JFC Group Annual Conference 2026
Colleagues from across Europe gathered in Galway for two days of collaboration, learning, and shared focus for the year ahead
Every January, JFC brings together colleagues from across sectors and international markets for one of the most important events in the company calendar. Held at the Clayton Hotel in Galway on January 8th and 9th, this year’s Annual Conference welcomed attendees from Ireland, the UK, Poland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and beyond. At the beginning of the year, this is always a perfect time to step away from day-to-day responsibilities and take a broader look at the business, the people we work with, and the priorities shaping the year ahead.
The conference opened with a dedicated workshop that focused on discussion, collaborating, and idea sharing. Workshop sessions helped identify priorities for the coming months while also providing a valuable opportunity to learn from colleagues with different experiences and viewpoints.
Day 2 shifted focus to the Annual Conference itself, with a packed schedule of presentations from various sectors of the business. Teams from Diamond Tools, Finance, International Branding, Marketing, R&D, and Sustainability shared updates on projects, achievements, and future plans, giving the wider group a clearer understanding of the work taking place throughout the organisation.
The conference also welcomed a number of guest speakers.
Andrew Ayers, a PhD in The Governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), explored the growing role of AI and the opportunities it presents for modern businesses. Enda O’Doherty brought a very different energy to the stage, combining humour, storytelling, wellbeing, and perspective. One of the highlights of the event came later that evening, with a fireside-style discussion featuring businessman, Pat McDonagh, Platform 94 CEO and Smooth Scaling podcast host, Marie Donnellan, and JFC Group Founder, John F. Concannon.
The conversation provided a fascinating insight into business growth, leadership, decision-making, and the lessons that come with building a successful organisation. Honest, entertaining, and insightful in equal measure, it was a fitting way to close out a conference centred on learning and shared experience.
We concluded the event with our annual Length of Service Awards and evening dinner, recognising colleagues whose dedication and contribution have helped shape JFC over many years. The Annual Conference continues to provide a forum for sharing ideas, gaining new perspectives, and strengthening understanding that exists across the wider organisation. More importantly, it helped create a shared sense of direction as colleagues returned to their respective sectors and markets ready to take on the opportunities over the next 12 months and beyond.
