So, as much fun as we had on our trip down to Derrybawn House, we were there for work.

There were a lot of opinions and ideas, which was fantastic; we couldn’t take them down fast enough. Luckily for us, we had some help in that department. Ruth Farragher, an event management student from the Fitzwilliam Institute came down for the day to give us a hand. You may remember Ruth from Events Day 07- well she has done an smashing job helping us out. There she is (the one on Gerard's left) in a photo with Grace Gallagher (Conor Kenny & Associates). Thanks Ruth!

Some networking, tea & coffee and we were off! We had split everyone into two groups, one with Sarah and one with me. Personally I think that my group was better… but that’s only because they were with me :). Whilst Sarah’s team got the grand tour, I sat down with my group and we got stuck into some sessions on NEO and where our future lies. I think my favourite part of the day was when the discussion really got going and everyone chipped in, as you can see.

Time was short on us and we unfortunately didn’t get to cover everything that we wanted to, but we got a lot done and got some real insight into the kind of progress NEO needs to make. It was great to see that Harry Hill (Aura Productions) got a positive hit off the directory listing. It’s always good to hear the success stories. Along with that we got some real, honest feedback which is the best kind. I really felt that everyone there got into the spirit of helping NEO with a desire to see NEO become what this industry needs, a focal point. I’ve outlined a small portion of what we discussed on the day, and there is so much to go through it is fantastic. Keep an eye out, we will be using this Ezine to keep you updated on our progress.

• NEO should be the voice for the events industry, a central place to go to for information and to ask questions.
• NEO should aim to become a lobbying group, one that represents the events industry and keeps its members apprised of issues and new legislation that might affect the industry.
• The main selling point for NEO should be the web site.
• NEO should be an Educational forum, providing and updating information to its members.
• NEO should communicate more regularly about overseas events and successful events via the Ezine.
• Broader range than Dublin , regional sessions or regional branches.

	On behalf of myself and Donal, thank you both very much for a very enjoyable day yesterday. The location was stunning and there was a lovely atmosphere between everyone. I hope our suggestions will be of some help!! Well done and thank you again.-Catherine McGettigan (Regency Hotel Group) A big thank you from Charles and me for a lovely day yesterday. The venue is beautiful, in a superb location. We both enjoyed the company on the bus, meeting some really nice people, tasty food, and the massages were heavenly! Everyone was very generous with their time and opinions, and I only hope that you got useful stuff recorded that you can work on. - Clara Clark (Clara Clark Event Management) Thank you so much for inviting me to be part of the Derrybawn day! I was so impressed by the amazing house and it’s beautiful setting not to mention the wonderful hospitality extended to us by Marie and Robby. I am really looking forward to popping down again to try out the treatments and to experiencing the afternoon tea…. Maybe even to hitting a golf-ball or two next time rather than hitting lumps out of the green!!! As always NEO Ireland picked a perfect setting for the brainstorming day – well done Conor and Sarah – can’t wait to hear what you have up your sleeve for the next event!!!”. - Tricia Murphy (TiG Alliance)

In April, I got to go out to the Marino Conference Centre and meet Michael Loftus, their Marketing Specialist. It was great to meet Michael finally as he was the first NEO member that I had contact with in my official capacity as Network Manager. An enthusiastic man with a great sense of humour Michael took me on a great tour of the grounds and all 33 conference rooms that can hold from 2 – 80 people!

The Nagle-Rice building, opened last November can cater for conferences of up to 400 delegates, this is one of the most adaptable venues about. There is an Audiovisual Equipped Lecture Theatre with retractable seating for 150 and 4 seminar rooms with seating for 45.

Marino are new members to NEO, having joined at the beginning of March. Some of you may have met some of Michael’s colleagues Maura & Antoinette Doherty at Events Day ’07. The conference centre has a great feel of history to it, which is a great asset to any venue. With lots of parking and grounds to boot I was highly impressed by the work Michael and his team have put into the centre.

If you have any questions, get in touch with michael.loftus_at_mie.ie

Who could resist a day at the races, especially when it is done in style? When the Osprey Hotel & Spa invited me to a corporate day out at Punchestown, Naas I knew it was going to be good as most things Eimear, Elaine and Orla do are! But this time they really out did themselves.

[editors note: Check out Clyde in the ‘chopper’, he’s like a kid! : ) The gentleman next to him is Anthony Neville (OHM Group)].

I arrived out to the Osprey to be greeted with champagne and strawberries; I only wish every day could start this way. We were then shown to the trendy Mash restaurant with its ceiling to floor windows and views of the magnificent water fountain where we were served a delicious lunch. Then the fun began, a helicopter or chopper as we were calling it by the end of the day awaited to ferry us to gamblers paradises. Now any normal venue would simply walk their guests the 100 meters to the awaiting helicopters, but as you well know that wouldn’t be the Osprey’s style. The hotel had a fleet of chauffeur cars lined up outside that include Mercedes, Range Rovers and Chryslers. The helicopter flight was fantastic; it was the best part of the day for me. And as we landed inside the racecourse a fleet of Range Rovers again met us.

The racing throughout the day was excellent and the races produced some surprise winners, and again the little touches laid on by Charlie’s Angles were every where including having two up and coming Irish jockeys come share with us their tips as well as let us in on the inside knowledge for the day…and yes I did win a few Euro thanks to their tips! To top off the day it was back to the Osprey by helicopter to more drinks and some very welcomed finger nibbles. My thanks to all the team and the Osprey for a wonderful day, and one I shall remember for a long time to come.