IAAT is gearing up for our seventh Annual Conference in County Mayo on 26th & 27th of November 2025.
A host of domestic and international experts are set to join this year’s adventure tourism conference, with a line-up that will include Alice Mansergh (CEO of Tourism Ireland), Eoghan O’Mara Walsh (CEO of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation) and Jean-Yves Lapeyrère (President of the European Confederation for Outdoor Employers), as well as some of Ireland’s leading outdoor activity operators, who will be sharing their insights on innovations and trends within adventure tourism.
Taking place in Westport on the 26th and 27th of November, the conference will feature local adventure activities showcasing outdoor activity tourism in Mayo, a B2B session with the opportunity to meet international and national buyers, a local Mayo tourism & hospitality showcase, practical breakout workshops, and then a series of expert panels and presentations.
Councillor John O’Hara, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, said “We are delighted to have Minister Alan Dillon launch the IAAT conference and excited that Mayo will welcome the 2025 adventure tourism conference to the county. Adventure tourism in general and this conference specifically are making a valuable contribution to our local economy”.
Joanne Grehan, Director of Services, Mayo County Council added; “we look forward to extending a warm welcome to adventure enthusiasts, industry leaders, tour operators, activity providers and agents and hope their experience of Mayo will bring them back again and again. With an abundance of natural amenities from our stunning coastal spaces, exceptional greenways, a myriad of tracks and trails through lush green landscapes for walking, hiking, cycling and horseriding, Mayo offers a world class array of experiences, positioning the county as the true capital of adventure tourism”.
IAAT Chief Executive Brendan Kenny expressed his excitement about this conference, saying: “It’s a real thrill to bring our annual conference to this magical corner of the world, boasting such a wealth of outdoor adventure options. We are grateful to Mayo County Council for supporting this important annual event at such a vital time in the recovery of tourism. We look forward to two days of insights, inspiration and getting the adrenaline going through some of the exciting activities available!”
The theme of this year’s event is ‘Imbas’, the old Irish art of gaining knowledge or inspiration from listening to nature.
See www.iaat.ie and our social media for updates.
Launching the annual IAAT Adventure Tourism Conference at Old Head Beach, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo (left to right): Kieran O’Reilly (Outdoor Recreation Officer, Co. Mayo); Charlie Kelly (Westport Bikes); Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Alan Dillon; Colin Wolfe (Chair, IAAT); Catherine Maguire (SummerSup.ie); Michael Lennon (Owner, Go Trekking and Co-Chair of the Clew Bay Tourism Network); Councillor John O’Hara (Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council); Joanne Grehan (Director of Services, Mayo County Council); Maura Murphy (Tourism Officer, Mayo County Council); Brendan Kenny (CEO, IAAT). Photo: Conor McKeown
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER
- 10AM: Adventure Activity Mix Experience (lunch included)
- 4PM: Fork n’ Food Refreshments
- 5PM: B2B Session – meet domestic & international buyers, as well as key sectoral partners
- 7PM: Mayo Tourism Showcase
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THURSDAY 27th NOVEMBER
- 10AM-4PM: Industry Presentations & Panel Discussions (lunch included)
- 12.15PM: Practical Breakout Workshops
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