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.

Recent Submissions

Earn Your Way In

The submission is a central aspect of CongRegation as its the only way to get a ticket.  They are also full of great insights.  Browse the latest ones – you might find some inspiration.

Submit your thoughts on ‘Community’ via our online form.

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.

Saturday 23rd | Cong Village

09:00 AM

Registration in Ryan’s Hotel

Eoin Kennedy
Event Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

Registration will open at 09:00AM sharp and attendees are invited to network among themselves and enjoy refreshments while waiting to recieve their name badges and event schedule.

10:00 AM

Opening Address and Orientation by Eoin Kennedy

Eoin Kennedy
Event Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

Eoin Kennedy will officially open Congregation with a warm welcome and explain the running order of the day, answer any questions in regards to huddles and will brief the attendees.

10:30 AM - 11:30AM

Session 1 - Various Venues

Eoin Kennedy
Event Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

Three talks per huddle moderated by the chair. 10 minutes per presentation followed by Q&A. You decide when and where you present.

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Break

Eoin Kennedy
Event Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

Enjoy a coffee or take a relaxing stroll around the scenic village of Cong. Or catch up to that speaker you didn't get a chance to finish talking to and prime yourself for the following session.

12:00 PM - 13:00 PM

Session 2

Eoin Kennedy
Event Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

Next three presentations guided by the chair. 10 minutes each followed by 5 min Q&A.

13:00 PM - 14:00 PM

Lunch!

Eoin Kennedy
Event Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

It's time for lunch - your schedule will guide you to your lunch spot in Cong! Enjoy a healthy meal with a dose of coffee whilst discussing today's events so far! Don't forget to share those interesting moments with the rest of humanity on social media and show them what they missed out on!

14:00 PM - 15:00 PM

Session 3

Eoin Kennedy
Event Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

3 presentations followed by Q&A. 10 minutes per presentation followed by 5 minute Q&A.

15:00 PM - 15:30 PM

Break

Eoin Kennedy
Event Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

The day is nearing to a close, take a deep breath and enjoy a quick coffee before you head to your last huddle! What a day it has been, give yourself a pat on the back for making it this far.

15:30 PM - 16:30 PM

Session 4

Eoin Kennedy
Event Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

It's the last huddle, take notes, ask questions and share your ideas and thoughts if you haven't done so already. We are exploring an joint ideas session/mini hackathon challenge.

16:40 PM

Final address and group photo at Cong Cross

Eoin Kennedy
Event Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

Gather in the town square and put your best smile on! Eoin Kennedy will address the group and you'll get to be apart of this years group photo!

17:00 PM

Drinks in Ryan’s Hotel

Eoin Kennedy
Event Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

You've made it! Now off to Ryan's Hotel for some casual drinks and an evening of informal networking and idea sharing! Thanks for joining in for this years Unconference Conference!

19:00 PM

Dinner in Cong Village

Eoin Kennedy
Event Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

Enjoy a traditional Irish dinner among friends whilist going over any topics or themes you found interesting. Share and tweet away on social media of how it all went!

19:30 PM

Poetry Open Mike

Eoin Kennedy
Event Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

Building on last year's poetry session we are no extending to a 30 minute open mike session for all budding poets.

20:00 PM

Music Workshop

Eoin Kennedy
Event Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

Finishing Congregation with a bang and style we've decided to teach you some new musical skills! Join us at Danaghers Pub for an evening of music, refreshments and networking! Sean McGrath will guide us through this years instrument - the Ukulele.

Sunday 24th | Cong Woods

11:00 AM

Foraging Walk - Cong. Meet outside the Abbey (beside Cong church)

Eoin Kennedy
Conference Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

Take in the beauty of Cong Woods and find wild food with our foraging guide.

14:00 PM

Eoin Kennedy
Conference Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

Say your good-byes, it's been an exciting, thrilling and insightful weekend for us all! We hope you've enjoyed it as much as we have and have picked up a few things along the way! Look forward to see you next year.

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Become a Sponsor

Interested in becoming a sponsor of CongRegation? Register your interest below and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly!




Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the FAQs to find the answers to common questions. Can't find your question answered here? Contact us.

1. When will the conference take place?

When will CongRegation™ the conference take place?

CongRegation takes place over three day (Nov 22th to Nov24th 2019) in Cong, Co Mayo.

  • Friday – an evening of community stories | Ashford Castle
  • Saturday – all day unconference | children’s workshops | learn an instrument | Cong Village
  • Sunday – social event | Cong Woods

2. How much does it cost?

How much does it cost?

Tickets for CongRegation™ cannot be purchased but must be earned by a submission on this years theme of ‘Transition’.  Once accepted this submission is posted on the website and included in the post event eBook.  The ticket gives access to the three days, children’s workshop, music session and social events.

3. How does CongRegation™ work?

How does CongRegation™  work?

Friday evening in Ashford Castle features 5 speakers telling Transition stories in the private cinema.

Saturday uses an unconference model.   Following registration attendees are spilt into 10 different venues, where the chair will moderate the presentations.  Each attendee presents their submission during one of the 4 sessions.

4. How can I get a ticket?

How can I get a ticket?

Tickets are allocated subject to the production of a 600 word minimum (no maximum) original article on the theme of “Community”.  This is submitted through the web application form for consideration.  Once approved it will be posted on the website.

The ticket covers.

  • 3 day event entry
  • Teas/coffees and lunch on Saturday
  • Promotion on website and eBook
  • Childcare and adult workshops

Attendees book their own accommodation and travel arrangements.

5. Do you offer childcare?

Do you offer childcare?

One of the unique aspects of CongRegation™ is the family friendly offering of childcare on Saturday 23rd Nov 2019.  While the adults are debating, sharing and mind meshing in Cong Village their children will be equally stimulated with a series of workshops.  Children can be dropped in from 9am and collected at 5pm.  This year we are planning

  • Felt making
  • Maker workshop

6. How can I book accomodation?

How can I book accommodation?

Attendees look after their own accommodation and travel arrangements.  Options range from 5 star Ashford Castle to AirBnB with many offering special rates for CongRegation.

Some venues (especially those in the village) are block booked so please call for availability rather than trust online.  Places fill out very fast with many already booked for this year.  The full list is available here.

Event location

Here, you will find directions to the conference venue. More space to meet and network!

VISIT US

Ashford Castle, Cong Village, County Mayo, Ireland

EMAIL US

eoin@congregation.ie

CALL US

+353 86 8339540

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