Boston and Ireland Northwest Join Virtual Forces for the 12th Annual Golden Bridges Conference and Awards

Golden Bridges Conference 2020
Sign up now for the virtual 2020 Golden Bridges Conference

This year’s annual Golden Bridges Conference and Awards ceremony will be held virtually on 20th November when political leaders, business, community representatives and education providers from Ireland North West and Boston will join together to further bind their relationship despite dealing with the COVID pandemic.

This year’s transatlantic conference will be hosted virtually from the historic Guildhall in Derry featuring a range of speakers and delegates from the US and Ireland who will discuss issues including COVID and Brexit. The Golden Bridges Conference will give the US audience a unique insight into how those living and working in the border region of Derry, Strabane and Donegal are collaborating to prepare for Brexit.

The challenges faced by the Ireland NW region in dealing with the current pandemic is expected to feature predominately at the conference with speakers from various community, cultural and commercial sectors from both sides of the Atlantic, taking part.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Brian Tierney is encouraging people in the United States with an interest in how Ireland Northwest is working collaboratively to prepare for the challenges Brexit, to sign up for the conference .

He says: “The Golden Bridges Conference is always a key date in our business diary, providing an opportunity to forge valuable business connections and augment the strong network of partnerships we have established over the years. While this year's event will occupy a different stage, it will still provide a vital chance to amplify the voice of the North West business community and connect with a wider online audience at this very challenging time.

“It will provide us with a unique opportunity to highlight the positive work being done in both regions in the face of these shared economic challenges. The world has been rocked in recent months and the repercussions are felt on a global level and I believe the Golden Bridges will offer us a valuable insight into how we can progress our ambitions for the NW region. By working in tandem with our transatlantic partners and providing a forum to share learnings, I believe we can continue to thrive in the current uncertain economic climate."

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Rena Donaghey, said that in light of the challenges facing both regions, the Golden Bridges event is more important than ever.

"This year's Golden Bridges will showcase the very best of the Northwest region to an audience of influential Irish American business and political leaders. In the face of the unprecedented challenges posed by Covid-19 and Brexit, the region has spearheaded a strong and unique strategic partnership, demonstrating unity and co-operation across many areas. We have seen the extraordinary resilience of our businesses and community leaders in recent months in the Northwest and Golden Bridges will serve as a platform to showcase these initiatives and profile our regional offering to delegates across the Atlantic. It is more important than ever that we extend our connections to incite new opportunities for regional economic development."

The event is being jointly coordinated by Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council and will take place virtually, broadcasting live from the Guildhall, Derry.

Golden Bridges aims to promote partnerships between Ireland Northwest and Boston, Massachusetts and also to highlight various community, business, and education initiatives in the two regions by bringing together influential business and political leaders.

It will take place online on Friday 20 November from 08:30 to 14:00 EST.

To register for Golden Bridges or view the event programme visit https://aisling-events.com/event/golden-bridges-boston-2020/