For over 150 years, Northeast Ohio has cherished its strong familial connection with Ireland, home to one of the largest Irish diasporas in the U.S. Now, with non-stop Aer Lingus flights between Cleveland and Dublin, it is time to elevate these ties by expanding economic opportunities between our regions.
Join us this September for the inaugural Bridge the Atlantic business conference in downtown Cleveland, uniting business minds from Cleveland and Ireland. This event offers direct contact with decision-makers, investors, and regional partners, showcasing vast economic opportunities and fostering connections in Northeast Ohio. Explore investment opportunities, network with key players, and learn from experts while accessing one of the largest consumer markets in the world.
Preliminary Schedule (subject to changes and alterations as panels, appointments, and specific events are confirmed):
Additionally, Team NEO and its partners can work with you to design a bespoke itinerary oriented to your business development needs, especially if you choose to stay the entire week slated for the conference, including meeting with potential partners and customers, organizing meetings with experts in your field, and learning about how to approach investment in the US.
Recommended itinerary:
Friday, September 13th
Delegates Arrive on Aer Lingus 87** (around 6:45 pm) – small greeting party at the airport. Transport to hotels.
Saturday, September 14th
Organized Cleveland-area tours (which may include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Art Museum, West Side Market, Irishtown Bend and Johnny Kilbane Statue).
Annual Mayo Society of Greater Cleveland Gala – Majestic Hall, 3000 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115
More Details & Ticketing Details: https://mayosocietyofgreatercleveland-bloom.kindful.com/e/heritage-whiskey
Sunday, September 15th
Organized Cleveland-area tours (which may include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Art Museum, West Side Market, Irishtown Bend and Johnny Kilbane Statue).
Monday, September 16th
One-Day Doing Business in the United States Northeast Ohio Symposium
- Morning Sessions (International Guests):
- Concierge meetings for international companies from Ireland and the UK – not open to public. Briefing for visiting companies on US market entry.
- Lunch Guest Speaker (International Guests): Jon Snyder, Ohio Life Sciences Association
- Afternoon Sessions (International Guests):
- Scheduled around specific sessions with essential players from the sectors from the Northeast Ohio economic ecosystems (Healthcare/MedTech, Aerospace, Digital, Manufacturing), investment information, and area experts to discuss and review products.
- Evening Reception at Parnell’s Irish Pub, Playhouse Square (4.30pm – 6.30pm)
- Team NEO, in collaboration with the City of Mentor Economic Development & International Trade, invite you to join us for an invite only reception to welcome business leaders from Ireland and the UK. Our guests are visiting Northeast Ohio to learn more about the opportunity to do business in our region.
- The event will take place at in the brand new Irish Snug Room at Parnell’s Irish Pub (PLAYHOUSE SQUARE LOCATION), is being kindly sponsored by Clark Hill Solicitors (Dublin, Ireland) and hosted by Edward Johnston (Partner). Clark Hill is an international team of legal advisors focused on delivering exceptional growth for their clients.
- We will kick things off with a panel discussion featuring special guest John Hogan, Airport Air Service Development Manager, City of Cleveland – with a specific look at the benefits of international travel destinations and Aer Lingus air service for NEO.
- Team NEO, Managing Director of Global Business, Mindy McLaughlin and Kevin Malecek, Director of Economic Development, City of Mentor will provide additional comments about recent and upcoming trade missions to Ireland and the UK.
- Panel will be moderated by Team NEO VP of Marketing and Honorary Consul of Ireland, Mark Owens.
- Following the presentation, we will have a special tasting of Irish American Whiskey, appetizers will also be served.
- Achill Island Distillery, the home of Irish American Whiskey, is the first and only Island Distillery in Ireland. Located at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way off the Coast of Mayo. Achill Island’s unique microclimate provides the ideal conditions to ensure their whiskey is matured to perfection.
- There is no cost to attend, you are a friend of our economic development ecosystem and that is good for us – we just ask that you give our international guests a warm Northeast Ohio welcome, and of course toast your Irish American whiskey!
- Attendees must RSVP by noon on Friday Sept 13th to mowens@teamneo.org
Tuesday, September 17th
Global Cleveland Sister Cities Flag Commemoration
Join Global Cleveland and friends at the Cleveland Public Library, 525 Superior Avenue at 9 am in the Atrium outside the Stokes Auditorium to dedicate the flags of our Cleveland Sister Cities program.
Ohio VC Fest Conference Day 1
OHIO VC FEST (www.ohiovcfest.com)
Your visit to the Bridge the Atlantic conference includes registration for the Ohio
VC Fest, presented by Jumpstart Ventures, is a high-energy, two-day event celebrating Ohio’s growing technology, innovation, and investing community, offering international companies the chance to connect with investors, institutions, corporations, and entrepreneurs, and featuring 1:1 meetings to match companies with potential investors and other founders.
Companies attending may also elect to engage with Team NEO, JobsOhio and other regional partners to schedule one-on-one meetings with area companies and potential partners.
Evening Event: Halfway to St Patricks’ Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game @ Progressive Field.
Wednesday, September 18th
Ohio VC Fest continues – and participating companies may still be able to continue with B2B business meetings or choose to explore other opportunities.
Thursday, September 19th and Friday, September 20th
Allocated for one-on-one meetings for companies with potential customers, NE OHIO EDO’s, research higher educational institutions.
** Aer Lingus direct, non-stop flights from Dublin-Cleveland-Dublin are scheduled on Fridays, Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays for your scheduling convenience.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS – Can be found here.
A group of rooms have been secured at the Intercontinental Hotel ($199 per night plus taxes), close to downtown Cleveland, and thanks in part to General Manager, Robert Hill – a proud Limerick man.
For more information, please contact:
Mark Owens
VP of Marketing & Communications, Team NEO &
Honorary Consul General of Ireland, Ohio
Kevin Malecek
Director of Economic Development and International Trade, City of Mentor