The Trade mission seeks to leverage the clear potential of the marketing sector for sustainable and resilient employment, export growth and regional development.

Exploring the connections between Ireland and San Francisco Bay Area - Roundtable 1

As part of the Trade Mission, on Tuesday afternoon, a roundtable will launch a new report on the economic connections between Ireland and the San Francisco Bay Area, produced by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute.

Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment will be joined by Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland and Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland and senior representatives of Bay Area HQ’d technology companies to host a discussion around the connections between the Bay Area and Ireland. Jane McDaid, Founder of THINKHOUSE, a B Corp Certified company and a 2024/25 Government of Ireland Sustainability Champion, is invited to join this Roundtable to share the perspective of an Irish company that is looking to make the Bay Area one of its main US targets.

As trade and investment with Europe grow, Ireland has successfully combined focused economic strategies with investments in talent and innovation, establishing itself as a European base for many U.S. and Bay Area companies. A shared culture and history have further strengthened strategic economic relations. The new report highlights the strong links between Ireland and the Bay Area, as well as the immense potential for future collaboration and growth. The event will feature key findings from the report, followed by a panel discussion on strengthening the relationship between Ireland and the Bay Area. (The report was previously launched in Ireland by Minister Burke, T.D., Mary Buckley, Executive Director, IDA Ireland, and Sean Randolph Senior Director, Bay Area Council Economic Institute on Thursday, July 25, at Iveagh House, Dublin)

Following the roundtable discussion, there will be a Digital Marketing Sector Evening Reception in Ireland House, San Francisco. Industry leaders and key stakeholders in the marketing sector will be present offering an opportunity to discuss the latest trends and innovations in digital marketing.

Digital Marketing - Roundtable 2

On Thursday, there will be a Digital Marketing Roundtable in Ireland House where THINKHOUSE’s Founder, Jane McDaid, will be joined by others from across the Creative Digital and Marketing sector including; i1 Studios; Kooba, Piranha Bar, Buy Media and Tiny Ark to discuss the opportunities for creative agencies, marketing software, branding, advertising, and events. Minister Burke will chair the roundtable. Attendees from San Francisco based business, from a cross section of sectors (including tech, FMCG, not-for-profit), together with the Irish based businesses, will explore Technology integration in Digital Marketing, Accessibility in Digital Marketing, Immersive Tech in marketing, Sustainability and Digital Marketing and Marketing Measurement.

Jane McDaid, Founder & Head of Creative innovation at THINKHOUSE said; “This trade mission, organised by Enterprise Ireland and the IDA to support our sector, is a great opportunity to explore potential opportunities for exporting creative services; something that is a growing opportunity for our agency, and indeed our sector. It will deepen our knowledge of the needs and demands of US based organizations and position THINKHOUSE as an agency that’s a suitable provider, delivering cutting-edge, global, social & digital marketing with that all important creative and cultural magic that only Ireland can deliver.”