Paul Walsh, the Irish Opportunist

This is an event I’d have created, had I thought about it first - I can’t possible give a better endorsement than that. The IIBN (Irish International Business Network) is exactly what it says on the tin; a network of Irish people who live abroad and who meet up on a regular basis to share some idle banter and where possible, collaborate on a business level.

The format is simple; turn up, grab a name badge and glass of wine, mingle, sit down, and listen to a few entrepreneurs pitch their business, followed by a talk from a very impressive/successful Irish business man/woman who gives insight to how they got to where they are now. After the talk has been delivered, pick up a few more glasses of wine and some nibbles and continue the banter with your peers. All of whom are lovely.

I must admit, the people who attend, are as far from my usual gathering as it can get - most of them wear suits. I tend to wear (half) a suit when standing before a judge or attending a funeral. If I meet you wearing a suit jacket, be impressed. Be very impressed. Most of the attendees also work in non-Internet/mobile/TV/media. This isn’t a bad thing though - it’s nice to mix with people who you have something in common with, which isn’t work related.

At the time of writing this post, I received an email which reminds that they also put on some very cool events which don’t include the formalities I’ve expressed above. The email I’m talking about is gauging interest to see how many people would be interested in attending the semi-final of the Heineken European Cup at Croke Park. City Jet is prepared to lay on a plane just for the IIBN and source tickets at face value. That is extremely impressive to say the least.

So, if you’re Irish and living in the UK, why not show up at the next gathering on May 26th to hear how Richard Corrigan became a chef. As coincidence would have it, I ate there only a few weeks ago. Fantastic food! - some pictures here. The IIBN also has a presence in New York, so make sure to register for their upcoming event there. All of their upcoming events can be found at http://iibn.com/

I’ll be at the next gathering in London with my pal Mark O’Neil, CIO for the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS). Yes, us Irish penetrate at every level.