Momentum Conference

Cost: Free

Please note: This is a member-only event.

Momentum, Northern Ireland’s premier economic conference, returns for its second year—bringing together business leaders, policymakers and industry experts to shape the future of the region’s economy.

Meet your speakers

Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Minister for the Economy

Andy Haldane, CEO, Royal Society of Arts

Sebastian Burnside, Chief Economist, NatWest Group

Nigel Walsh, Regional Director, Ulster Bank

This year’s theme, Growing a Competitive & Sustainable Economy, aligns with the Programme for Government and will explore the key pillars for driving economic prosperity including:

• Exports: Expanding market reach and seizing global opportunities
• Innovation: Harnessing new ideas, technology and talent to stay ahead
• Investment: Attracting capital and creating an environment for sustainable growth

Panel sessions

Panel 1 - Building a Competitive and Sustainable Economy

The discussion will explore the Programme for Government, outline business challenges and discuss strategic approaches.

Emphasis will be on collaboration between government and industry to foster economic and business growth.

Panel 2 - Innovating to Drive Competitiveness

The discussion will examine how City and Growth Deals can drive innovation for businesses in Northern Ireland, showcasing practical solutions and success stories that foster continuous innovation.

It will look at how the NI Executive can leverage these opportunities to stimulate economic growth. Speakers will highlight the role of advanced manufacturing, AI, and research partnerships in strengthening Northern Ireland’s competitive advantage.

Panel 3 - Strategic Investment for Sustainable Growth and Connectivity

This session will analyse the economic impact of water and wastewater investment, showcasing Belfast Harbour’s recent investment in driving transformative growth for tourism, hospitality and green energy sectors.

Panellists will address how planning reform and enhanced connectivity can further sustainable development while tackling urgent infrastructure challenges.

The discussion will highlight solution-oriented approaches that ensure long-term economic and environmental benefits.

Panel 4 - Selling to the World

This session will focus on Northern Ireland’s core competitive advantages and the need for a clear economic and trade strategy.

Speakers will discuss how we can support businesses to scale internationally, overcome trade barriers and leverage support from agencies. The focus is on practical steps that boost export success and global competitiveness of Northern Ireland.

Join us, in partnership with Ulster Bank, BT, ESB and Ulster University, for this unmissable conference, packed with strategic discussions, expert insights and high-value networking, as we work towards a globally competitive and sustainable economy in Northern Ireland.

NI Chamber reserve the right to cancel or amend the timings of their events at any point up to the stated start time of the event.

Delegates may also cancel their booking at any time by emailing mail@northernirelandchamber.com or following instructions in their confirmation email.