Steve Parker is a social media innovator with a talent for creating culture-shaping work that transforms brands. With extensive experience in advertising, social media, content, PR, and influencer marketing, he was the founding partner at WPP's social creative agency. Over a decade, he delivered award-winning campaigns for Google, adidas, Sainsbury’s, Argos, and led the social activation of the Cannes Gold Cyber Lion-winning ‘Lexus Hoverboard’. At Stripe, he has integrated data, creativity, and influencer capabilities to craft compelling content for Etihad x Manchester City, Tefal, Financial Times Group, and Bath Rugby Club.

Sharon Hearty joined Extern in 2021 as Head of Communications and Engagement across the island on returning home to the North after 15 years living in the Republic of Ireland working with Dublin based charities developing strategy, profile, and engagement. Sharon’s career has largely been in the corporate and commercial sector leading on strategy, development and communications in the UK and Ireland and was drawn to the third sector on moving to the Republic of Ireland. In 2022, Sharon was appointed as Extern's Director of Policy and Development retaining responsibility for strategic communications.

With a career spanning more than 10 years in the marketing industry, Orlagh Doyle successfully showcases the VisitArmagh brand to local and global audiences, leading its Digital Marketing and Social Media Team. Through managing innovative seasonal campaigns, coupled with engaging content and careful planning, she promotes the region’s rich cultural heritage, its vibrancy and its uniqueness. With a passion for learning and creativity Orlagh is committed to developing VisitArmagh as a premier destination.

Kate Cafferky is Group Head – Ireland at LADbible Group. As Group Head, Kate has led the team to win national campaigns with leading brands such as Bank of Ireland, Heineken, McDonalds, and Red Bull, as well as being a key partner in the Irish Government’s campaign against sexual violence. With almost 10 years’ experience working across multiple mediums such as radio, print, and digital, Kate has significant insight into the ever-changing publishing landscape in the Irish market.

Graeme McQueen is Media Relations Manager at daa, the operator of Dublin and Cork airports. Graeme joined daa in February 2022, having previously spent almost 20 years working in communications, public affairs and journalism. Graeme looks after all external media and social media activity within the daa Group. Prior to joining daa, Graeme was Head of Corporate Affairs for the customer businesses in Ireland and Great Britain within SSE Plc. This followed a seven year stint with business group Dublin Chamber of Commerce where Graeme held a number of roles including Head of Communications & Marketing and Head of Public Affairs. Before entering the communications world, Graeme spent almost ten years working as a business journalist for a number of titles including Business Plus magazine. Originally from Scotland, Graeme holds a degree in Journalism from Edinburgh Napier University. He can be found on X via @GraemeMcQ.

Cian leads a team of digital content specialists and in-house studio in AIB overseeing the production of digital content for AIB, EBS and AIB GAA properties with a combined following of over 900K. Before joining AIB in 2018, Cian learned his craft in agency-land creating Digital Content Strategies for the likes of Three Ireland, Aviva, SuperValu, Centra and the Road Safety Authority. Cian has been a conference speaker and Digital and Social Media lecturer since 2011 designing and delivering courses on behalf of NUI Maynooth, DMI, Core Learning, Olas, IBAT College, TUD and UL.

After several years working as a Social Media manager across a wide-range of sectors (including a football club, charities and a government department), James turned his passion for data analytics and social media into a brand new role, joining WWF UK to establish a Social Data Analytics Unit and help ensure a data driven approach to the content they produce and that insights and analytics guide everything they do. He supports several average/terrible football teams.

Claire Winter has a degree in Communication, Advertising and Marketing from the University of Ulster and over 17 years’ experience in marketing roles. In addition to the healthcare sector, Claire has worked in marketing positions across both the retail and the motor industry. She also has extensive advertising agency experience. As Head of Marketing she is responsible for managing and overseeing all marketing communications within the Kingsbridge Healthcare Group. Her aim and focus is to raise brand awareness through the creation of effective marketing campaigns and to attract more patients into the Group’s hospitals and clinics. She is line manager to a team of four, who make up the rest of the marketing team. Working alongside the Sales & Business Relations department, her team play a fundamental role in driving enquires and the growth of the Group.

Paul McGarrity is Managing Director of Octave Digital – an agency specialising in marketing campaigns, advertising, and digital upskilling. Paul has over 24 years of experience in the UK and Ireland marketing delivering highly impactful campaigns for brands and organisations including: Cavan Tourism, Waterways Ireland, and ERP Ireland. He also operates a specialist LinkedIn Training and Content service via PaulMcGarrity.com

Anu Hautalampi is currently the global social media lead for UN Women in New York and will be sharing her experiences of using social media to support gender equality and the empowerment of women. Previously she led Social Media and AV for the University of Cambridge. She produces the #OurDigitalLives videocast together with researcher Tyler Shores. Anu has an MA in Audiovisual and Digital Media from the University of Lapland.