Annual Social Enterprise Conference 2026
Description
Annual Social Enterprise Conference 2026
Thursday, 19th November 2026
City North Hotel, Co. Meath
Theme: Ireland, Europe & Social Enterprise
The Annual Social Enterprise Conference 2026 will take place on Thursday, 19th November, marking International Social Enterprise Day.
With Ireland holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, this year’s theme is: Ireland, Europe & Social Enterprise
The conference will bring together social entrepreneurs, policymakers, practitioners, researchers, community leaders and other stakeholders from Ireland and across Europe to explore the future of social enterprise and the opportunities for greater collaboration.
As part of Ireland’s EU Presidency programme as an Associated Event, the conference provides a unique opportunity to showcase Ireland’s social enterprise sector within a wider European context, learn from experience across Europe and build new relationships between Irish and European stakeholders
The main conference will take place at the City North Hotel, Co. Meath, conveniently located approximately 20 minutes from Dublin Airport.
What to Expect
The conference will feature contributions from Irish and European speakers, practical examples from social enterprises, policy discussions and opportunities to connect with others working across the sector.
Participants will have opportunities to:
Hear from leading Irish and European voices in social enterprise
Explore emerging policy and practice across Ireland and Europe
Learn from practical examples of social enterprise in action
Meet social entrepreneurs, policymakers, funders and sector leaders
Build relationships and explore opportunities for future collaboration
Agenda
- 9:15 am - 10:00 am
Registration & European networking breakfast
- 10:00 am - 10:10 am
Welcome
- 10:10 am - 10:30 am
Minister's Opening Address
- 10:30 am - 10:50 am
Keynote: Why Europe Needs Social Enterprise to Compete, Innovate & Thrive
- 10:50 am - 11:45 am
The EU Opportunity: What’s Coming Next for Social Enterprises? Funding, policy and opportunities emerging from the EU’s next chapter
- 11:45 am - 12:20 pm
Europe in Action: How Irish Social Enterprises Are Benefiting from EU Support — and Delivering for Europe
- 12:20 pm - 12:25 pm
What’s Really Happening in Social Enterprise Across Europe? Launch of the European Social Enterprise Monitor (ESEM)
- 12:25 pm - 12:30 pm
What We’ve Heard — and What’s Coming Next
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
