Delegates from across the United States will descend upon Boston this month for Irish Network USA’s annual national conference, featuring plenary sessions, a special celebration at the State House, and a festival celebrating Irish culture and film. 

The four-day program runs from Thurs., Nov. 5, through Sun., Nov. 8. Registration details are available at irishnetworkboston.net.

Irish Network Boston (IN Boston), in partnership with the Consulate General of Ireland Boston, is hosting the weekend.  “With 2016 marking the centennial anniversary of the Easter Rising, the conference will celebrate and analyze the importance of the past 100 years of the relationship between Ireland and the United States, but more importantly, it will outline a strategic vision to best continue and build upon those enduring links for the benefit of all,” said Sean P. Moynihan, President of IN/Boston.

The conference will focus on the economic, educational, cultural, and sporting partnerships that have always been such a critical component of the relationship between the two countries.  Transatlantic trade will be a major focus with key participants to include: Gary Hanley of Invest Northern Ireland, Mark Gallagher of Silicon Valley Bank, Dave Greaney of Synergy Investments, Larry Naughton of Choate Hall and Stewart, and Ryan McDermott of the Boston Irish Business Association (BIBA).

The conference will bring together participants for a high-impact agenda featuring keynotes by Ireland’s ambassador to the United States, Anne Anderson, and Mark Redmond, chief executive of the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland. 

Other notable participants include Johanna Murphy, CEO of Connect Ireland; Joe O’Brien of Crosscare Migrant Project in Dublin; Professor Liam Kennedy of the UCD Clinton Institute of American Studies; John Cunningham, chairperson of the GAA North America; and Stewart Matthews of the Northern Ireland Bureau.

 “Since our first conference in 2013 INUSA has continued to go from strength to strength,” stated Steve Lenox, president, INUSA. “We are grateful for all the work that IN Boston is putting into making INUSA15 a success, and are looking forward to having lively discussion about where the future takes an organization that remains committed to engaging the ‘Global Irish’ in every corner of the USA”.

Friday evening will mark an important historical event for IN Boston as the organization celebrates its 5th anniversary at the Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill.  In partnership with the consul general of Ireland in Boston, guests will be entertained with traditional Irish music, Irish fare including traditional beef stew, Irish salmon, a unique selection of Irish cheeses from throughout Ireland, and a selection of unique craft brews.