Cork’s local economy is set to benefit from a windfall in excess of €0.6m next July following the city’s successful bid to host a major international marketing conference.
In excess of 350 delegates are expected to attend the renowned Academy of Marketing Conference which will be hosted by University College Cork in July 2025, marking the first time in 10 years that the event will be held in Ireland.
Failte Ireland estimates thateach 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 Failte 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). UCC, as the world’s first university to be awarded a Green Flag, exemplifies the societal and environmental ethos that underpins the future of business practices and marketing activities in the 21st century. 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 (SDGs).
“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”,
said Professor Mary McCarthy, co-chair of the conference.
Prof. Anthony McDonnell, Dean of Cork University Business School at UCC, emphasized 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, creating a vibrant forum for knowledge exchange that addresses sustainability, societal challenges, and responsible business practices in marketing.
Businesses interested in sponsorship or partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact the conference organizers.
For further details, visit the official conference website: Academy of Marketing Conference 2025.