In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Atlantic Aviation Institute
Shannon Free Zone
Shannon, Clare, Co Clare
Ireland

Adam Harris

Adam is the Founder-Director of AsIAm.ie, Ireland’s one-stop-shop of information for those living with Autism, their loved ones and professional supporters. AsIAm.ie works to change the public perception of Autism and to empower those in the Autism community to achieve their own personal potential and to gain positive outcomes for the entire community. AsIAm undertakes a range of programmes and campaigns which work towards their goal of bringing about a more inclusive Ireland for those living with Autism.

Brendan Kavanagh

Brendan Kavanagh is the CEO of HiUp. He started out in the oil and gas sector working with international giants such as Schlumberger. As an ambitious 24 year-old he was involved in his first management buyout and went on to grow a number of successful companies in the oil and gas sector and retail IT sectors in the 1990’s and 2000’s. During his time managing and training people in these hazardous work environments he felt there was a better way to ensure the organisation was safe and that staff were engaged. In 2007 he launched Olive Group, initially with a focus on safety, compliance and induction. As the business has expanded, he has introduced new interactive platforms to a wider audience and a unique way of learning via engaging video content. He is passionate about questioning, improving and empowering his client’s businesses around the world. When he’s got a moments rest Brendan loves to do hill walking and relax anywhere that’s near the open water.

John Walshe

An award-winning journalist, John Walshe was appointed special adviser to Ruairi Quinn who was Minister for Education and Skills from March 2011 to July 2014. Prior to that, John was involved in educational journalism for four decades, mostly with the Irish Independent but he was also education correspondent for The Irish Times for more than two years in the early 90s. He was a consultant with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris where he edited or contributed to four studies on education. He is the author of ‘A New Partnership in Education’ which chronicled many of the major changes in Irish education in the 1980s and 90s and also wrote ‘An Education’ which recounted his experience as a Ministerial adviser. A Galwegian, he is currently a consultant and commentator on educational issues.

Mairead Crosby

Holding a qualification in Hotel Management and a degree in Human Resource Management, Mairead spent much of her working career in IR/HR, from working in the hotel industry and the retail industry based with companies in the private sector. In 2010 Mairead then moved to Ibec Head Office – the recognised independent voice of business and employers in Ireland, where she represented companies at third parties such as the Rights Commissioner, Labour Court, Employment Appeals Tribunal, the Equality Tribunal as well as advising companies on all matters of IR/HR including best practice guidelines, sample policies, FAQ’s, tools to support compliance and kept in touch with new legislative developments. Mairead moved to her current role in March 2014, Mairead has responsibility for the Mid West which comprises of Limerick, Clare, Kerry and North Tipperary.

Mairead Healy

Mairead is the Founder/CEO of Future Voices, an award-winning youth charity which works to break the cycle of inter-generational poverty with some of Ireland’s most vulnerable young people. They do this by empowering participants to overcome barriers in accessing further/higher education against the odds, building their confidence and facilitating them to create positive change for themselves and others. Mairead is also an Ashoka Fellow and US Department of State Professional fellow. In the past she worked in the area of human rights advocacy, including for the Irish Traveller Movement where she led the legal and human rights policy work areas. She has authored national policy reports and appeared before the UN, EU and Council of Europe and was heavily involved in the Dale farm eviction, bringing together activists internationally. She also worked for the European Commission in Brussels and lectured in public international law.

Margaret Reilly

Drogheda native Margaret Reilly did an apprenticeship in cabinet-making in 1998. She now owns and runs her own manufacturing and design business in the town and was a nominee for Business Woman of the Year in 2016. CTR Manufacturing was founded by Margaret in 2009, manufacturing and supplying kitchen and bedroom furniture to the trade. In 2011, Margaret opened a second business, Grand Designs Kitchen & Bedrooms Showroom Ltd, which facilitated the showcasing of their custom designed kitchen and bedroom furniture. In August 2015, a new factory showroom was purchased allowing for the integration of both businesses under one roof. The company is growing and developing with 7 staff currently employed. Margaret started out as an apprentice cabinet maker in 1998, qualifying in 2002. Having worked in a number of sales and manufacturing companies, Margaret saw an opportunity to manufacture and supply bespoke kitchen and bedroom furniture to the trade, and set up CTR Manufacturing Ltd in 2009.

Michael Mooney

Michael Mooney works in SOLAS eCollege, the National Online Learning Service. Before that he worked as a trainer for over 20 years including, in 1999, leading the development and delivery of the first Blended Learning course in FÁS (a mechatronics course for maintenance staff in manufacturing industry). Michael’s background is immersed in technology and training, in roles starting with Electrical maintenance, then Electronic then computer and finally software based system setup, maintenance and support. He led the development, and is supporting the implementation, of the SOLAS/ETBI “Strategy for Technology Enhanced Learning in Further Education and Training 2016 – 2019”.

Patrick Jordan

Originally from Ballina, Co Mayo, Patrick now lives in Clane in Co Kildare. Patrick bought an aircraft maintenance business in Shannon (Transaero, now called Atlantic Aviation Group) out of examinership in April 2015. The business has been in existence since 1962 and employs 220 people. With the help of new and existing management and staff he has managed to turnaround a 50 year old business.