2026 Conference Agenda
8am-9am: National Enterprise Hub (NEH) Pre-Conference Session
The National Enterprise Hub is a single source where you can easily find and learn about the range of government support programs available to Irish businesses. The Hub makes it easier than ever to access the resources and guidance you need to succeed.
It only takes two minutes to find out what grants, training, mentoring and business supports you may be eligible for. Ciara Horgan Roca (NEH) will highlight the supports available. To register for this event please contact: Joshua McGlade
Conference Opening & Keynote 9:15am - 10:30am
Robert Hernan
Chairperson - LBI
Seani Devlin
Chairperson - ALN
Prof. Graham Heaslip
ATU
Michael Geraghty
Coca-Cola
The Future of OpEx - Panel Discussion
The Future of OpEx panel discussion will explore how operational excellence is evolving in response to digital transformation, sustainability pressures and increasing cost volatility. Industry leaders will examine how data, automation and AI are reshaping day-to-day operations, enabling smarter decision-making, greater efficiency and improved resilience. The discussion will also focus on balancing productivity with workforce engagement, regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility. Drawing on real-world experience, panellists will share practical insights into building agile operating models that can adapt to disruption, scale effectively and deliver long-term value in an increasingly complex and competitive business environment.
Niamh Doherty
STERIS AST
Michael Geraghty
Coca-Cola
Olivia McDermott
University of Galway
Seán Kelly
Abbott
10.30am - 11:00am
11:00am - 1:00pm
Refreshments & Networking Opportunity
Parallel Morning Sessions
Track 1
People, Leadership, Culture
This track explores how people, leadership and culture shape organisational performance. It will examine leadership in times of change, building inclusive and high-performing teams, developing future skills, and fostering cultures that support innovation, resilience and continuous improvement across the organisation.
Facilitator:
Majella McNulty - Optum
Richard McLoughlin
NNIT
Creating an organisation that delivers both performance and impact.
Derek Minnock
Medtronic
Leading with Purpose at Medtronic: A Personal Perspective on People, Leadership, and Culture
Catherine O’Grady Powers
Glen Keen Farms
Applying Lean to Rebuild Our Business Model, Eliminating Waste to Drive Profitability and Growth
Brian Kennedy
Vision Built
Industrialised Construction
1.00pm - 2:00pm
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Refreshments & Networking Opportunity
Parallel Afternoon Sessions
Track 1
People, Leadership, Culture
This track explores how people, leadership and culture shape organisational performance. It will examine leadership in times of change, building inclusive and high-performing teams, developing future skills, and fostering cultures that support innovation, resilience and continuous improvement across the organisation.
Facilitator:
John Roulstone - Kirchhoff Automotive
Rosaleen Mylotte
Tirlán
Adopting the Shingo Model to Create and Sustain a Culture of Continuous Improvement in Tirlan Lough Egish
Paul Monaghan
Mannok
The culture of sustainable leadership
Fiarce O’Donnell
Encirc
Putting People First: How Purpose & Sustainability Drive Excellence
Noel Taylor
DuPont
Why Leadership is critical to developing a winning environment / culture
Track 2
Lean Case Projects
This track showcases real-world lean case projects, highlighting practical applications, measurable outcomes and lessons learned. Share successes, challenges and insights from implementation, demonstrating how lean thinking drives efficiency, improves performance and delivers sustainable value.
Facilitator:
George Onofrei - ATU
John Kearney
NCSE
How the NCSE adopt Lean and deliver efficiencies to support students, families & schools
Brian Coll
ATU
Developing AI-Ready Lean Practitioners: Integrating AI into your Lean Six Sigma & OpEx Training Programmes
William McColgan
McColgan’s Quality Foods
Beginning our lean journey
Robin Myburgh
AbbVie
Lean + AI: Faster, Right‑First‑Time Change Control
Track 2
Lean Case Projects
This track showcases real-world lean case projects, highlighting practical applications, measurable outcomes and lessons learned. Share successes, challenges and insights from implementation, demonstrating how lean thinking drives efficiency, improves performance and delivers sustainable value.
Facilitator:
Damien Coleman - Coca-Cola
Connor Simpson
IDA Ireland
Maureen Cuddihy
Welditz Engineering
Goda Zvikaite
Penn Enginneering
Lean as a Core Competency: The Blueprint for Scalability
Brian Kennedy
Vision Built
Industrialised Construction
Track 3
Lean & Digital Transformation
This track explores how lean principles and digital technologies combine to accelerate transformation. Sessions focus on practical integration of data, automation and continuous improvement to drive efficiency, visibility and resilience, showing how digital tools enhance lean outcomes.
Facilitator:
Paula Mc Nicholas - Consultant
Richard McLoughlin
NNIT
Creating an organisation that delivers both performance and impact.
John Joe McDermott
Hollister Incorporated
Lean & Digital: Accelerating PDCA in Manufacturing
Laura Brogan
Zimmer Biomet
Julie Dowling
AIM Centre
Lean Meets AI: Practical Lessons from Real-World Business Transformation
Track 3
Lean & Digital Transformation
This track explores how lean principles and digital technologies combine to accelerate transformation. Sessions focus on practical integration of data, automation and continuous improvement to drive efficiency, visibility and resilience, showing how digital tools enhance lean outcomes.
Facilitator:
Fariha Qamar - ATU
Micheal Conlon
Masonite
Donal McNamee
Archway Products
From Silos to Synergy: The Story of a Successful Digitisation Journey
Linda Greaney
Freudenberg Medical
Mella Fitzgerald
South Dublin Surgical Hub
Lean and Green Excellence, delivering on a new healthcare model for Ireland