SEEDs of success planted by Digital Icons

Edited by @SimonCocking written by @DarylConway42

Last week Banbridge, was host to the first ever SEED Digital Development Conference, @SEED_Digital, showcasing some of the top names in the digital world.  115 local businesses transcended upon the Iveagh Cinema and were treated to a tremendous day of Digital Marketing advice and insights into the required mind-set of successful entrepreneurs in the digital sector.

Opening the conference, Justin Cooke founder and CEO of Tunepics, the fastest growing social network in the world, discussed in depth the importance of creating an emotional connection with customers and shared some lessons from his time as Chief Marketing Officer at Top Shop.  Speaking after the Justin said:

“I was delighted to be part of the SEED digital development conference and to share my experiences with the Northern Ireland business community. Motivation and inspiration for business development can come in many forms but for me simplicity and emotion is the key. The only way to grow and develop is to embrace new trends and importantly understand how it can help your business.” 

Delegates also heard from Daryl Conway, The SEED Digital Champion, on how businesses can use technology to win the moments that matter along their customer’s path to purchase.  After the event Daryl added:

“The SEED Digital Development Conference was a real celebration of the Digital sector in the area and I believe that when businesses start to fully embrace all the opportunities that digital presents they will develop better businesses, better customer relationships and ultimately more profitable ways of doing business.”

The event was closed with a WATIFY Doubt Session were local entrepreneurs shared their digital transformation journey and helped delegates erase any doubts on using digital platforms for their own business by discussing the issues and struggles they encountered.

Eva Keenan, Programme Co-ordinator of the SEED Digital Development programme, said:

“We were delighted to host this exciting conference.  It was a great opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs across the region to hear from a digital icon like Justin Cooke and learn from local businesses that have mixed digital with their business to gain success.  I hope the conference will be the first of many more to come”

The event was part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the sustainable competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland together with the SEED Councils.