Congregation | Community | Unconference

What is Congregation?

Three day mind mesh festival of thinking, sharing and connecting in Ashford Castle and Cong Village.

Celebrating its 7th year, CongRegation™ #cong19 (Nov 22-24th), is centred around the Saturday unconference whose central theme is ‘Community’. This year we are looking for curious minds from a range of diverse backgrounds/sectors who will share their unique perspective of Community – what it means and how do we create and foster it . We are treating the theme in its broadest form from psychology, technology, personal experiences to methodologies and ideas. We want to hear how people see, experience or what they think of “Community”, be it a personal one, business or career transition.

One of the key components of CongRegation™ is the diverse background and thinking of attendees and this includes technologists, psychologists, business people, start up community, academics, visionaries, disruptors and sector specific from farming to manufacturing.

This is the seventh year of the event with over 100 experts from all over Ireland and overseas expected

Scenic Location

CongRegation™ is ideally located in the historic village of Cong in south Mayo, which is most famous for its 12th century abbey, Ashford Castle, the John Wayne classic movie, The Quiet Man and the natural beauty of Cong Woods and Lough Corrib.

Unique Networking

Discuss and share your insights on how 'Ideas' can influence, change industries and lead to personal and global revolutions. You pay with your insight and are encouraged to share your thoughts on everything ranging from your own personal journey, to industry insights to how ideas are helping shape your sector. We are treating Ideas in its broadest form from psychology, technology, personal experiences to methodology.

Mind Mesh

You are guaranteed three days of unforgettable speakers, insights, sight seeing and socializing. Congregation is more than just a conference, it's about connecting people, allowing for non-formal networking and sharing of industry expertise and insights in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Insightful Speakers

Congregation year to year has hosted some of the worlds greatest minds and achievers. From the inventor of Baileys and author David Gluckman to the founder of Ireland's largest public forum Tom Murphy to the inspirational Gerry Duffy who ran 32 marathons in 32 days.

Family Friendly

While the adults are taking their minds for a gallop, their children will experience a day engaging workshops from science driven Smart Fabrics to Clay Modelling.

Social Networking

Following a full day and evening of sharing and learning new friendship and connections are deepened over musical and art workshops late into the night. Early risers get to experience guided walks in Cong.

Event Schedule

A schedule at a glance is listed below. Check the program for this year's unconference and learn about the speakers and sessions in store.

Friday 22nd | Ashford Castle

19:00 PM

Badge pick-up & drinks

Arrival in Ashford Castle with a registration reception where attendees will pick up their name badges and get a chance to network with a complimentary glass of champagne to lighten the mood.

20:00 PM

Presentations begin

Presentations will then begin from 20:00 PM sharp, attendees will be directed to the private cinema where we will be kickstarting this year’s CongRegation with an evening of community stories from the worlds of business, psychology, media and creativity.

22:00 PM

End of Presentations

The evening will close off at 22:00 PM and will be followed by informal networking events happening all around the village of Cong over drinks and live music.

22:30 PM

Informal fun workshop

It's time to relax, enjoy a drink and get your networking skills on. To help you get to know each other better we will have a fun workshop in Danaghers.
This is an excellent opportunity to introduce yourselves to fellow attendees and prime yourself for tomorrows huddles.