The 2026 IAAT Annual Adventure Tourism Conference takes place on Wednesday 25th & Thursday 26th of November at the Lough Erne Resort, Co. Fermanagh – bringing together outdoor activity operators, tourism leaders, industry partners and key decision-makers.
This year’s conference, delivered with the support of main event sponsor Fermanagh-Omagh District Council (FODC), offers a truly valuable opportunity to connect, learn and share while exploring the issues and opportunities defining outdoor activity tourism.
The theme of the conference this year is ‘Into the Blue’, spotlighting the vital role of water, the challenges being faced, and the possible approaches towards improved management and restoration.
Expect practical insights, expert perspectives, and plenty of networking, all focused on building stronger, more sustainable and more competitive adventure tourism businesses.
Speakers will include Alice Mansergh (Tourism Ireland), Laura McCorry (Tourism NI), Caroline Bocquel (Fáilte Ireland), Shelley Cowan (Accessibility Consultant & Champion), Jean-Yves Lapayrere (European Confederation for Outdoor Employers), Pól Ó Conghaile (Travel Editor, Irish Independent), Brendan Kenny (Ireland’s Association for Adventure Tourism) and Barry Flanagan (Erne Water Taxis).
Over 200 delegates are expected to attend, with the event also featuring a local adventure activity tourism showcase, B2B marketplace meeting opportunities, over 40 industry exhibitors, and practical breakout sessions covering accessibility & inclusivity as well as artificial intelligence.
In addition to Fermanagh-Omagh District Council, this event is supported by Tourism NI, Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Cuilcagh Geopark.
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SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
TUESDAY 24th of NOVEMBER
Delegates will begin to arrive on Tuesday 24th of November, and many will gather for a ‘Welcome Evening’ of live music, refreshments and chat at the Lough Erne Resort.
WEDNESDAY 26th of NOVEMBER
Wednesday will see delegates enjoy an adventure activities showcase with local operators, featuring the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark (the boardwalk and Marble Arch caves), a boat ride on Lough Erne, e-biking on the Scarplands trail to ancient sites, Lough Erne Pilgrim Way walk, advanced bushcraft, showcasing heritage boats and there will also be a focus on accessible adventure activities.
On returning to the venue, there will be a delegate dinner and then B2B marketplace featuring activity focused Buyers from Ireland, France, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain and USA (with support from Tourism Ireland, Tourism NI and Fáilte Ireland).
The evening will then see a local tourism & hospitality showcase, with live entertainment and plenty of networking opportunities for the attending delegates. This showcase (which is free to exhibit at) is open to tourism & hospitality businesses from across the entire FODC region.
THURSDAY 26th of NOVEMBER
With an official welcome from FODC and IAAT, the plenary sessions will include tourism leaders such as Alice Mansergh (Tourism Ireland), Laura McCorry (Tourism NI), Caroline Bocquel (Fáilte Ireland) and IAAT Chair Eimear Flanagan. We will also hear from international guests such as Jean-Yves Lapeyrere (President, European Confederation for Outdoor Employers) and local activity leaders such as Barry Flanagan of Erne Water Taxis.
There will also be practical expert breakout sessions, covering practical learning areas such as accessible activities and artificial intelligence for adventure tourism.
TICKETS AND FURTHER INFORMATION
Beyond the conference, delegates are encouraged to explore more of the district, with a “48 Hours After the Conference” guide ‘GO FURTHER’, that will include itinerary for hidden gems such as the Giant Sculpture Trail at Gortin Glen Forest Park.
A dedicated event site and tickets will be available shortly.
ACCOMMODATION – SPECIAL IAAT RATE
Limited accommodation is currently available at the special IAAT delegate rate (£139 single B&B; £149 double B&B). You can contact reservations as follows:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +44 (0)28 6632 3230
The reservations team are available Monday – Saturdays 9am – 5pm.
A special code for booking through the website will also be available shortly.
DELEGATE NOTE:
All attendees for the IAAT conference may avail of a 20% discount of any treatments in Lough Erne’s Award-Winning Thai Spa.
The conference accommodation rate will also apply for those who wish to extend their stay to Friday 27th November (subject to availability).
