Grooveyard leads the way at inaugural Event Impact Awards

Dublin event management company Grooveyard emerged as the standout winner at the first-ever Event Impact Awards, securing five prestigious accolades including the coveted best event award for their spectacular Pégase Parade at Limerick’s Riverfest festival.

The awards judges said “the breathtaking production wowed audiences with its bold creativity, seamless execution, and captivating storytelling”.

The award citation explained: “Grooveyard’s innovative vision brought the magic of Pégase to life, delivering an unforgettable experience that set a new standard in the industry. This well-deserved accolade celebrates their passion, talent, and ability to push boundaries. Bravo to the Grooveyard team!”

“It’s amazing to be here with the whole team and to win these accolades,” said Grooveyard events director Keelan Lynch. “Here’s to pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable experiences.

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“A huge thank you to our incredible team, clients, and partners who made this possible. A massive thanks to the EIA and Business River for organising such a fabulous event showcasing the best event industry members in the country.”

The inaugural ceremony, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, celebrated excellence across Ireland’s events industry, recognising outstanding achievements and the sector’s significant contribution to Ireland’s economy, culture, and community development. The evening showcased 90 entries from 41 companies competing for 20 distinguished awards.

Laya Healthcare secured the award for best B2B corporate event. “It’s an honour and privilege to be nominated, and to win is always a good thing,” said corporate events assistant brand manager Gillian Barry. Her colleague Emma Butler, B2B marketing manager, added: “It’s just brilliant to have that recognition.”

Titan Experience claimed the award for best launch event, with account director Michael King remarking: “The award highlights the team’s efforts in the campaign that we delivered for Flogas.”

The Guaranteed Irish Business Awards received recognition for best awards ceremony. “The Event Impact Awards acknowledge events excellence so it’s a huge achievement to win an award,” said senior event executive Niamh McDermott.

The outstanding contribution award was presented to Paul Davis, founder of Davis Events Agency. Mr Davis’s career in events began as UCD Students’ Union ents officer, where he revolutionised campus events and secured brand partnerships to fund innovative programming.

He honed his craft in San Francisco’s live music scene before returning to Dublin to establish a national platform for Irish colleges, securing global artists and brand sponsorships. “His leadership, community focus, and industry advocacy continue to shape global event innovation,” said the award citation.

Davis Events Agency also won the award for event design. “The experiential events industry is transforming, with a clear focus on sustainability, innovation, and unforgettable experiences,” Mr Davis stated: “The future will be shaped by bold creativity and collaboration that push boundaries and set new standards.”

Cannonball Ireland received awards in the corporate event partnership and entertainment event categories. “It’s great to be recognised in the industry. We’re very proud,” said RCMF lead Alan Bannon.

In the entertainment event – music & festivals category, Fuel’s WellFest 2024 was celebrated, with head of programming Ellen Byrne commenting: “We were absolutely delighted. There is great competition but I knew that we could win because WellFest is a brilliant event.”

Judging coordinator June O’Byrne-Prior noted that the events industry has a significant impact on the Irish economy. Conference and meetings, sports events, festivals, events, and luxury weddings contribute about €3.5 billion to the Irish economy annually. According to an analysis by Event Industry Ireland, the sector is responsible for the employment of 35,000 people.

“In addition to the economic benefits, events generate positive social and cultural impacts, providing a vehicle for bringing communities together, showcasing our unique cultural identity, and fostering civic cohesion and pride,” Ms O’Byrne-Prior said.

She added that universities including the Technological University of the Shannon work hand in hand with the industry to ensure practical learning opportunities for students. In 2023, TUS degree students were recognised as having the highest employment rate in Ireland.

“I am delighted to have been invited to co-ordinate judging for the Event Impact Awards 2025. The awards evening itself offers a unique opportunity for peers to catch up and celebrate professional achievements together as part of a fun and memorable event,” Ms O’Byrne-Prior stated.

Neon Agency won the award for best use of event budget. “Our award highlights the work of the creative department within the agency,” said account director Keith Whelan. “The impact is how we deliver for clients. Ultimately that’s what we’re here for – to deliver for clients.”

Speaking about the Event Impact Awards ceremony, Alan Behan, senior project manager at award winner BEM Ireland, commented: “It’s recognition for everybody across the industry to be here tonight and to win all these awards.”

Kevin O’Driscoll, director partnership programmes at Business River, stated: “Events like this are made possible through the support of our partners. We are thankful to our 2025 supporter and professional partners, which include Amárach Research and The Irish Times. Their investment in the awards underlines their commitment and support of this key business sector.”

Awards judges

June O’Byrne-Prior (judging coordinator) – head of Department of Hospitality, Tourism & Wellness, Technological University of the Shannon
Dr John Carty – lecturer and researcher in the Galway International Hotel School, ATU
Colm Croffy – executive director, Association of Irish Festivals and Events
Lorraine Dunne – lecturer and programme director, Dundalk Institute of Technology
Maria Roddy Freyne – lecturer in hospitality and event management, Dundalk Institute of Technology
Becky Hargrove – manager, Kerry Convention Bureau
Dr Kelly Maguire – lecturer in tourism and events management, Technological University of the Shannon: Athlone Campus
Des Doris – managing director, Alchemy Event Management
Kerry O’Sullivan – director, Go West Conference and Event Management