Sponsorship opportunities now open for the 2026 annual conference

Partner with a Leading Cross-Border Think and Do Tank: Sponsorship Opportunities Now Open for the 2026 Cross-Border Cooperation Annual Conference

Organisations across the island of Ireland and beyond are being invited to position themselves at the forefront of all-island collaboration by sponsoring the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation (CCBC) Annual Conference 2026, taking place on Thursday, 17 September 2026 in Dundalk.

This flagship event brings together leading policymakers, business leaders, educators and civic society representatives to explore critical issues shaping cooperation and economic development across the island of Ireland.

A High-Impact Platform Addressing the Future of Talent

The 2026 conference will focus on the timely and strategically important theme: “Creating, strengthening and retaining talent on the island of Ireland: Cross-border push and pull factors.”

Through keynote addresses and expert panel discussions, the conference will examine:

• How education systems contribute to the talent pipeline
• How employers attract, nurture and retain skilled individuals, and
• The role of cross-border opportunities in shaping career decisions

As a result, sponsors will align themselves with one of the most pressing challenges facing both jurisdictions; building a resilient, competitive, and interconnected labour market.

Why Sponsor? A Unique Opportunity for Visibility and Influence

The CCBC Annual Conference has a strong track record of attracting senior political figures, industry leaders, academics and key decision-makers, with previous keynote speakers including government ministers and high-profile public figures.

Sponsors gain access to a highly influential audience and benefit from:

Brand Visibility and Recognition

• Prominent branding across conference materials, website, and digital channels
• Exposure before, during and after the event through social media promotion

Thought Leadership Positioning

• Opportunities to deliver welcome remarks (headline sponsors)
• Participation in a high-level policy and business dialogue shaping the all-island agenda

Direct Engagement and Networking

• Access to networking sessions with senior stakeholders
• Dedicated promotional space at the event venue
• Engagement with cross-sector leaders from government, education, and industry

Tailored Sponsorship Packages

Flexible packages are available, including:

• Headline Sponsorship (premium visibility and speaking opportunity)
• Panel Sponsorship (targeted engagement within thematic sessions)
• Networking and Dinner Sponsorships (high-value brand association opportunities)

All packages can be tailored to align with organisational objectives and priorities.

About the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation

The CCBC is a respected, all-island organisation dedicated to advancing cooperation across borders through research, policy development, cross-border capacity building and stakeholder engagement.

With a long-standing reputation for fostering dialogue and collaboration, the Centre works across sectors including education, economic development, and public policy, empowering citizens and institutions to work effectively across jurisdictional boundaries.

The Annual Conference is a cornerstone of this mission—serving as a platform where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and solutions to shared challenges are developed.

Be Part of the Conversation

As cross-border cooperation continues to evolve in a changing economic and political landscape, the 2026 conference offers sponsors a timely opportunity to:

• Demonstrate leadership on workforce and talent development
• Build meaningful partnerships across the island
• Contribute to informed policy and economic discussion

Organisations interested in sponsorship are encouraged to act early to secure their preferred package and maximise visibility at this high-profile event.

To discuss sponsorship opportunities or submit an expression of interest, contact: conference@crossborder.ie or https://forms.gle/EFYzZsCKVLhYUgz1A