, author and cult survivor Petra Velzeboer is one of the featured speakers at Mind Ctrl, a new event exploring the psychology of influence and human behaviour.

Taking place at W5 Belfast, it will bring together marketers, business leaders and behavioural thinkers to better understand how influence works and how it shapes the way people think, decide and act. Velzeboer, whose work focuses on mental health, behaviour and leadership, brings a unique perspective shaped by her upbringing inside a religious cult before leaving in her twenties. Today she works with organisations around the world to help leaders understand human behaviour, resilience and the power of belief systems.

At Mind Ctrl she will explore how influence operates within groups and cultures, and what marketers and leaders can learn from the psychological dynamics that shape collective thinking. The event has been created by marketing strategist and Big Marketing Meet-Up founder Treena Clarke, who says the aim is to open up a deeper conversation about influence, a force that sits at the heart of marketing, leadership and culture.

Alongside Velzeboer, the event will feature a diverse line-up of speakers exploring influence from different angles, including behavioural experts, marketing thinkers and industry leaders who will share insights into persuasion, decision-making and human behaviour. Andy Lambert is the author of Spheres of Influence, focusing on the mechanics of everyday influence. Dr Stephen Herron from Queens University will reveal how many of the tactics used by radical extremist groups mirror familiar marketing principles. Closing the event is Carl Millar, a technologist whose work includes examining the role of misinformation in amplifying influence at scale.

Tickets are now on sale at www.mind-ctrl.com

Ready, Set, Runway!

The popular 5K Runway Run return to Belfast City Airport in June, supported by principal sponsor Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure. Taking place on Wednesday June 10, the night-time event gives runners the rare opportunity to complete a 5K race along the runway at Belfast City Airport while raising funds to support Air Ambulance NI’s life-saving emergency medical service.

With places limited to 550 participants, runners of all abilities are encouraged to sign up early to avoid disappointment. Air Ambulance NI relies entirely on public donations, requiring £3 million each year to remain operational, and last year’s event raised more than £55,000. Participants will receive a branded technical running top, a bespoke finisher’s medal, chip-timed race results, complimentary onsite parking, pre-race warm-up and post-race refreshments, as well as dedicated fundraising support.

Prizes will also be awarded to the top three male and female finishers, alongside a special prize for the highest fundraiser. Registration is open now: airambulanceni.org/belfast-runway-run/

Impact Players Conference

Impact Players, a major women’s leadership and high-performance conference, is returning to Belfast this spring, bringing together some of the most influential voices in sport, business, psychology and culture. The event will unite more than 500 leaders, founders, executives and emerging talent for a one-day experience designed to accelerate confidence, influence and career impact, aligning with Belfast’s designation as a European City of Sport for 2026.

Impact Players will take place in Belfast on Tuesday May 12 with the speaker line-up bringing together a remarkable blend of household names, elite athletes, leading thinkers and performance experts who span sport, media, business and leadership. Tickets for the event are available at https://impact.rebootandreturn.com/