Speakers announced for BGE second national business conference

Bord Gáis Energy announce Joe Schmidt, George Hook and Mattress Mick as speakers at its second national business conference

• Bord Gáis Energy's second national business conference 'Courage to Succeed' to take place on Wednesday 5 October 2016 with over 300 attendees expected
• Speakers include world class kicking coach, Dave Alred, CEO of Tweak.com, Jerry Kennelly and CEO of UrbanVolt, Kevin Maughan

Bord Gáis Energy today announced the launch of its second national business conference 'Courage to Succeed' and revealed Irish Rugby Head Coach Joe Schmidt, broadcaster and former rugby pundit George Hook and renowned Irish SME owner, Mattress Mick, as speakers at the event, which will be hosted by RTE's Keelin Shanley.

The conference will take place at the Mansion House, Dublin on Wednesday 5 October 2016, and will offer a range of stimulating key note addresses, presentations and interactive question and answer sessions.

The conference will open with a motivational presentation from world class kicking coach, Dave Alred, who will discuss how pressure can be utilised as a tool for success. George Hook will participate in an entrepreneurial panel discussion alongside CEO of Tweak.com, Jerry Kennelly, and CEO of UrbanVolt Kevin Maughan. The panellists will draw on their own business experiences to share insights into the courage and risks required on the road to success.

Irish SME owner Mattress Mick will deliver a 15-minute marketing workshop, which will be followed by an interview with Irish Rugby Head Coach, Joe Schmidt. Other speakers at the Bord Gáis Energy 'Courage to Succeed' Conference include Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at the UCD Quinn School of Business, Dr Orla Byrne and Digital Account Manager at NewSlang, Caroline Kelly.

Commenting on the conference, Managing Director of Bord Gáis Energy, Dave Kirwan, who will deliver a welcome address to attendees said, "Based on the success of our first national Leadership Conference last September, and the Cork Business Breakfast in April, we're delighted to back in Dublin again this October with a range of top class speakers who are sure to inspire, provoke and engage attendees."

"With the economy showing signs of improving, businesses are growing. This growth stimulates competitiveness and means that now, more than ever, businesses need to take risks to succeed. Risk-taking in business requires great courage, and it is for this reason that we have chosen 'Courage to Succeed' as the theme for this year's national conference."

"We know that behind every great business is a strong leader and leadership team, and successful leaders need to be brave in the face of adversity, which sometimes means making difficult decisions that demand courage and resilience."

"At Bord Gáis Energy, we believe our customers are our partners and we're always looking for ways to offer added value. We hope our 'Courage to Succeed' Conference, featuring speakers with histories of success and bravery in both business and sport, will inspire determination and introduce new ways of thinking among business owners and leaders."

The conference will explore different perspectives on courage and the role it plays in building successful businesses. Delegates will also be provided with practical tips they can bring back to the workplace to implement themselves.

The Bord Gáis Energy 'Courage to Succeed' Conference will commence at 8.30am on Wednesday 5 October 2016 and continue until 1.30pm.