By Claire Cartmill

Copyright newsletter

The EastSide Economic Regeneration Conference 2025, a major new event focusing on the future of east Belfast hosted by EastSide Partnership in collaboration with East Belfast Enterprise, Portview Trade Centre and sponsored by Belfast City Airport, will take place Wednesday, October 15 at W5 Titanic Quarter, Belfast. Under the theme “Future East” the EastSide Economic Regeneration Conference 2025 will bring together policymakers, business leaders, community stakeholders, academics, and social enterprises to explore sustainable, inclusive, and place-based economic growth strategies. As well as celebrate local regeneration successes while creating space for collaboration, networking, and new thinking on the next chapter of the area’s economic development. The one-day programme will include panel discussions, workshops, and site visits, offering delegates the chance to engage directly with case studies and success stories from across the east Belfast area. Topics will include anchor institutions, inclusive investment, and the role of social enterprise in shaping the economy. The conference will feature keynote speaker Sarah McKinley, a globally recognised expert in Community Wealth Building (CWB). Sarah has worked with local governments, community organisations, and policymakers across the US, UK, and Europe, including serving as Chair of the Minister’s Advisory Panel on Community Wealth Building in Northern Ireland in 2022. The event is also supported by Frazer Kidd, Titanic Quarter, James Brown, Belfast City Council and Belfast Harbour. Michele Bryans, CEO EastSide Partnership, said: “This is a great opportunity to explore how east Belfast can generate and recirculate wealth for the benefit of all our communities. We are delighted to be working in collaboration with East Belfast Enterprise and Portview Trade Centre and thank our key sponsor Belfast City Airport. Amazing work is happening here, and we are delighted to be able to show case this and to learn from others on how we can build on this success. We’ve designed the conference to bring together private sector, social enterprises, public agencies and community sector to stimulate rich and impactful conversations. We are thrilled to have Sarah McKinley as our keynote speaker to share her global expertise in Community Wealth Building and how together we can create sustainable and inclusive growth.” Keynote speaker and global expert in Community Wealth Building, Sarah McKinley commented: “There are so many opportunities in east Belfast today, and it’s essential to ensure that the wealth opportunities are generating is rooted locally to advance shared prosperity and benefit the people and places of Belfast. I’m excited to join the conversation and learn and explore together.” Michelle Hatfield, Chief People and Marketing Officer, Belfast City Airport, said: “Belfast City Airport is proud to support the EastSide Economic Regeneration Conference 2025, an event that reflects our shared commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. As a key gateway to Northern Ireland, we recognise the importance of investing in the communities we serve and ensuring that local people and businesses benefit from economic opportunities. East Belfast has a rich heritage and a vibrant future, and we are delighted to play our part in fostering collaboration, innovation, and long-term prosperity for the area. “This conference provides an invaluable platform to bring together business, policymakers, and community leaders to explore how we can work collectively to ensure that growth is both meaningful and inclusive. Belfast City Airport is committed to playing an active role in fostering collaboration and helping to deliver long-term prosperity for east Belfast.” Tickets for EastSide Economic Regeneration Conference 2025 are £49 plus booking fee visit https://www.eastsidepartnership.com/eastside- economic-regeneration-conference-25 #EastSideEcon2025. Community and Student rate available by emailing karen@eastsidepartnership.com.