Welcome Reception

Tuesday, 4th November 19.00 - 21.30

Welcome Reception & Buffet at Odyssey W5

Held in conjunction with the Institute for Small Business & Entrepreneurship Conference. An optional extra for ISBC and ISBE delegates, see Registration page.

Bus Shuttle Service: A shuttle bus service will operate from the side door of the Europa Hotel to W5 at the Odyssey every 15 minutes from 18.30 until 19.30, returning between 21.00 and 22.00, dropping off at nearby hotels on request.

The Welcome Reception will be opened by the Lord Mayor of Belfast with a traditional musical welcome by Different Drums, followed by an international buffet. You can network with contacts old and new whilst looking at many amazing interactive exhibits.

The Welcome Reception will be in Ireland’s only interactive Discovery Centre, known as W5, which is housed within the Odyssey Complex, a multi-functional entertainment and educational venue. W5 stands for Who, What, Where, When, Why? With over 140 amazing interactive exhibits in five incredible areas, W5 Science Centre provides a unique experience as well as fantastic fun for visitors of all ages. The centre offers a comprehensive and ever-changing series of temporary exhibitions, together with spectacular views over Belfast Lough. The BT Atrium offers an impressive space for night-time corporate hospitality and entertainment. See www.W5online.co.uk 

Dress Code: Informal. (Outer coats are advisable for the shuttle bus journeys.)

Host: Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tom Hartley.

Drinks: A limited choice of red or white wine, local beers, cider and soft drinks will be offered on arrival and then topped up during the evening.

Buffet: An international buffet of canapés and hot savouries will be served by staff circulating around the Reception areas.

Entertainment: Guests will be welcomed by the rousing sounds of “Different Drums”

Different Drums bring the indigenous drums of Ireland, the Lambeg and the Bodhran together for the first time ever in celebratory performance. The music also features the Uilleann or elbow pipes, whistles, guitar, snares, long drum, 4 voices and is driven by the engine of the African djembe. Adding myriad percussion and other instruments to original and traditional songs makes a unique and exciting combination of traditions and sounds. A unique celebration of cultural diversity and linkages. The band has played across the world, from US & Irish presidents to school children - The message is the same: “Celebrate that which makes us different and that which bonds us together”.

Belfast City Council is the largest of 26 district councils in Northern Ireland. Enjoying over a decade of sustained investment and economic growth, Belfast is now regarded as an ideal location to invest, do business and visit.

The Council’s Economic Development Department plays an integral role to the development of the city by adding value to, and complementing, the economic development of Belfast and the region as a whole. Key priority areas for the Council’s economic development unit include:

• Stimulating Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) growth and competitiveness

• Promoting and enhancing development in key growth sectors

• Establishing a World Trade Centre facility in Belfast

• Promoting entrepreneurship within Belfast

• Selling the attractiveness of Belfast as a place to live, work and do business

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ISBC 2008 Congress Secretariat, PO Box 288, Dept NC805, Harrogate, HG1 9AX, UK

Tel: +44(0)1423 879208  Fax: +44(0)1423 870025 E-mail: info@isbc2008.org  Website: www.isbc2008.org