What is Congregation?

Three day mind mesh unconference festival of thinking, sharing and connecting.

Celebrating its 11th year, CongRegation™ #cong23 (Nov 24-26), will return as a three day face to face event in Cong Village, Co Mayo, Ireland, with some joining in remotely under the theme of ‘Reality’.

Our individual and collective sense of reality varies greatly based upon our perceptions, experiences, beliefs and our blindspots.  Science has opened our eyes to new worlds at a microscopic subatomic level and at a universe wide canvas.  Technology allows people to exist virtually in new online worlds but politics religion have also long impacted on our views of reality.

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.

Tickets are earned via a submission on the theme which will be debated in virtual huddles on November 25th 2023 in Cong Village.  Have a read of the 2023 submissions on Reality .

There are 6 different events over three days including workshops and social events.

Schedule:

  • Friday 24th Nov 2023: Night of Reality Stories Virtual Reality | Fiction | Philosophy| Shamism Ashford Castle
  • Saturday 25th Nov 2023: All day Unconference | Workshops | Kids Bushcraft | Magic Play |Cong/Clonbur Village and Zoom
  • Sunday 26th Nov 2023: Geology Tour | Cong Area 

Social Venues

CongRegation™ 2023 #cong23 will be physical event in Cong Village with some people also logging in virtually using Zoom. By rotating you from cafes, bookshop, creative spaces to restaurants we hope to mimic the intimacy and authenticity of the best coffee conversations.

Unique Networking

Discuss and share your insights on 'Reality'. 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 'Reality' in its broadest form from psychology, spirituality, business, technology, personal experiences to methodology. There are plenty of breaks for people to connect and get to know each other

Mind Mesh

You are guaranteed a day 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 online atmosphere.

Insightful Speakers

CongRegation 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.

Natural Beauty

CongRegation takes place in the tourist village of Cong. The village is soaked in history and culture but is also situated on the edge of the beautiful Cong Forest with marked trails for those taking a break. The event will finish with a GeoWalk in Cong Village and Woods on Sunday.

Workshops

During and after the unconference there will be a number of additional workshops - some related to the theme and some just good fun. These will be followed by an evening performance of the Magic Play. An all day bushcraft/Forest School is also available for children of the attendees.

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 – or if looking for inspiration check out the questions we hope will be answered.

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

Event Schedule

The 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 24th | Cong Village

8:00pm

Arrival at 7pm for a reception in the billiards room of Ashford Castle. From 8-10pm an expert panel of 4 speakers share their insights into Reality in a session moderated by Joan Mulvihill in the Private Cinema.

Saturday 25th | Cong Village/Zoom

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

Huddle 1 - Multiple Rooms

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

Multiple
Event Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

Limber up with our exercise session. Enjoy a coffee or chat to other attendees on Twitter and LinkedIn.

12:00 PM - 13:00 PM

Huddle 2 - Multiple venues

Multiple
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!

Barre Fitzpatrick
Event Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

Wayfinding Workshop 1-2 Ryans Hotel. Grab lunch and rejoin at 2pm for session 3.

14:00 PM - 15:00 PM

Huddle 3 - Multiple Venues

Multiple
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

Enjoy a coffee or chat to other attendees on Twitter and LinkedIn.

15:30 PM - 16:00 PM

Huddle 4 - Multiple venues

Multiple
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.

17:00 PM - 18:00 PM

Workshops

Stephen Howell, Andy Green, Roisin Markham
Event Organizer - Congregation Media Limited

Join one of special workshops to finish off the day. 'B(l)ending Reality' green screen by Chris Reina

20:00 PM

The Magic Play | All Saints Centre | Clonbur

Ann Tannam
MC

This year we are bringing the Guna Nua production of the Magic Play to Mayo for a special performance. A fusion of magic, comedy and theatre.

Late

#cong22 finish

All
All

Finishing with a virtual group photo #cong20 will come to an end.

Sunday 28th | Geology Tour

11:00

All

Jump on a cruise from Ashford Castle pier and let Michael and Patrick Luskin introduce you to another side of Cong on Lough Corrib. History, folklore and stories.

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 2022 will take place on from Nov 24-26th as a face to face event with remote logging in facilitated.  Huddles will take place in multiple venues in Cong Village with a special evening in Ashford Castle on Friday and a social activity on Sunday.

  • Friday – Night of Reality | Ashford Castle
  • Saturday – all day unconference | workshops| kids bushcraft | The Magic Play
  • Sunday – GeoWalk | Cong Abbey

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 ‘Reality’.  Once accepted this submission is posted on the website and included in the post event eBook.  The ticket gives access to the full day conference, workshops, music session and social events.

3. How does CongRegation™ work?

How does CongRegation™  work?

Saturday uses an unconference model.   Following registration attendees are spilt into 10 different virtual venues, where the chair will moderate the 3 presentations in each ‘Huddle’.  Each attendee presents their submission during one of the 4 sessions.

All theses sessions will take place face to face in multiple locations with some joining in via Zoom

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 “Purpose”.  This is submitted through the web application form for consideration.  Once approved it will be posted on the website.

The ticket covers.

  • 1 day unconference entry
  • Teas/coffees and lunch covered
  • Evening event in Ashford Castle
  • Social events
  • Promotion on website and eBook
  • Adult workshops

Attendees book their own accommodation and travel arrangements..

5. Can I participate virtually?

Attendees who cannot make it in person will be offered the opportunity to participate virtually via zoom.  This will take place via a laptop/tablets in huddles.  Due to the limitations of broadband in some venues the number of virtual huddles will be limited.  The same rule applies for the advance submission and the opportunity to discuss on the day and share in the debate.

6. How do I travel to Cong and Accomodation?

How do I get to Cong and where do I stay?

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.  In previously years people have car pooled and we will support this with shared forms.

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.

7. How does the conference work?

How does the unconference work?

CongRegation uses a hybrid unconference model.  Once your submission has been accepted and published, this is your ticket to attend.  If participating virtually you will be given a link and password to access the conference.  Once you register on the day you will be given a number and a lanyard with instructions on the huddle locations you have been allocated for the day.  The huddles are designed according to an algorithm so that in each huddle you will meet 10-12 new people each time.

The day will kick off with a plenary session to orientate everyone to how the sessions will operate.  Following this the group will be broken into groups of 10-12 people where the chair will invite three people to talk through their submission.  Each huddle will start with a short introduction by each participant followed by an ice breaker.  The ice break is a life hack that ranges from philosophies for life to domestic tips.  In-between the sessions we will have a special exercise and stretching routine to keep everyone limber.  At the end of the day we will also host a virtual poetry open mike and music/art session.

For those participating virtually you do not need a zoom account to participate but having an account will give you access to advanced features.

8. Rules

Guiding Conventions

  • No self promotion during huddles.  (Keep for break out period).
  • Debate and challenge but be respectful.
  • Stick to the 15 minutes presentation time.
  • Keep on theme.
  • Be succinct.
  • Earn respect with insight.
  • Encourage group discussion by all.
  • Be open minded.
  • Agree to disagree.
  • Listen and probe.
  • Keep personal issues for individual chats

9. How can I participate in the additional events around the unconference?

The workshops, childrens bush craft/forest school and magic play are open to all attendees.  Just add your name to the spreadsheet once you have completed our submission.  Ashford Castle has a limit of 32, the bush craft a limit of 15 children with under 5 needing a parent and the Magic Play has a limit of 70

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!




    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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