Growth and recognition of exporting businesses with the aid of AI
IEA represents the whole spectrum of companies within the export industry including SMEs
Representing exporters and supply chain operators across the country, the Irish Exporters Association (IEA), which was founded in 1951 and is the leading independent representative body and voice for exporters based in Ireland, always has its members best interests at heart.
Working at regional, national, and European level, it represents its members in front of legislators to create a regulatory and legislative framework which supports, drives, and fosters Irish exports. It also assists members to grow their exports to world markets and drive the growth and development of all exporting businesses based in Ireland.
And, along with providing a set of highly relevant business services and products to assist members with international trade, it also recognises their achievements in an annual awards ceremony, which this year will take place at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on Friday September 27th.
Applications have just opened and with over 500 industry professionals attending the black-tie event every year, Simon McKeever, CEO of IEA, says it is an important occasion in the calendar for both new and long-time members of the Association.
“The IEA represents the whole spectrum of companies within the export industry including SMEs who are beginning to think about exporting for the first time - right through to global multinational companies who are already extensively exporting from Ireland as well as the providers of key services to the sector,” he said.
Practical Knowledge
“The IEA is the connecting force for Irish exporters, providing practical knowledge and support across the Island of Ireland and in foreign markets – and, growing in strength and recognition each year, the Export Industry Awards (EIA) have been recognising the tremendous achievements of companies working in the exporting industry for 24 years.
“So, it’s important that we highlight the exporting companies and service providers who have excelled across the industry despite some difficult trading conditions, and those who have been fundamental to Ireland’s global economic success.
“Indeed, throughout its history, the Export Industry Awards has sought to recognise the tremendous achievements of companies working in the exporting and international trade sectors. This year’s programme seeks to educate, highlight, and nurture a conversation within the industry on the benefits that can be derived from integrating artificial intelligence into their supply chain and exporting practices.”
The Awards are supported by a number of corporate and industry sponsors – including KPMG, Trinity Executive Education, Trinity Business School, Ace Express Freight, Bord Bia, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Dixon International Logistics, Enterprise Ireland, InterTradeIreland, Thyme-IT , and media partner the Business Post.
“We greatly appreciate the support of all our sponsors and are delighted to work with Platinum sponsors KPMG and Trinity Executive Education, Trinity Business School on the Export Industry Awards and Alumni Programme once again,” said McKeever. “As an Association, we are continuously seeking to develop new ways to support businesses to grow, prosper and expand their global footprint.”
Applications open from today March 10th and the deadline for registration is May 8th. The shortlist for each category will be announced on May 27th with the live judging process taking place on 5th and 6th of September, before the winners are announced at the Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on September 27th.
In making their decisions, judges will consider the international trading aspects of each applicant’s submission in terms of export success and further potential across areas including innovation, growth, strategic development and execution and sustainability as outlined in the criteria for each category.
Shortlisted Businesses
Each of the category winners will be decided during the interviews of shortlisted businesses in September, although they will not know this until they receive their Award.
“The Overall Exporter of the Year 2024 will be selected from the various category winners,” explained the IEA CEO. “These categories include Sustainable Trade Company of the Year, Sustainable Food & Drink Exporter of the Year, Life Sciences Exporter of the Year, Export Innovation Award, High Potential Exporter Award, Private Irish Business of the Year, Logistics & Supply Chain Company of the Year, Services Exporter of the Year, Sustainable Trade Exporter of the Year, and Manufacturing Exporter of the Year.
We are delighted to announce two new categories for 2024, the All-Island Trade Award, sponsored by InterTradeIreland and the Seafood Exporter of the Year, sponsored by Bord Iascaigh Mhara.“In recent years, businesses have had to contend with great uncertainty and challenges such as worldwide supply chain disruptions, wars in the world, a pandemic, Brexit, and issues in both the Panama and Suez Canals – so the Export Industry Awards are a testament to all businesses who have continued to provide outstanding goods and services.”
