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McConologue to open machinery conference

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConologue, will officially open a conference this week that is aimed at the machinery trade industry in Ireland. 

Navigating the Evolving Agricultural Machinery Landscape is the theme of the Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) Conference taking place on Thursday, February 8 in the Heritage Hotel, Killenard, Laois.
Delivering information, advice and insights for members of the national trade body of the Irish farm machinery industry, the conference will offer a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry; and provide a knowledge transfer forum on strategic growth planning.
This full-day event will be moderated by journalist and broadcaster Sean O' Rourke while the keynote address will be delivered by Paul McNeive, an Irish Independent columnist, chartered surveyor, and former managing director of Hamilton Osborne King. Other speakers include: Karol Duigenan, president of the FTMTA and regional sales manager, CLAAS UK; John Donoghue, CEO, IFAC; Ian Fairbairn, director, VFM Associates; Jeff Sheridan, MD, Matrix Internet, and Emma Mitchell, operations director and company secretary, SIMI. Discussion topics on the day will include: navigating the industry’s financial landscape; understanding and influencing buyers; and social media marketing.
Michael Farrelly, executive director of the FTMTA, believes the conference is a timely and welcome platform to discuss the issues and opportunities facing the industry: “After a hiatus of several years, the return to a members' conference is a welcome development. These gatherings aim to ignite discussions and cultivate ideas among participants from the industry. Carving out a day from the demands of your business is not always easy but I believe it is important to do it and it offers attendees the chance to take a step back and realign with your professional peers. Moreover, it serves as a great networking opportunity to forge connections within the industry, engage in conversations about shared challenges and exchange innovative ideas.”