Brian Cody to speak at business networking event

First year business show has come to Dublin

Louise Phelan, vice president of global operations  for Paypal:  to speak at the Smart Business Show at the RDS. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
Louise Phelan, vice president of global operations for Paypal: to speak at the Smart Business Show at the RDS. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times

Kilkenny hurling manager Brian Cody is to a deliver a keynote speech at the Smart Business Show in Dublin on April 22nd.

The two-day event is designed to help businesses connect with customers and suppliers, network and find smarter ways of doing business. It offers a range of talks, workshops and showcases for exports and innovation.

Also lined up to speak are Paddy Power chief information officer Finn Goulding, businessman Will King, Dragons' Den's Peter Casey and Paypal vice president of global operations, Louise Phelan.

“SMEs are key to the future of the Irish economy,” Cody said. “Many of the skills and experiences gained in sport are the same as those you need to succeed in business. I am really looking forward to sharing my experiences and to explaining these many parallels.”

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It is the first year the show has come to Dublin and commercial director Gareth Quinn said there has been a good appetite for the event.

The Smart Business Show will take place on April 22nd and 23rd at the RDS in Ballsbridge. Sponsored by Vodafone Ireland, the show currently has more than 150 exhibitors signed up.

“Despite the influence of social media, face-to-face has proven to still be the most effective way to build strong and lasting customer relationships,” said Smart Business chief executive Brian Corry.