Kerry Convention Bureau (KCB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Breffní Ingerton, Director of Business Tourism for the Gleneagle Group, as its new Chairperson.

The announcement was made by outgoing Chairperson Mike Buckley, Managing Director of Kerry Coaches Ltd, who has served in the role for almost seven years.

Speaking at a virtual #MeetInKerry St. Patrick’s Day event, attended by over 40 KCB members, last week Mr. Buckley said:

“On behalf of the KCB Board we are delighted to welcome Breffní into the role of Chairperson. Breffní is an experienced industry professional, she is extremely knowledgeable with a wealth of business tourism, festivals and events experience. She is highly regarded in the industry both at home and abroad.”

He added “My time as Chairperson has been extremely rewarding – anything you can do outside of your normal day job to give something back and enhance the area in which you live, and are passionate about, is important.”

In taking over the reins from Mike Buckley, Breffní Ingerton said “KCB has benefited tremendously from Mike’s leadership, commitment, passion, experience and drive to make things happen. Mike has raised the profile of KCB and highlighted the valuable contribution the business events sector makes to the local economy. I thank him for leaving KCB in a position of strength to tackle the challenges ahead.”

 “I am privileged to take on this role and work with my fellow Board members and the excellent, professional membership of Kerry Convention Bureau. I look forward to working with the dynamic KCB team led by Becky Hargrove, key stakeholders and industry partners locally and nationally, to ensure that KCB is poised to play its part in reinvigorating business tourism in Kerry when the time is right” she added.

Kerry Convention Bureau is a Non-Profit Organisation that offers a free and impartial service and practical supports to event organisers and meeting planners and is dedicated to promoting and selling Kerry as a diverse and inspiring business tourism destination.  The Kerry wide membership comprises some of Ireland’s best-known venues, hotels, activity providers, travel companies, destination management companies and conference organisers who have joined forces to attract national and international meetings, conferences, incentive programmes and events to the area.

Breffní Ingerton has over 25 years of experience in the business events and tourism industry having held various key roles in the Gleneagle Group, finding her niche in business tourism, festivals and events with the opening of the INEC Killarney in 2000. While spearheading the business tourism strategy for the Gleneagle Group she is also an active member of the Irish tourism and hospitality industry. She is a member of the KCB Board since 2017, represented the Irish Hotels Federation on the Fáilte Ireland Business Tourism Working Group from 2016-2020 and is now serving on the Fáilte Ireland Business Tourism Recovery Taskforce since August 2020. The establishment of the Business Tourism Recovery Taskforce is a medium-term strategic and tactical response to provide the Republic of Ireland industry with survival support schemes and development plans to reboot the sector post COVID-19.  Breffní is also Chairperson of Ireland BikeFest Killarney since the inaugural festival in 2007, now one of Europe’s premier touring motorcycle festivals which welcomes over 50,000 visitors to Killarney annually across the June Bank Holiday weekend.

Breffní Ingerton, incoming Chairperson, said “While the COVID-19 crisis has brought unprecedented challenges for our industry, innovation and collaboration is more important now than ever before. We will also continue to support government departments and state bodies in guiding Ireland out of the impacts of the global pandemic.”

While participating in business development activities and trade events remains online, the KCB team are busy raising awareness of Kerry with national and international clients, ensuring they keep Kerry on the radar as a premier business tourism destination to meet in once business tourism and travel resumes.

Last month the team delivered a Destination Deep Dive to over 80 buyers at the Society of Incentive Travel Excellence Global Conference and for St. Patrick’s Day, they participated in a UK Buyers Ireland Showcase, meeting with a broad range of potential clients considering Ireland for future events.