During 2009, 217,400 visitors took part in an activity in NI with golf, walking, cycling and outdoor adventure activities being cited as the key motivators.

It is the strength of the products available and the range of activities suited to both the family and 'young & lively' market which gives Northern Ireland that unique and competitive edge.

This Business Insight aims to examine the activity market, concentrating on the growth potential of these market segments, managing our environmental impact and "sharing success".

This event will provide the opportunity to view the best practice of high performing companies providing outdoor activities from some of the best practitioners from Ireland and beyond.

"You choose the place. You set the pace. If you relish a challenge and have taste for adventure or just like the fresh air and fantastic scenery, Northern Ireland has all the right ingredients. Whether you like to do your own thing or prefer organised pursuits, the diversity and quality of facilities in Northern Ireland is superb. Welcome to the playground..."

Nathan Kingerlee, Proprietor of Outdoors Ireland

Quickly established as one of Ireland's leading outdoor adventure and training companies, Outdoors Ireland, guided by Nathan Kingerlee, has moved to the forefront of innovative training courses and unique adventure breaks. Nathan's experience throughout Ireland and Scotland allows him to successfully design and develop programmes of all types. Nathan is also a Failte Ireland ambassador for business development and web 2.0 in the Irish outdoor industry.

Nathan's success is his ability to differentiate his outdoor activity from other providers. His skill is in transferring an 'ordinary' outdoor activity through innovative delivery such as "Singles Adventure Weekends" which appeared on RTE's Nationwide. Nathan is an excellent demonstration of how to differentiate through innovation.

www.outdoorsireland.com

Mark Wilkinson AKA The Canoe Man

Mark spent twenty years selling pensions before catching the outdoor bug. He now operates a successful business, offering canoe hire and guided canoe trips on the Norfolk Broads. Listen to how Mark has developed his business for individuals, families and groups. Mark provides an excellent example of how to make the most of canoe trails and this is particularly relevant given the development of canoe trails in Northern Ireland.

www.thecanoeman.com

Alice Middleton, The TYF Group

Alice Middleton is an adventurer and an activist. Working for The TYF Group, an adventure and sustainability education business, Alice takes care of the School Group Programmes, designing and carrying out adventure days to awaken the senses of young people and inspire them to learn in one of the most powerful playgrounds on the planet. Alice is part of a TYF team that takes over 12,000 people a year to play and work along the wild Pembrokeshire coastline and aims to connect with over 100,000 young people each year to make good stuff happen faster.

She is a leading representative for Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) - one of the UK's most respected environmental pressure groups who campaign for clean seas and beaches - and regularly campaigns, giving talks to both local and national organisations, representing SAS in the media, and raising awareness through film and comedy nights in West Wales.

Alice is interested in the way we can design, make and use things to tread much lighter on our planet and always makes sure that she has time to surf, sew and run!

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