Bureau begins transition period following leadership change after over 20 years of growth and development
The Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau has confirmed that General Manager Karen Ronan has resigned from her role to take up a new position in Galway. The Board has now begun the recruitment process to appoint her successor.
Ms. Ronan is stepping down after 22 years with the Bureau. During her tenure, the organisation expanded its operations and significantly raised the region’s profile as a destination for business and sports tourism. She played a central role in supporting key initiatives, building industry partnerships, and attracting major events that contributed to the region’s economic and tourism sectors.
“Karen’s dedication and expertise have been invaluable to the Bureau and to the wider Shannon region,” commented Denise Brazil, Treasurer of the Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau and Director of the Bedford Townhouse on her contribution.
“Under her leadership, the Bureau has successfully positioned the region as a competitive and attractive destination for incentive travel, conferences and sporting events. We thank her for her tireless efforts and wish her the very best in her next chapter.”
The Bureau is responsible for attracting international conferences, sporting events, and high-end incentive travel to the Shannon region. These events generate economic benefits for the hospitality sector and the wider tourism infrastructure while also creating positive knock-on effects for the broader regional economy.
In 2023, marking its 20th anniversary, the Bureau announced it had secured international events worth €150 million in economic impact for the region.
The Board has assured stakeholders that the Bureau will continue to deliver on its mission during this transitional period, supported by its dedicated team and industry partners. Further information on the recruitment process will be shared in due course.