3:00–5:30
Registration
Galway Bay Hotel
28–30 August 2026 · Salthill, Galway
Convention
Programme
Three days of leadership, connection, culture and unforgettable Galway experiences at the JCI Ireland National Convention 2026.
Galway 2026
28
August
Friday
Friday
30
August
Sunday
Sunday
Convention weekend
Friday to Sunday
Main venue
Galway Bay Hotel
Theme
#ConnectedGoals
Convention Programme
Your weekend, beautifully planned.
Move through each day to see every official session, social event and Galway experience.
Friday
Welcome to Galway
Registration, introductions and a celebration of Celtic culture.
4:00–5:00
Micil Distillery Tour
4:30–5:15
Delegate Session
Galway Bay Hotel
First Timers Session
6:00–7:00
Official Event
The Oslo Bar
National Convention Opening Ceremony
7:00–12:00
Social Highlight
The Oslo Bar
Celtic Night
Saturday
Lead, connect and celebrate
A full day of leadership, learning, Galway activities and the Gala.
8:00–10:00
Leadership
Galway Bay Hotel
NEC Meeting
9:00–11:00
Registration
Galway Bay Hotel
Registration Desk Open
9:30–10:30
Keynote
Galway Bay Hotel
Alejandra Castillo
10:00–11:00
Galway Bay Boat Tour
10:30–12:30
Competition
Galway Bay Hotel
Public Speaking and Debating Training
12:45–13:45
Delegates Lunch
14:00–15:00
Business Event
Galway Bay Hotel
Women in Leadership
14:00–15:00
Galway Food Tour
15:00–16:00
Escape Rooms
15:15–17:00
Keynote
Galway Bay Hotel
Train the Trainer
16:00–16:45
Galway City Museum
18:00–19:15
Reception
Galway Bay Hotel
Reception Drinks & Toasts
19:15–01:00
Convention Gala
Galway Bay Hotel
Gala Evening
Fine dining, celebration and the signature night of the National Convention.
Sunday
Discover, reflect and farewell
A final morning by the Atlantic followed by the farewell lunch and Galway Girl Pub Crawl.
9:00–10:00
Kick the Wall Tour
10:30–11:30
Pre-booked Activity *
Salthill
Atlantaquaria
11:30–12:30
Keynote
Galway Bay Hotel
Keynote Speaker 3
13:00–14:00
Delegates Farewell Lunch
14:00–17:00
Closing Social *
Salthill to City Centre
Galway Girl Pub Crawl
Atlantaquaria: This activity is reserved for delegates who booked it. Payment can be made at the venue, as it is outside the official convention programme.
Delegates Farewell Lunch: This activity is reserved for delegates who wish to join a final farewell lunch. It is not covered as part of the convention ticket and each person needs to Pay at the venue for their own meal, as it is outside the official convention programme.
Galway Girl Pub Crawl This activity is reserved for delegates who wish to join a tour of local Galway Pubs. It is not covered as part of the convention ticket and each person needs to Pay at the venue for their own drinks, as it is outside the official convention programme.
Special VIP Guest
Alejandra Castillo
Junior Chamber International World President 2026
We are honoured to welcome the 2026 JCI World President to Galway for the JCI Ireland National Convention. Her presence will bring a truly international perspective to a weekend dedicated to leadership, connection and positive change.
A global voice for active citizenship and enterprising leadership.
Guest Speakers
Ideas that inspire action.
Our Guest Speakers will be announced soon.
01
Keynote Speaker 1
TBA - Coming Soon
02
Keynote Speaker 2
TBA - Coming Soon
03
Keynote Speaker 3
TBA - Coming Soon
Across Galway
Convention venues with character.
From the Galway Bay Hotel to Salthill and the city centre, the programme blends professional sessions with memorable local experiences.
Galway Bay Hotel
Main convention venue, keynotes, business sessions and Gala.
The Oslo Bar
Opening ceremony, Celtic Night and farewell lunch.
Salthill
Atlantic-side activities and the start of Sunday’s closing social.
Galway City Centre
Food, culture, entertainment and iconic Galway atmosphere.