Finalist Producers Schedule of Events
As a finalist producer for the awards we hope that you will join us for the many exciting events which take place over the weekend which offer you a chance to showcase your product and business.
Key Dates & Times
Pre 2nd October – A finalist round of judging will take place in Dingle on Wednesday 2nd & Thursday 3rd of October 2019. Please take careful note of the details for your next delivery as outlined by email, you can also check finalist delivery details here
Wednesday 2nd & Thursday 3rd October
Judging of the finalist products will take place today. Please note that finalist producers may not be present during judging
Friday 5th October
Registration will be open from 12noon when you can collect your name badge and passes for the weekend at the office at The Phoenix Cinema
On this day we have a number of exciting events which are available exclusively for finalist producers of Blas na hEireann as follows;
The Backyard at Blas
The Backyard, supported by Bank of Ireland is a dedicated space for producers to meet their industry colleagues, gain knowledge & find support for their business. View highlights from 2018
Set in a relaxed, informal venue, hot topics are covered with industry leaders and experts in a number of engaging conversation panels followed by Q&As. Throughout the day, attendees have the opportunity to grab a coffee and chat with key people and fellow producers. View the 2019 line-up
Masterclasses – The Phoenix Cinema
Our Masterclasses are an exclusive benefit for finalist producers.
The above events are exclusive to finalist producers and have a limited number of places available.
There is no charge for these events. Find details and register online
(Please note to register you must log into the online entry system and click on your finalist entry)
Please note
Our Blas information office will be open on Friday 4th from 12 – 7pm. The office is located at The Phoenix Cinema Dingle. You can collect your name lanyards for the weekend events as well as event programme on this day or Saturday 6th October.
Namebadges will be prepared based on our online RSVPs and emailed to you, you must bring this with you
Deadline for RSVP is on 16th September
Saturday 5th October
Blas finalist group photo – 9.45am – Showcase Marquee
Please note that this will be one group shot. Please note that for the shot you should prepare as follows;
Please bring a sample of your finalist product for inclusion in this shot, please bring this with you on the morning (this may not be taken from the finalist showcase display). When planning your outfit for this morning think about what will look best in the photograph, this doesn’t have to be a suit but something that you are comfortable in and reflects you and your business. Please note that this photo call and venue are weather dependent, any updates for changes will be sent by email
Timings
The awards presentations will be made across 8 sessions, beginning from 11am and running through to 6.30pm. Throughout the day The Marquee & The Backyard at Blas will be open as networking areas.
Check the timings for your category presentation
Family & Friends are welcome but please do keep in mind that seating is limited and be aware, finalist producers will be given priority seating in the auditorium. We will also be running a live stream of the presentation into the showcase & networking area.
Buyer Opportunities
We have been working hard on behalf of producers to ensure that buyers from across Ireland, the UK and further afield will be in attendance at the events. Buyers will be there to represent all sectors, including independent grocers, larger retailers, food service and online sales
The Blas Marquee will be built in the run up to the event and is designed as a shop-floor style which showcases the products which have made it to the finals. We have had requests from buyers to allow time to explore the shop floor display ahead of the networking event and as such buyers will have an opportunity to visit The Blas Marquee privately prior to our networking events. On Friday 4th buyers will be provided with the details of the products and contact details for producers so they may be best prepared to make themselves available to connect with producers during the networking sessions on Sat 5th
Location
The Marquee, The Backyard at Blas & The Phoenix Cinema are located on Dykegate Lane in Dingle’s town centre. Please note that there is very limited parking on this street but there is ample parking in the area.
The Blas na hEireann 2019 finalist products will be showcased in The Marquee. This event is designed to showcase the excellent products which have made it to the finals. It is an opportunity for buyers and press to discover the products which have been chosen from the many entries from across the country which represent the very best quality produce in Ireland. Award judges, journalists, buyer and chefs along with our sponsors will be invited to this event which is an opportunity for you to network directly with the people who can grow your business. Bring plenty of business cards and a big smile!
Sampling & Display in The Marquee
The finalist products will be displayed in their shop ready state. The Blas team will prepare this display.
Please note that we will not be able to offer space for display stands, leaflets or sampling.
We do not have the space or facilities to allow producers to offer samples of the products. We may select some products which our team will prepare and offer as samples to buyers and press. This is a very limited amount, based entirely on the facilities, space available and food samples ease of preparation (essentially ‘open & serve’)
Dingle Food Festival
Outside of the official Blas na hEireann events there are many other fantastic opportunities to meet with producers, buyers and journalists. The Dingle Peninsula Food Festival is an event which has grown to be one of the most recognised and well attended food events in Ireland. The festival will include a series of 70+ Taste Trail, cookery demonstrations, wine tastings, food related workshops, a foraging walk and a fantastic food market. www.dinglefood.com
- Where to stay
You will find accommodation options listed on www.dingle-peninsula.ie and also we will be asking accommodation providers in the area to share their availability and offers with us which we will share on our social media pages and on https://www.irishfoodawards.com/stay/