ITBA Expo '18 Launched

The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association Expo 2018 was launched at ITBA headquarters on Wednesday evening with over 60 people in attendance. Scheduled to be held in partnership with Connolly's Red Mills at the Goffs Sales Complex on Jan. 26-27, the event is a trade fair for the Irish bloodstock industry and will feature over 85 exhibitors, who will have will have an ideal opportunity to showcase and sell their products.

The Expo will also include an extensive program of events, including a Dragons' Den type business competition to recognise entrepreneurialism and talent in the equine industry. ITBA CEO Shane O'Dwyer thanked Allied IrishBank who, was represented by Aislinn de Barra, Head of Business banking for Kildare, Laois and Offaly for their sponsorship of this event. ITBA Next Generation will have a key involvement in the Expo by hosting a number of events including an intervarsity challenge and a seminar featuring key up and coming next generation

trailblazers. On Friday evening, an interactive forum will take place looking at the current funding model, highlighting the economic value of the industry and planning a vision for 2028.

Team ITBA was busy asking attendees to download the new ITBA app: ITBA Breeders App, which will be a main communication cell over the coming weeks.

“You can download the app from the app store now and basically it gives you news articles as well as updates on any events that ITBA will be holding for the upcoming year,” said Issy Crosse, who has recently joined the ITBA. “The app provides quick access to breeders for all the important dates and details from ITBA.”

During the launch Jane Davis, Equine Brand Manager, Connolly's Red Mills presented some tips for exhibitors on promotional opportunities they should consider in the lead up to Expo '18 and stressed that a combined effort from all exhibitors to promote the Expo, could mean an audience of over 500,000 people would be reached prior to the event.

There was also a great atmosphere present at the launch with many of the exhibitors sharing great enthusiasm and

excitement for the Expo.

“We've always supported the ITBA and you always get great results by being involved with them,” said Robbie Byrne of Equisoft. “The Expo gives us an outlet that we normally don't have to show off our portfolio of products and services. We will have all of our software on show at the Expo and we are really

looking forward to the event.”

Yoann Dulin of YKM Horse Solutions shared Byrne's sentiments, “I think the Expo is a great opportunity for companies to show off their products. It's also a great way for us to showcase the industry not only for those involved in it but also for people who don't know a lot about horse racing, maybe

those who just want to see what horse racing is about.”

Aoife Hanratty of PA Solutions, a company that specialises in management systems tailored for the Thoroughbred industry, plans to take part in the Dragon's Den competition. “We are a start-up company, established about 18 months, and really we are looking for mentoring as the company grows. The Dragons'

Den competition at the Expo is specific to thoroughbred companies and we are going to give it everything we

have.”

Aislinn de Barra and Patrick Butterly of AIB were both in attendance and are delighted to be associated with

the Expo. “AIB have always wanted to be more associated with the Thoroughbred industry and when we heard this event was going to take place we really wanted to offer our support,” said de Barra. “Backing bravery is our mantra and with the youth that is in the industry we just want to support entrepreneurs and business owners.”

Butterly added, “There are so many different sectors within the industry and horse racing has given Ireland a global reputation.”

Commenting on the Expo, ITBA Chairman Stephen Collins said, “The ITBA is overwhelmed by the level of interest and support across all sectors of the industry for Expo '18. No stone will be left unturned to make it a highly successful and memorable event. We are very lucky to have such an iconic brand as Connolly's Red Mills as our partners for Expo '18 and I have to acknowledge their long term support of the ITBA. We are

also delighted to welcome AIB as our sponsor of Dragons' Den which we have no doubt will capture the imagination. Our action packed programme is going to bring many challenges in the weeks ahead but we are confident that together we will put on a top class event. Remember this is your industry and we ask all stakeholders and members of the public to attend and spread the word.”

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