Later this month, the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland (AmCham) will host its annual Global Business Conference, taking place on Thursday, February 26, in Croke Park.
As AmCham’s first flagship event of the year, the conference is a cornerstone of the organisation’s annual programme and a key moment for members and stakeholders to come together to discuss the future of global business from an Irish perspective.
This all-day event will convene more than 300 senior leaders from US multinational companies, indigenous Irish businesses, government bodies and stakeholder organisations. Attendees will take part in in-depth discussions on the evolving global business landscape, with a particular focus on Ireland’s role as a leading destination for US foreign direct investment and as a strategic hub within the European Union.
With 2026 marking both the 65th anniversary of AmCham and the 250th anniversary of the United States, this year’s conference will reflect on the enduring strength of the US–Ireland economic relationship, while also looking ahead to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Attendees will hear from AmCham’s 2026 President, Mark Cockerill, as he outlines his priorities for the year, including ensuring Ireland is well positioned as a global leader in artificial intelligence, attracting world-class research talent to drive innovation, and leveraging Ireland’s EU Presidency to reduce administrative burdens on business and enhance competitiveness on the global stage.
The conference will also provide insights into AmCham’s upcoming engagements in the United States as part of its annual St Patrick’s Week outreach programme. These engagements play a vital role in strengthening transatlantic ties and reinforcing Ireland’s value proposition to US investors, policymakers and business leaders.
Each year, the Global Business Conference offers expert insight into the global trends shaping the operating environment for AmCham member companies. The US–Ireland economic relationship remains one of the most valuable in the world, with US companies contributing more than €40 billion annually to the Irish economy through payroll, goods and services, and capital expenditure, while Ireland ranks as the 5th largest source of FDI into the United States. This year’s conference will explore how this relationship can be further strengthened in an increasingly complex geopolitical and economic environment.
Topics for the 2026 conference will include the transatlantic trade environment, Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency, the significance of the 250th anniversary of the US, infrastructure development, digital transformation, and the continued evolution of Ireland’s innovation economy. These discussions will be delivered through a mix of panel sessions and keynote contributions designed to encourage engagement and debate.
The conference will feature a strong line-up of speakers, including Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland; Catherine Keogh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Kerry Group plc; Lucinda Creighton, Founder and CEO of Vulcan Consulting; Meadhbh McClean, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, CBRE Ireland; and Leo Moore, Partner, Head of Technology and co-lead of the Technology, Data and Communications sector at William Fry. Further speakers from Ireland, the US and the EU will be announced in the coming weeks.
In addition to a full programme of content, attendees will enjoy a fully catered lunch and refreshments throughout the day, making the conference not only an opportunity for learning and insight, but also one of the most important networking occasions in the Irish business calendar.
AmCham’s Global is sponsored by Bank of America with The Irish Times as the official media partner and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as US conference partner.
This event sells out every year, so be sure to book your place today and make sure you’re a part of this fantastic event.
You can find out more about this event on AmCham’s event website (www.amchamconference.ie) or by contacting events@amcham.ie.
