Laois Business Summit 2026: Ireland’s Leading Entrepreneurs Coming to Portlaoise, Book Your Tickets Today!
Some of Ireland’s most recognisable business leaders are coming to Portlaoise on Friday, October 23rd, and Laois GAA is inviting businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals from across the Midlands to be part of a special afternoon of inspiration, networking and opportunity.
The Laois Business Summit 2026, held in association with Laois GAA, takes place at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise, bringing together successful entrepreneurs, company founders and business leaders to share their experiences, insights and lessons from the world of business.
Hosted by renowned entrepreneur and broadcaster Bobby Kerr, the summit will feature an exceptional line-up of speakers, a three-course meal, valuable networking opportunities, entertainment and a special auction featuring exciting prizes.
Tickets are now available at http://www.laoisbusinesssummit.ie, priced at €250 per person or €2,250 for a corporate table of 10.
Meet the Business Leaders Who Will Share Their Stories
The Laois Business Summit offers attendees an opportunity to hear directly from some of Ireland’s most successful business figures.
Taking the stage will be:
- Bobby Kerr, renowned entrepreneur, broadcaster and former Chairman of Insomnia Coffee Company, who will host proceedings.
- Louise Phelan, PayPal, an experienced international business leader with extensive knowledge of leadership, business development and organisational success.
- Kevin O’Loughlin, Nostra, a leading Irish technology entrepreneur who has helped build one of the country’s established IT services businesses.
- David McKernan, Java Republic, founder of the well-known Irish coffee company, bringing insights into entrepreneurship, innovation and brand development.
- Áine Kennedy, The Smooth Company, the entrepreneur behind a growing Irish beauty and haircare brand.
- Cullen Allen, Cully & Sully, co-founder of the successful Irish food brand, offering insight into building and developing a business.
Through engaging conversations, these industry leaders will explore the stories behind their businesses, including the early ideas, major decisions, obstacles and opportunities that shaped their success.
For anyone running a business, managing a team or considering their next professional move, the summit provides a valuable chance to learn from those who have successfully navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship and leadership.
More Than a Business Conference, An Afternoon of Connections and Opportunities
The Laois Business Summit is designed to deliver more than inspirational speeches.
It is an opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas and establish connections that could open doors for businesses across Laois and the Midlands.
Business owners, employers, entrepreneurs and professionals from a wide range of industries will have the opportunity to meet, network and learn from one another in a welcoming environment.
The programme combines insightful speaker discussions with a three-course dining experience, allowing attendees to enjoy both the formal presentations and the networking opportunities throughout the afternoon.
Whether you are hoping to grow your company, strengthen existing relationships, meet potential clients or simply gain a fresh perspective on business leadership, the summit offers something for everyone.
For companies across the Midlands, booking a corporate table also presents an excellent opportunity to bring colleagues, business partners or clients together for a memorable afternoon.
What’s Happening at the Laois Business Summit?
The afternoon has been carefully structured to provide a balance of business insights, networking, dining and entertainment.
Friday, October 23rd, Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| 12:00pm | Registration and networking |
| 1:00pm | Starter |
| 1:30pm | First round of speakers |
| 2:15pm | Main course |
| 2:45pm | Second round of speakers |
| 3:30pm | Dessert, tea and coffee |
| 4:00pm | Special auction |
| 4:30pm | Event concludes ate. |
From the opening networking session through to the closing auction, the programme offers attendees multiple opportunities to connect, learn and enjoy the occasion.
Special Auction with Rugby Legend Mick Galwey
Adding to the excitement, former Munster and Ireland rugby international Mick Galwey will host a special auction.
The auction will feature sought-after prizes, including All-Ireland final tickets, Electric Picnic tickets and much more.
It promises to provide an entertaining conclusion to an afternoon celebrating business excellence and community connections.
Laois GAA Connecting Sport, Business and Community
The Laois Business Summit also highlights the important relationship between business and sport.
Successful businesses and successful sporting teams share many of the same characteristics, including leadership, teamwork, resilience, innovation and the determination to overcome challenges.
Throughout County Laois, local companies play a vital role in supporting communities, creating employment and contributing to sporting organisations.
By bringing the business community together, the summit aims to strengthen existing relationships, encourage fresh collaboration and provide a platform for new connections across the county and wider Midlands region.
Laois means business, and the Laois Business Summit is an opportunity to demonstrate that ambition.
Laois Business Summit 2026 Tickets, Book Your Place Now!
With an outstanding line-up of Irish entrepreneurs, valuable networking opportunities, a three-course meal and a special auction, the Laois Business Summit promises to be one of the standout business events in the Midlands this October.
Tickets are available in two options:
- Individual Ticket: €250
- Corporate Table of 10: €2,250
A corporate table offers businesses an ideal opportunity to attend with colleagues, entertain clients or reward staff while connecting with other members of the business community.
Event Details
Date: Friday, October 23rd, 2026
Venue: Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Registration: 12:00pm
Finish: Approximately 4:30pm
Host: Bobby Kerr
Tickets: €250 individual, €2,250 table of 10
Secure Your Tickets Today
Don’t miss the chance to hear from some of Ireland’s leading business figures, establish valuable new connections and enjoy a memorable afternoon in Portlaoise.
Whether you are attending individually or bringing a corporate group, book your place at the Laois Business Summit 2026 today.
BOOK TICKETS NOW: http://www.laoisbusinesssummit.ie
For booking enquiries or further information, email info@laoisbusinesssummit.ie.
Alternatively, contact:
PJ Rafter
Phone: 083 8050012
Email: pjrafter1973@gmail.com
Laurence Phelan
Phone: 086 8521941
Email: laurence@morristownproperties.com
Bosco Ramsbottom
Phone: 087 7996043
Email: boscocatering@gmail.com
Laois GAA looks forward to welcoming the Midlands business community to the Laois Business Summit 2026.
By Padraigh Dermody Sun 11th Oct
