Laois to feature at major celebratory showcase of the Midlands

Laois will be represented at a celebration of creativity, innovation, and collaboration in the Midlands at an upcoming event to showcase the region.

Midlands Ireland says the event at the Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone will highlight the "unique strengths, education opportunities and supports" available in Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath.

"The Midlands Showcase Event is more than an exhibition; it’s a celebration of the region’s vision, talent, and innovation. Whether you’re a student, job seeker, business owner, or local stakeholder, this is your chance to be part of the Midlands’ inspiring journey towards a brighter, more connected future," said the organisers in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Staged in the TUS Sports Arena, the event features three stages: a Main Stage, an Innovation Stage and a Skills and Supports Stage.

Gráinne Seoige, MC on the day, will host panel discussions around topics such as Just Transition, investing in the Midlands, STEM Education, Expanding into Tourism, Supporting Business, Creating Clusters and collectives, Re-skilling, Sustainability,
Organic Food, and Regenerative Tourism.

Mountrath company CJ Sheeran will join a panel discussion on the topic How Green is the Midlands? 

Build a Greener, Sustainable Future on the Innovation Stage features Suzanne Dempsey, of the Climate Action Team at Laois
County Council.

An Innovation Stage discussion on Food and Drink - the Recipe to Success will feature Laois companies Ballykilcavan Brewery of Stradbally and G’s Jams in Abbeyleix. The jam producer will also feature in a discussion on Innovating Leadership on the Innovation Stage.

The Skills and Supports Stage includes a Keeping it in the Family discussion featuring Anna Marie McHugh of the Ballylinan headquartered National Ploughing Association. Emo-based Finline Furniture will also participate in this.

The Ploughing Championships and the Electric Picnic also feature in a discussion on the Midlands being the home of events.

Midlands Ireland says the Study Showcase area will allow attendees to engage with third-level colleges such as Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone, which will have a large showcase of their courses and research.

The Midlands regions’ Education and Training Boards from Laois Offaly, and the other counties will also showcase apprenticeship upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all ages, along with ESB, ReSHAPE and Midlands Skills.

There will be a specialised demo area with STEM officers and Microsoft on hand.

The Work area features Midlands-based companies including Ericsson, Mersus Technologies, TAPiTAG, Midlands Steel and Purple Decks. Midlands Ireland says there will be opportunities to try out some of their new technologies at this location.

The Local Enterprise Offices in Laois and other counties will be on site to supply information on supports available for
start-ups and existing businesses in the region. They will be showcasing some of their flagship companies.

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The LIVE area invites attendees to learn about Town Regeneration, Climate Action initiatives as well as Arts, Heritage and Libraries. There will be opportunities to interact with initiatives and events taking place throughout the region.

Attendees can explore installations which shine a spotlight on the Midlands’ artistic and cultural heritage. There will be a Swift Talk by Laois man Ricky Whelan with illuminations by artist Caroline Conway. Longford artist Luke Casserly will bring you on a performative journey taking you to the Irish bog landscape.

Anyone who wishes to attend can register https://www.midlandsireland.ie/midlands-ireland-showcase/

Midlands Ireland is part of the Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway for Just Transition Programme, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027.