Kennedy Summer School to host Ireland-US trade forum

The event, taking place on August 26 at the Brandon House Hotel, is being hosted in partnership with Wexford County Council, County Wexford Chamber and Business Plus magazine, bringing together leading voices from business, technology, investment and international trade.

Organizers say the forum comes at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, shifting global trade patterns and rapid technological change, with discussions set to focus on how Irish businesses can strengthen their international competitiveness while capitalizing on opportunities for innovation and growth.

The Business & Economics Panel will feature former Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin, Council on Foreign Relations economist Brad Setser, Sinéad Fitzmaurice of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Andrea Dell, Director of Futures West at Business West, and Anne Lanigan of Enterprise Ireland.

The panel will examine the economic challenges facing Ireland and Europe during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, including global competitiveness, investment, international trade, economic resilience and the prospects for a long-discussed European Savings and Investment Union.

The discussion will be chaired by Mark Redmond, founder of Redmond & Co and former chief executive of the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland, who has long advocated for stronger transatlantic investment and business links.

The wider forum will explore how Ireland can continue to deepen its economic relationship with both Europe and the United States while responding to an increasingly complex global economy.

Topics including entrepreneurship, innovation, inward investment and competitiveness are expected to feature prominently.

Charles Larkin, one of the Kennedy Summer School directors, said the event reflects the growing importance of enterprise within the wider programme.

"President Kennedy understood the importance of economic progress and international cooperation. The Trade and Economic Forum reflects that spirit by bringing together leaders from business and industry to explore the challenges and opportunities facing Ireland and the wider world," he said.

Larkin added that the organizers were pleased to partner with Wexford County Council, County Wexford Chamber and Business Plus magazine on an event that "places enterprise, innovation and ambition at the heart of the conversation."

The forum will also highlight the South East's growing reputation as a center for entrepreneurship and investment while showcasing New Ross as a location capable of attracting international business and policy discussions.

Running from August 26 to 29, the Kennedy Summer School has established itself as one of Ireland's leading festivals of ideas, attracting figures from politics, journalism, diplomacy, academia and business.

This year's programme includes an opening address by Ireland's Ambassador to the United States, Geraldine Byrne Nason, the annual Speakers' Lunch with journalist Lara Marlowe, the Noel Whelan Interview featuring Pat Kenny in conversation with Sinéad McSweeney, as well as discussions on the future of transatlantic relations, online safety, American politics and the centenary of Fianna Fáil.

The programme also includes a literary series, a primary schools STEM event and the Kennedy Afternoon Tea Party at the John F. Kennedy Arboretum, marking more than six decades since President John F. Kennedy's celebrated visit to his ancestral home in New Ross in 1963.

Further details and ticket information are available at www.kennedysummerschool.ie.

* This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.