Leading with Insight |Ibec Networks Roadshow Returns for 2026

March 31, 2026

The annual Ibec Networks Roadshow is our way of connecting with our members locally, sharing industry updates, and exploring the most prevalent themes shaping the modern workplace and employee wellness.

As a leader and HR professional, you know that the "human" element of your business is the greatest asset. In an evolving workplace, the ability to lead with empathy, understand personal triggers, promote wellness, and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics is no longer a soft skill, it is a strategic necessity.

This year, Ibec’s HR Strategy and Employer Relations teams, alongside our expert speaker, will dive into the pillars of modern leadership. We will begin with a general ER update to provide the latest landscape before examining the performance experience of transitioning from traditional management to a coaching mindset. We will then explore the core of EQ-driven self-awareness, rounding off the event with an interactive panel discussion and Q&A to address your specific leadership challenges.

Our workplace culture is shifting. Moving from traditional management to a human-centred, growth-oriented mindset is essential for future-proofing your organisation and driving employee engagement.

Whether you are looking to refine your coaching techniques, understand the psychological drivers behind team performance, or simply stay ahead of the latest legislative changes, this roadshow is designed to provide actionable, real-world insights.

The Agenda

Our half-day interactive sessions are broken down into four core pillars, designed to provide a comprehensive look at the modern HR landscape:

  • The ER Update: We will kick off the morning with a high-level briefing on the latest Employer Relations trends and legislative shifts. Led by your regional ER Director, this session will provide the essential regulatory context you need to safely and strategically navigate today’s workplace landscape.
  • The Performance Experience: How do you transition from traditional management to a coaching and mentoring mindset? This session explores how adopting a human-centered approach drives employee engagement and builds cultures of deep trust and psychological safety.
  • Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness: Explore the psychology of self-awareness. We will examine how a leader’s internal state directly dictates the collective output of their team. This session moves EQ from a "nice-to-have" to a core business competency, equipping you with the tools to navigate high-stakes dynamics with clarity and composure.
  • Interactive Panel and Q&A: To close the day, we will bring all our expert speakers back to the stage. This is your opportunity to synthesise the day’s concepts, ask burning questions, and work through your specific leadership and ER challenges with our full panel of specialists.

Meet Your Expert Speakers

We have curated a fantastic line-up of voices to guide you through the day, combining Ibec's internal expertise with leading external consultants:

  • Your Regional ER Directors: Kevin Feighery (Athlone), Sophie Crosbie (Cork), and Lorraine Parkes (Dublin) will ground the day’s discussions in the macro-view of regional and national ER trends.
  • Vicky O’Neill (Ibec HR Strategist): Vicky brings a wealth of experience in reimagining the performance experience. A leading voice in inclusive leadership, she will share practical insights on future-proofing your talent strategy.
  • Vicki Nicholson (Executive Coach, VNA Consult): Drawing on over 25 years of international experience, Vicki is a certified specialist in Emotional Intelligence. She will lead the conversation on EQ, teaching you how to harness self-awareness for tangible business results.

2026 Event Schedule & Locations

The Roadshow will run from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at each location. Please find your nearest venue below to secure your place.

Thursday, 14 May

Athlone

Hodson Bay Hotel, Co. Roscommon

Kevin Feighery, Vicky O’Neill, Vicki Nicholson

BOOK HERE

Thursday, 21 May

Cork

Maryborough Hotel, Douglas

Sophie Crosbie, Vicky O’Neill, Vicki Nicholson

BOOK HERE

Thursday, 28 May

Dublin

Hilton Dublin Airport, Northern Cross

Lorraine Parkes, Vicky O’Neill, Vicki Nicholson

BOOK HERE