AVCOM announces €7.5M deal with Croke Park to revolutionise sustainable events

AVCOM, the premium event production agency, has announced a new €7.5 million deal with Croke Park Meetings & Events. This five-year partnership, secured after a competitive tender process, focuses on hosting, revolutionising, and promoting sustainable events. It is expected to initially generate €1.5 million for AVCOM by the end of 2024, with annual revenue expected to grow year on year in excess of €2 million.

In recent years, Ireland has witnessed an increasing demand for sustainable events, with sustainability offerings influencing event attendance, particularly for overseas events. According to insights from AVCOM’s ‘Experience More: The Future of Events Report 2023’, a notable 13% of attendees claim their companies restrict overseas travel for events due to sustainability considerations, while 31% require special permission. Moreover, for local events, companies are actively promoting responsible transportation choices, with 38% advocating for public transport or walking, and encouraging virtual attendance where feasible.

As Ireland’s leading event production agency, AVCOM was chosen by Croke Park Meetings & Events for its production services, technical expertise, and extensive national and international client base. Over the past nine years, AVCOM has delivered extensive support for both in-person and virtual events at Croke Park Meetings & Events. The company’s on-site team collaborates seamlessly with the Croke Park Meetings & Events staff, hosting between one and seven events each day – totalling 300 events last year alone. These events span a diverse range of events including corporate conferences, exhibitions, match days, and concerts.

With 100 meeting rooms and eight suites, Croke Park Meetings & Events can accommodate live, hybrid, and virtual gatherings of various sizes. The upcoming addition of the Cusack Stand event space, scheduled to open in May, further enhances this offering.

This partnership enhances AVCOM’s service offering, allowing it to propose Croke Park Meetings & Events as a venue to its extensive roster of 2,500 businesses. Companies who have already benefited from this collaboration include GAA, PWC, Failte Ireland, AXA Insurance, Tidy Towns, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Olivia Breene, Head of Business Development & Marketing, AVCOM, said: “This news is very welcome, as it not only enhances our client offerings but also adds to our recent string of successful tender wins, including Enterprise Ireland and Trinity College. Collaborating with venues allows us to provide a diverse range of experiences, which, we believe, reinforces our position within the industry. We look forward to extending this success to our partnership with Croke Park and collaborating on delivering exceptional events.”

Paul Murphy, Managing Director, AVCOM, said: “Croke Park Meetings & Events stands out as one of Ireland’s most unique and sustainable venues. The venue’s impressive track record for hosting eco-conscious events underscores our shared commitment to sustainability. This partnership elevates our offerings, enabling us to introduce our national and international clients to experience the electrifying ambiance of Croke Park. Together, we’re set to accelerate and transform the events landscape in Ireland, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.”

Marie Smyth, Head of Venue Business, Croke Park, said: “Teaming up with AVCOM for the second time is a testament to the continued partnership and represents a major milestone in our expansion journey. Its position as Ireland’s premier event production company and a key advocate for eco-conscious events perfectly matches our own sustainability objectives. AVCOM seamlessly integrates with our team, providing invaluable expertise every step of the way. With their enhanced skills and experiences, we look forward to combining our strengths to deliver value to our clients across the country.”

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