“Whilst recognising that we live on an island, future connectivity must strive to be as sustainable as possible. We’ll be exploring Belfast as a future gateway to facilitate travel and trade, but also looking at our digital and data requirements, in addition to green energy and decarbonisation initiatives that are driving innovation for our city.

“The conference will study how Belfast is the perfect testbed for innovation given the strength of our established design and advanced manufacturing companies. We’ll also explore how our connectivity fortunes will require collaboration and imagination from all stakeholders to propel Belfast to new levels of prosperity."

“Connectivity is critical to the economic success of Belfast and the wider region but is often taken for granted or overlooked.

“Belfast City Airport is a strategic infrastructure asset and an economic enabler for the city, providing connectivity to 30 airports and global hubs across the UK and Europe.

“We are a facilitator for the movement of the skills and talent to support Belfast’s growing workforce and stand ready to play our part in delivering Belfast’s economic ambition.”

 

 

“Connectivity is a key consideration for Belfast Harbour as we strive to reach our strategic goals of being a leading regional port, an economic hub for the region and to create an iconic waterfront for the city. Every year, more than 1.75 million people and over half a million freight vehicles arrive and depart through the Port, while 24 million tonnes of goods come into and out of Belfast on ferries, container ships and cargo vessels.

“As Northern Ireland’s main gateway for seaborne trade we are also investing significantly in connectivity through smart technology, including our own private 5G network, so the issues which will be discussed at this important event are very relevant to us, and our customers.”