7th January 2025

The Belfast Summit 2025 has been launched. A series of global experts, local leaders, government, and industry innovators are set to lead the discussion at the one-day event on Thursday 23rd January 2025 at Ulster University Belfast Campus.

The Belfast Summit includes a packed schedule of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, and is an event for anyone who lives, works or visits Belfast. Tickets are available now at www.belfastsummit.com. An Early Bird discount is available for tickets purchased between now and 31st December 2024.

The 2025 Summit features an impressive lineup of speakers, including:

Ariel Palitz – New York’s first and former Nightlife Mayor, known for her transformative work in managing the city’s nighttime economy. Ariel will outline exactly what Belfast can do to maximise its nighttime economy offer.

Gavin White – Executive Member for Housing and Development at Manchester Council, a city celebrated for pioneering inclusive urban housing initiatives. Delivering significant housing and regeneration projects, Gavin will share his experience with cities undertaking projects of significant scale.

Professor Catherine Gall – A renowned urban studies expert from the University of Paris Sorbonne, whose research shapes global perspectives on sustainable city planning.

Other confirmed speakers include NI’s Chief Planner Alastair Beggs, Boston-based Joe Babiec, MD of Belfast Distillery Company which invested $20m into the north Belfast distillery project, and Clare McGee, CEO of Awaken Hub, with many more speakers and panelists to be announced.

This year’s theme—Building Community, Culture & Growth—will include keynote addresses on an array of topics, including the nighttime economy, building a bustling retail sector, planning, housing, regeneration, tourism, and finance.

The Belfast Summit 2025 is made possible through the support of its key partners: Belfast Harbour, Belfast One BID, Destination CQ BID, Linen Quarter BID and Ulster University. The event is organised by communications and research consultancy MW Advocate.

Speaking at the launch where he was joined by representatives from each of the Summit’s partner organisations, Brendan Mulgrew MW Advocate’s Managing Partner said:

“The Belfast Summit is the largest single event in our city which focuses exclusively on Belfast and how we can make it the best small city in Europe to live, work and visit. This year’s event will include speakers from across the globe as well as local experts who will share their thoughts, ideas and energy on how we can build community, and culture and deliver growth for everyone here. The Summit is for all those who want to see our city progress and tickets are now available at www.belfastsummit.com.”