The Together We Thrive conference held on March 26th at the Tullamore Court Hotel brought together over 150 attendees from the fields of enterprise, tourism, skills, and community development. The event focused on how sustainability and regenerative practices can propel economic growth across the Midlands, with an emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and shared knowledge.
The conference served as a dynamic platform for attendees to explore actionable insights, create partnerships, and gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities presented by climate action and regenerative tourism, through the twin challenges of the green and digital transitions. Throughout the day, a range speakers highlighted the many supports available in areas such as enterprise, community, training and skills, while sharing successful local and international case studies on future skills and regenerative tourism.
Opening the Conference, Minister of State, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Alan Dillon TD, said, ‘Today’s conference really establishes the Midlands as best in class when it comes to regional stakeholders cooperating for the greater good. This morning, we stand together with businesses, local authorities and community groups to share ideas for capitalising on our connections and collaborations to become a more sustainable, resilient and vibrant Midlands economy.
To facilitate a just transition towards a low-carbon economy in the Midlands, the EU and the Irish Government have established a €169 million Just Transition Fund Programme for the period 2021 to 2027. In doing so, we are sending a strong message: we are committed to investing in our people, our enterprises and our environment. This funding is not simply an economic stimulus; it is a promise to the people of the Midlands that their future will be one of opportunity.’
Key Takeaways and Highlights
- Sustainability as a Driver of Economic Growth: The conference underscored how businesses in the Midlands can pivot towards sustainability while remaining competitive. Experts shared insights on accessing supports and funding to implement climate-resilient practices, which can drive both profitability and long-term environmental benefits.
- Regenerative Tourism as a Regional Asset: Speakers from the tourism industry highlighted how the Midlands can leverage regenerative tourism to create sustainable tourism products that benefit both communities and the environment. Participants gained practical strategies to design tourism experiences that prioritise sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.
- Community-Led Innovation: One of the most inspiring sessions focused on how local groups and authorities can lead the charge in driving economic growth through grassroots sustainability and digital initiatives. Attendees heard success stories from across the region in STEM education, decarbonisation programmes and community support initiatives, demonstrating how community-driven projects are creating meaningful impact and fostering resilience in local economies.
- Building Partnerships for Long-Term Success: The event facilitated networking opportunities that allowed regenerative tourism operators to connect with like-minded professionals and organisations committed to fostering long-term collaboration.
- Success Stories in Future Skills: Several speakers presented real-world examples of how significant change is being brought about through skills and enterprise support. The Midland Regional Skills Forum and LOETB highlight best-practice examples in enterprise support, agriculture and modern methods of construction which are supporting companies and workers in the Midlands to embrace the opportunities presented by the green and digital transitions.
Inspiring the Future of the Midlands
The Together We Thrive conference was an important moment for the Midlands as it continues to position itself as a leader in sustainable economic growth. The event provided invaluable knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose for businesses, community leaders, and policymakers. By harnessing the power of climate action and regenerative tourism, the Midlands is well on its way to building a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable future.
The event was co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union under the EU Just Transition Fund 2021-27, reflecting a strong commitment to supporting the transition to a greener economy in the Midlands.
Together We Thrive is aimed at driving forward economic development through sustainability, regenerative tourism, and community-led innovation, bringing together a diverse range of speakers and participants who share a common goal: creating a thriving, sustainable Midlands for the future.
The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway for Just Transition project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the EU Just Transition Fund 2021-2027.
