Ireland at SXSW 2025
Ireland House: where innovation and imagination collide
Day 1 - Sunday 9 March
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10:00-11:00: Recognition Revolution: Blending Tech and Human Touch
Recognising employees is now a business imperative, with Gallup revealing disengaged employees cost $8.8 trillion annually. Effective recognition fosters engagement, innovation, and provides authentic data. This blend of culture and technology, termed Human Intelligence, reimagines work.
Day 1 - Sunday 9 March
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10:00-11:00: Recognition Revolution: Blending Tech and Human Touch
Recognising employees is now a business imperative, with Gallup revealing disengaged employees cost $8.8 trillion annually. Effective recognition fosters engagement, innovation, and provides authentic data. This blend of culture and technology, termed Human Intelligence, reimagines work.
Recognition Revolution: Blending Tech and Human Touch - Meet the panelists
Geri Murphy
Geri is the founder of Sinann People, helping startups build scalable HR functions. She has led HR teams at other notable startups including Temporal, Cart.com, and Sidecar. In her off time she enjoys baking, yoga, books, and her dog, Coal.
Craig Funt
Craig leads People Strategy and Operations at Qualcomm, based in Austin. With 30+ years in HR strategy and operations, he is a proven expert in creating impactful programs and leading high-performing global teams.
Meisha-Ann Martin
Meisha-ann holds a Ph.D. in I/O Psychology and has 20 years of experience in People Analytics. She advocates daily for diversity and has previously led teams at JetBlue, Flex, and Servicemaster, before landing at Workhuman.
Ashley Frabasilio
Ashley is the co-founder of The Optimist Collective, designs engaging experiences. With 10+ years in tech including Uber and Asana, she fosters innovative spaces to create connections. Ashley is a matcha enthusiast and avid traveler in her down time.
11:30-12:30: Innovations Driving the Future of Energy
Explore the transformative impact of the energy transition and energy demand response in this engaging session. We'll delve into the latest breakthroughs in clean technology and smart grid solutions, highlighting how these innovations are reshaping the energy landscape.
Learn how Ireland is driving sustainable energy production and delivery, setting a global example for a greener future.
11:30-12:30: Innovations Driving the Future of Energy
Explore the transformative impact of the energy transition and energy demand response in this engaging session. We'll delve into the latest breakthroughs in clean technology and smart grid solutions, highlighting how these innovations are reshaping the energy landscape.
Learn how Ireland is driving sustainable energy production and delivery, setting a global example for a greener future.
Meet the panelists - Innovations Driving the Future of Energy
Aoife Toomey
Dr Aoife Toomey is the Digital Science Lead at bp and holds a PhD in Geophysics. At bp she has transitioned from seismic analysis to sustainability, contributing to bp's biodiversity ambition and technology strategy to reach their climate goals.
Paul Murphy
As CEO of Climeaction Paul has built a leader in industrial decarbonisation. With a background in energy and ESG, he drives impactful climate action strategies, advising top industrial companies toward impactful emission reductions.
Carolyn Comer
Carolyn, President of Shell Energy North America, oversees gas, power, and environmental products wholesale marketing and trading in the Americas. With 30+ years at Shell, she has led major transformations across multiple geographies.
Mark Gilsenan
Mark is an accomplished energy engineer with 10+ years in grid-scale renewables, battery storage, and demand response. Mark leads strategic initiatives at VIOTAS, enhancing grid flexibility to accelerate the integration of renewable energy.
13:00-14:00: The Next Innovation Podcast Recording: The Future of Human Intelligence in AI & Tech
Join us for a thought-provoking fireside chat and live podcast recording of The Next Innovation with host Samantha Murphy Kelly; Susan Leavy, member of the Irish government's AI Advisory Council; William Fitzgerald, President of Bard Global; and Matthew Lease, Professor and Director of the UT Austin Laboratory for AI and Human-Centered Computing.
This event will feature expert insights and thought leadership on the most exciting trends in the tech industry, specifically in the interplay of human and artificial intelligence.
13:00-14:00: The Next Innovation Podcast Recording: The Future of Human Intelligence in AI & Tech
Join us for a thought-provoking fireside chat and live podcast recording of The Next Innovation with host Samantha Murphy Kelly; Susan Leavy, member of the Irish government's AI Advisory Council; William Fitzgerald, President of Bard Global; and Matthew Lease, Professor and Director of the UT Austin Laboratory for AI and Human-Centered Computing.
This event will feature expert insights and thought leadership on the most exciting trends in the tech industry, specifically in the interplay of human and artificial intelligence.
14:30-15:30: AI Beyond Borders: Navigating Global AI Implementation
Multinational companies face challenges in optimising their AI investments globally, considering factors like talent, energy, regulations, and politics.
This panel will discuss AI's impact, new activities, jurisdiction attractiveness, and decision-making for global operations. The discussion is timely due to significant AI investments and evolving regulations like the EU's AI Act.
14:30-15:30: AI Beyond Borders: Navigating Global AI Implementation
Multinational companies face challenges in optimising their AI investments globally, considering factors like talent, energy, regulations, and politics.
This panel will discuss AI's impact, new activities, jurisdiction attractiveness, and decision-making for global operations. The discussion is timely due to significant AI investments and evolving regulations like the EU's AI Act.
Meet the panelists - AI Beyond Borders: Navigating Global AI Implementation
James Farrell, IDA
James Farrell, SVP at IDA Ireland, oversees Content, Consumer, and Business Services, managing FDI from top companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon.
Dr Donal McMahon
Dr Donal McMahon led AI Platforms at Indeed, with 20+ years in AI research and applications, focusing on impactful, responsible solutions.
Michael Shaughnessy
As Kargo’s COO, Michael leads strategy, scales operations, and integrates platforms, bringing extensive expertise in digital media.
Karen Plotkin
Karen leads Client Solutions at Dell, offering unique perspectives and practical strategies for team-building and problem-solving excellence.
16:00-17:00: From Myths to Markets: The Power of Irish Innovation
The Irish Business Network Austin, which represents 300+ Irish and American people living in Austin, is hosting a discussion showcasing Irish innovation in Austin.
Industry innovators share their transformative journeys and insights into emerging business opportunities. These dynamic leaders will discuss their breakthrough achievements and offer their perspectives on tomorrow's market landscape.
16:00-17:00: From Myths to Markets: The Power of Irish Innovation
The Irish Business Network Austin, which represents 300+ Irish and American people living in Austin, is hosting a discussion showcasing Irish innovation in Austin.
Industry innovators share their transformative journeys and insights into emerging business opportunities. These dynamic leaders will discuss their breakthrough achievements and offer their perspectives on tomorrow's market landscape.
Meet the speakers - From Myths to Markets: The Power of Irish Innovation
Kelly Spillane
Dublin-born, Austin-based Kelly works as an Investment Principal and Deal Lead on the Whole Foods Market corporate venture team. She invests in high-potential food, beverage and consumer products companies.
William Fitzgerald
William Fitzgerald is the co-founder of Bard Global, who provide technical writing and communications consulting services for multi-national companies involved in technology, fintech, clean tech and life sciences.
Brian McManus
Brian is the creator and host of the popular “Real Engineering” YouTube channel. He explains the complexities of engineering and technology in an accessible, engaging way, to 4.7M subscribers and beyond.
John Burns
Cork-born John has worked in food quality assurance for 30+ years. He has been a dynamic and innovative leader in the development of Whole Foods Market’s much lauded quality standards for over 18 years.
Other Ireland House events on Sunday:
Book signing - The Alchemy of Talent
11:00-11:30: Join Enterprise Ireland HR Board member Vijay Pendakur for a book signing.
Pop-Up Gaeltacht
13:00–14:30: Whether you're a fluent Gaeilgeoir or just curious about the language, immerse yourself in Irish culture.
Innovation Éire Irish Coffee Hour
17:00–18:30: Join us for Irish Coffee, live music, and networking, hosted by Climeaction and Foxes Bow Whiskey.
Other Ireland House events on Sunday:
Book signing - The Alchemy of Talent
11:00-11:30: Join Enterprise Ireland HR Board member Vijay Pendakur for a book signing.
Pop-Up Gaeltacht
13:00–14:30: Whether you're a fluent Gaeilgeoir or just curious about the language, immerse yourself in Irish culture.
Innovation Éire Irish Coffee Hour
17:00–18:30: Join us for Irish Coffee, live music, and networking, hosted by Climeaction and Foxes Bow Whiskey.
Day 2 - Monday 10 March
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10:00-11:00: Redefining Brand Experiences for a Sustainable Future
In an era where authenticity and sustainability are crucial, brands must evolve to align with younger generations' values. This panel explores how youth culture and fearless creativity can drive brand success.
Attendees will gain practical strategies, innovative ideas and fresh perspectives on the future of advertising and brand experience.
Day 2 - Monday 10 March
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10:00-11:00: Redefining Brand Experiences for a Sustainable Future
In an era where authenticity and sustainability are crucial, brands must evolve to align with younger generations' values. This panel explores how youth culture and fearless creativity can drive brand success.
Attendees will gain practical strategies, innovative ideas and fresh perspectives on the future of advertising and brand experience.
Meet the panelists - Redefining Brand Experiences for a Sustainable Future
Jonny Boyle
Jonny Boyle, Director of Brand Experience at Fuel, is a visionary problem solver and collaborator. With two decades of experience, he has led award-winning campaigns for global clients like Heineken, Sky, and KFC.
Viv Chambers
Viv, founder of Bricolage, has 20+ years of experience as a strategic planner for iconic clients in Dublin, the UK, and the US. He brings a human-centered, culturally driven approach to his work.
Jane McDaid
Jane McDaid founded THINKHOUSE in 2001, delivering digital-first marketing for progressive brands. THINKHOUSE focuses on transformation, planet, and fame, winning eight Cannes Lions in 2022.
Mark Bambury
As Senior Director of the Tech, Telco, Gaming and Media Verticals, Mark and his team are focused on helping brands find success on Roblox via immersive experiences, virtual items, integrations and Roblox's Video solutions.
11:30-12:30: Building safe connections: AI companions and responsible design
AI companions are reshaping how humans connect with technology. From emotional support and identity exploration opportunities, to deception, privacy and over-reliance concerns. Join us for a panel discussion on the AI companion landscape, exploring innovations, safety, and ethical considerations. Organised by the European Union Office in San Francisco, in collaboration with Ireland House.
#EUatSXSW
11:30-12:30: Building safe connections: AI companions and responsible design
AI companions are reshaping how humans connect with technology. From emotional support and identity exploration opportunities, to deception, privacy and over-reliance concerns. Join us for a panel discussion on the AI companion landscape, exploring innovations, safety, and ethical considerations. Organised by the European Union Office in San Francisco, in collaboration with Ireland House.
#EUatSXSW
Meet the panelists - Building safe connections: AI companions and responsible design
Camille Carlton
Camille is the Policy Director at the Center for Humane Technology, where she leads the organisation's policy strategy to ensure technology serves the public interest.
Carlos Calva
Carlos Calva is the founder of Midbrain, an innovative company working to build new nature-inspired foundation models for next generation adaptable AI.
Giulia Geneletti
Giulia Geneletti is a Policy Officer at the European Union Office in San Francisco, working on online safety policy and platform governance policy.
Dr Susan Leavy, Asst Professor, UCD
Susan Leavy is an Assistant Professor at University College Dublin with research projects in AI, AI Ethics, and Tech Policy.
14:30-15:30: Through the Green Lens
How can Ireland be your Creative Co-production Partner? The panel will explore the benefits of creating productions in Ireland, the expertise and financial incentives including the types of productions that locate in Ireland and what an international producer/company can expect.
14:30-15:30: Through the Green Lens
How can Ireland be your Creative Co-production Partner? The panel will explore the benefits of creating productions in Ireland, the expertise and financial incentives including the types of productions that locate in Ireland and what an international producer/company can expect.
Meet the panelists - Through the Emerald Lens
Anthony D’Alessandro
Anthony is the editorial director for Deadline, covering box office, breaking film news, awards-season features and festival news
Jess Varley
Filmmaker Jess was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Her film The Astronaut, was shot in Ireland and stars Laurence Fishburne and Kate Mara. Moviefone also included Jess on their list of top 20 female genre directors.
Tristan Orpen Lynch
Tristan is a producer known for Song for a Raggy Boy (2003), Jimi: All is by My Side and Bad Land: Road to Fury 2014). His company Subotica has produced and co-produced films in Ireland, and internationally.
John Sloss
John is founder and CEO of Cinetic Media, and partner in Sloss Eckhouse Dasti Haynes LawCo. He has produced or executive produced over 70 films including Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon which was shot in Ireland last year.
Other Monday events include:
13:00–14:00: Pop-Up Gaeltacht
Join us for lively conversations and a warm community atmosphere. Let's celebrate the beauty of the Irish language together!
16:30–18:00: Creative Éire: Irish Coffee Hour
Join us for an hour of Irish Coffee, live music, and networking with today's speakers and members of Ireland House, hosted by Lost Irish Whiskey.
Other Monday events include:
13:00–14:00: Pop-Up Gaeltacht
Join us for lively conversations and a warm community atmosphere. Let's celebrate the beauty of the Irish language together!
16:30–18:00: Creative Éire: Irish Coffee Hour
Join us for an hour of Irish Coffee, live music, and networking with today's speakers and members of Ireland House, hosted by Lost Irish Whiskey.
Demos at Ireland House
Eirmersive and Screen Ireland will offer showcase and demonstration opportunities from member companies, including:
- Janet Beck from Glasseye will showcase their world-class immersive projects, including ‘The Summer Palace’ for Outernet, London.
- Rafael Pagés from Volograms will showcase AI-powered volumetric holograms, and their WebAR platform Vologram Messages.
- Michael Guerin from Imvizar will showcase spatial storytelling experience tool Lureo and AR Walking Tour projects including Monto AR - An Immersive Journey Through Dublin's Hidden Past.
Demos at Ireland House
Eirmersive and Screen Ireland will offer showcase and demonstration opportunities from member companies, including:
- Janet Beck from Glasseye will showcase their world-class immersive projects, including ‘The Summer Palace’ for Outernet, London.
- Rafael Pagés from Volograms will showcase AI-powered volumetric holograms, and their WebAR platform Vologram Messages.
- Michael Guerin from Imvizar will showcase spatial storytelling experience tool Lureo and AR Walking Tour projects including Monto AR - An Immersive Journey Through Dublin's Hidden Past.
Day 3 - Tuesday 11 March
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10:00-11:00: Sustainable Aviation: Pioneering the Future with SAF
Join us for an insightful discussion on the critical role of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in reducing aviation's carbon footprint. This session will explore the environmental benefits of SAF, technological advancements, and policy frameworks driving its adoption.
Discover how Ireland is positioning itself as a leader in the sustainable aviation sector, paving the way for a greener future in air travel.
Day 3 - Tuesday 11 March
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10:00-11:00: Sustainable Aviation: Pioneering the Future with SAF
Join us for an insightful discussion on the critical role of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in reducing aviation's carbon footprint. This session will explore the environmental benefits of SAF, technological advancements, and policy frameworks driving its adoption.
Discover how Ireland is positioning itself as a leader in the sustainable aviation sector, paving the way for a greener future in air travel.
Meet the panelists - Sustainable Aviation: Pioneering the Future with SAF
Shashank Nigam
Shashank is the founder of SimpliFlying, helping airlines build trust and sustainability. With 15 years' experience he authored "SOAR", and is working to ensure that airlines and the aviation industry gets sustainability right.
Ruben Rodriguez Quintero
Ruben Rodriguez is a trilingual executive with a PhD in Chemical Engineering and an MBA. He has 20+ years experience in technology commercialisation, clean energy, and sustainability.
Roger Harris
Roger is the COO at Infinium, ensuring regulatory compliance and driving growth in the eFuels space. He is passionate about sustainable energy and leading innovative teams in the energy and chemical spaces.
Amy Hebert
Amy has over 30 years of global industry experience, 15 years in executive leadership in refining, chemical, and polymer markets and serves on several boards. Now CEO and founder of Arcadia eFuels, she aims to produce sustainable fuels.
11:15-11:45: The Power of Spatial Storytelling in Learning, Tourism, and Entertainment
Explore how Ireland’s leading immersive technology companies are harnessing the power of Virtual and Augmented Reality to craft memorable and impactful experiences across sectors.
11:15-11:45: The Power of Spatial Storytelling in Learning, Tourism, and Entertainment
Explore how Ireland’s leading immersive technology companies are harnessing the power of Virtual and Augmented Reality to craft memorable and impactful experiences across sectors.
Meet the speakers - The Power of Spatial Storytelling in Learning, Tourism, and Entertainment
Rafael Pagés
Rafael is Co-founder and CEO of Volograms, an AI company powering the capture of volumetric 3D people. Volograms is a pioneer in the 3D generative AI space.
Celine Mullins
As a psychologist and CEO and Founder of Adaptas, a leading Learning and Development organisation, Celine has been shaping and evolving leaders and teams globally for nearly 20 years.
Janet Beck
Janet is founder and CEO of Glasseye, an award-winning creative agency known for creating extraordinary experiences for global brands and crafting XR and immersive content.
Camille Donegan
Camille is CEO of Eirmersive, the voice of the Irish Immersive sector, and a VR consultant and content producer with 15-year parallel careers in technology and the arts (theatre, film, radio).
Michael Guerin
Michael is CEO and Founder of Imvizar, an AR platform creating immersive storytelling experiences. He has delivered 100+ experiences across 11 countries and spoken at AWE, SXSW and Web Summit.
Jo Mangan
Jo is Director/CEO of The Performance Corporation, where she creates groundbreaking Extended Reality experiences, including Emperor 101 (Live VR) at Dublin Theatre Festival, SXSW, and LP360 Vancouver.
12:00-12:30: In Conversation with Award Winning Film Directors Lorcan Finnegan and John Kelly
A fireside chat with Lorcan Finnegan, the award-winning director behind SXSW film The Surfer, which premiered in Cannes last year. Lorcan is one of Ireland’s leading film directors, with projects like Vivarium and Nocebo.
Joining Lorcan is John Kelly, the director of the animated film Retirement Plan. His work includes puppetry, animation, and graphic design. His stop-motion film Back to the Start won the Film Grand Prix at the Cannes Advertising Festival.
12:00-12:30: In Conversation with Award Winning Film Directors Lorcan Finnegan and John Kelly
A fireside chat with Lorcan Finnegan, the award-winning director behind SXSW film The Surfer, which premiered in Cannes last year. Lorcan is one of Ireland’s leading film directors, with projects like Vivarium and Nocebo.
Joining Lorcan is John Kelly, the director of the animated film Retirement Plan. His work includes puppetry, animation, and graphic design. His stop-motion film Back to the Start won the Film Grand Prix at the Cannes Advertising Festival.
12:30-13:30 - TRASNA Creative Industries Mixer
Taking its name from the Irish word for across, TRASNA, is a transatlantic creative network connecting the Irish arts with America’s creative industries. Join us for a meeting of minds to close out Ireland House.
12:30-13:30 - TRASNA Creative Industries Mixer
Taking its name from the Irish word for across, TRASNA, is a transatlantic creative network connecting the Irish arts with America’s creative industries. Join us for a meeting of minds to close out Ireland House.
Other Tuesday events at Ireland House include:
11:00-11:30: Book signing - Simpliflying
Join Ireland House Moderator and aviation sustainability expert Shashank Nigam for a book signing after our Sustainable Aviation panel in our indoor demo space.
11:30-12:30: Pop-Up Gaeltacht
Come learn some Irish in Ireland House. Let's celebrate the beauty of the Irish language together!
Other Tuesday events at Ireland House include:
11:00-11:30: Book signing - Simpliflying
Join Ireland House Moderator and aviation sustainability expert Shashank Nigam for a book signing after our Sustainable Aviation panel in our indoor demo space.
11:30-12:30: Pop-Up Gaeltacht
Come learn some Irish in Ireland House. Let's celebrate the beauty of the Irish language together!
Irish Music and Irish Film at SXSW 2025
Irish talent will be on display throughout SXSW, not only in Ireland House.
Irish Music at SXSW
Music From Ireland is proud to announce a number of Irish acts showcasing at SXSW on 13 and 14 March. Find out where you can catch these performances here
Irish Film at SXSW
Catch our Screen Ireland supported films and screenings across a number of SXSW venues. Find out about all Screen Ireland listings here
