{"id":11459,"date":"2026-08-19T12:35:38","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T11:35:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alumni.ucd.ie\/magazine\/?post_type=events&p=11459"},"modified":"2026-08-20T14:47:25","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T13:47:25","slug":"business-2026","status":"publish","type":"events","link":"https:\/\/alumni.ucd.ie\/magazine\/events\/business-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS \u2013 UCD IMPACT MAKERS SUMMIT<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The 2026 Business Alumni Conference UCD Impact Makers Summit took place in May, bringing together alumni, faculty, and industry leaders for an afternoon of discussion, networking, and insight-sharing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now in its second year, the conference is a well-established part of the UCD Business Alumni programme, supporting alumni engagement and showcasing the School’s continued focus on leadership, innovation, and business impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conference featured a series of keynote talks and panel discussions addressing some of the most pressing issues facing organisations today, including global business and geopolitics, AI and the productivity paradox, resilient supply chains, health and innovation, as well as Ireland’s evolving role in international business and diplomacy. The day brought together speakers from academia, industry, and policy, including representatives from organisations such as Stripe, Citi, Kerry Group, Diageo, Accenture, and PwC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A keynote address by Tina Fordham, a globally recognised geostrategist, keynote speaker, and author, explored geopolitical risk and strategic foresight, while panel discussions throughout the afternoon examined how organisations can respond to increasing global uncertainty, technological change, and evolving economic challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conference also provided valuable networking opportunities, with alumni reconnecting with classmates and colleagues while building new professional connections across the wider UCD business community. The day concluded with a networking reception, allowing attendees to continue conversations in an informal setting. Strong attendance and very positive feedback reflected the continued strength of the UCD Business alumni network and the growing reputation of the Impact Makers Summit as a key annual event within the business community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you to all colleagues who attended and supported the conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Abigail<\/a>
Abigail Lalor, Sin\u00e9ad Bailey, and Niamh Brennan at the Summit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Dr<\/a>
Dr Prag Sharma, Jeff O\u2019Brien and Vikram Paranjpe.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"AI<\/a>
AI panel discussion with Hilary O\u2019Meara, Country Managing Director, Accenture Ireland; Enda McDonagh, Managing Partner, PwC Ireland; Colin Banville, Partner, AI Solution Architecture, EMEA at Stripe; Dr Prag Sharma, Director, Future of Finance, Citi Institute; Prof. Martin Mocker, ESB Business School, Germany; and Prof. Joe Peppard, UCD.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a>
A panel discussion on \u2018East meets West and Ireland Connects\u2019, with speakers in Dublin joined online by panelists from St Louis, USA and Singapore.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The \u2018Ireland\u2019s Role in Global Health\u2019 panel discussion explored the country\u2019s expanding role in the sector.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a>
A panel discussion on \u2018Resilient Supply Chains, Technological Readiness and Smoothing Geopolitical Turbulence\u2019 explored how companies can find a new platform for growth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Tina<\/a>
Tina Fordham; Dean of Business, Prof. Anthony Brabazon; and UCD Smurfit School Director, Prof. Federica Pazzaglia at the 2026 UCD Impact Makers Summit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

UCD & MATHESON LLP \u2013 GOVERNING FOR GROWTH<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

UCD was honoured to partner with Matheson LLP for the ‘Governing for Growth: Rule of Law and ESG as Europe’s Competitive Edge’ event held on campus in May in UCD O’Connor Centre for Learning<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moderated by journalist and entrepreneur Mark Little, and opened by UCD Law alumnus Darren Maher, Matheson Managing Partner, the event was attended by senior leaders from the business, legal, and policy communities<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD, addressed attendees and also took part in a wide-ranging panel discussion with the Attorney General of Ireland, Rossa Fanning SC, and Professor Imelda Maher, UCD Sutherland School of Law, all of whom we are proud to count as UCD Law alumni<\/sup>. The discussion reinforced the strength, independence, and integrity of the legal system as central to investor confidence and Ireland’s competitiveness<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Attendees<\/a>
Attendees at the Governing For Growth event.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Darren<\/a>
Darren Maher, Managing Partner, Matheson; Prof. Imelda Maher, UCD Sutherland School of Law; Minister Jim O’Callaghan TD; Prof. Colin Scott, UCD Deputy President; and Claire Scannell, Matheson.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Minister<\/a>
Minister Jim O’Callaghan TD, Prof. Imelda Maher, Rossa Fanning SC, and Mark Little.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS \u2013 UCD IMPACT MAKERS SUMMIT The 2026 Business Alumni Conference UCD Impact Makers Summit took place in May, bringing together alumni, faculty, and industry leaders for an afternoon of discussion, networking, and insight-sharing. 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