Thursday11September
Social Media Belfast

Northern Ireland’s leading social media conference

Now in its 11th year, the Social Media Belfast Conference is firmly established as Northern Ireland’s leading social media event. Bringing together over 200 attendees, the conference will look at trends and case studies in 2025 and beyond.

Social media has become a vital part of many organisations and is an area that continues to evolve at pace. A strong social presence can grow your brand, engage key stakeholders, and drive website traffic. This conference is an important opportunity to reflect on your social media journey to date, what direction you should be going and how to get there.
As well as being significant in terms of social media expertise and case studies, #SMBelfast has developed a strong networking dimension. It has become an event where the key communications and social media players meet for a day of networking and discussion.

Register now at the early bird rate!
Social Media Belfast

Who's speaking at #SMBelfast?

Catrin Elis

Senior Content Editor
Visit Wales

Sheena McCaugherty

Senior Global Social Media Manager
SumUp

Matt Stevenson

Owner
Infinite Vision

Becky Atkinson

Communications and Social Media Officer, British Medical Association, Northern Ireland

Matt McRoberts

Head of Marketing
Hastings Hotels

Nicole Mezzasalma

Senior Consultant, Innovation
Battenhall

Beth McDaniel

Marketing Manager
The Boulevard

Dan McCarry

Owner/Founder
Counter Digital

Stephanie Kennedy

Social Media Manager
NIE Networks

Paul McGarrity

Managing Director
Octave Digital
Social Media Belfast

Conference programme

  • Session 1
    09:00 - 10:45
  • Session 2
    11:15 - 13:00
  • Session 3
    14:00 - 15:30
08:30 am

Registration and morning coffee

09:00 AM

Principles of effective LinkedIn marketing

Our conference chair Paul will open #SMBelfast examining the key challenges and opportunities of LinkedIn. He will look at the principles of effective LinkedIn usage and provide practical tips and examples of success for you to implement in your organisation.

Paul McGarrity, Managing Director, Octave Digital

From Wales to the world: How social media is used to promote Wales

Catrin will focus on Visit Wales’ approach to social and explain how flexibility and adaptation, linked to an emotional connection with potential visitors, is at the heart of the work. Using examples that will be applicable to businesses as well as to destinations, she’ll show how staying true to your brand is core to delivery.

Catrin Elis, Senior Content Editor, Visit Wales

The importance of video in social media marketing

Matt will discuss why video is a powerful tool for capturing attention and driving engagement on social media. He has worked with brands including TikTok UK, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and more.

Matt Stevenson, Owner, Infinite Vision

Harnessing social media during a crisis

Stephanie will share how NIE Networks harnessed social media as a vital communication tool to keep stakeholders informed during Storm Éowyn. Learn from their experience when faced with a crisis on how to manage your socials effectively.

Stephanie Kennedy, Social Media Manager, NIE Networks

Questions & answers / Panel discussion

10:45 AM

Coffee and networking break

Bringing branding to life on socials

Matt oversees all marketing, branding, PR, digital and social media strategies across six hotels. He will share how Hastings Hotels brings its brand to life through engaging and authentic social media content along with practical insights into creating content that resonates with a range of audiences.

Matt McRoberts, Head of Marketing, Hastings Hotels

Health and social

The British Medical Association represents, supports and negotiates on behalf of all UK doctors and medical students. Becky will explore the evolving relationship between health and social media, specifically how it can be used as a support network in modern healthcare. She will highlight the challenges and opportunities the BMA have faced when using online platforms.

Becky Atkinson, Communications and Social Media Officer, British Medical Association

Effectively optimising ROI with strategic social media marketing

SumUp is a leading global fintech company, whose mission is to empower small businesses by levelling the playing field, they are continuously expanding their product range into new markets. Sheena will present on how businesses can maximise their return on investment through smart, data-driven social media strategies.

Sheena McCaugherty, Senior Global Social Media Manager, SumUp
11:15 AM

Accessibility and inclusivity on socials

Laura Cummings, PR and Communications Manager, RNIB Northern Ireland (invited)

Questions & answers / Panel discussion

01:00 PM

Networking Lunch

02:00 PM

AI and social media: A match made in heaven?

Nicole is senior consultant for innovation at London-based agency Battenhall, with clients ranging from tech giants to gaming companies. A self-professed geek and a specialist in emerging social media platforms and channels, she's been deeply interested in the world of AI since before ChatGPT went public in 2022.

Nicole Mezzasalma, Senior Consultant, Innovation, Battenhall

Getting the most out of your paid ad campaigns

Dan takes a practical look at how to make paid advertising work harder for you. He will focus on key principles for creating effective campaigns, reaching your audience, and making the most of your budget across digital platforms.

Dan McCarry, Owner & Founder, Counter Digital

Engaging customers through social

The Boulevard has been on a steady upward trajectory in recent years, consistently breaking its own records and saw its best summer ever in 2024 with a +19% increase in sales and +5% growth in footfall this year compared to 2023. Beth will present on their social media strategy and success at The Boulevard Banbridge.

Beth McDaniel, Marketing Manager, The Boulevard

What works in the public sector: Lessons from the education sector

Verity Morrison, Communications and Media Manager, Education Authority (invited)

Questions & answers / Panel discussion

03:30 PM

Conference close

  • Session 1
    09:00 - 10:45
  • Session 2
    11:15 - 13:00
  • Session 3
    14:00 - 15:30

Join us to discuss 💬

  • • Principles of LinkedIn marketing
  • • AI and social media
  • • The importance of video in social media
  • • Effectively optimising ROI
  • • Successful social media campaigns
  • • Practical advice and tips
  • • Local and visiting case studies

Why attend #SMBelfast 2025? 👋

  • • Networking with 200+ marketing and communication professionals
  • • Hear leading social media practitioners: Visiting and local speakers
  • • Enhance your social media marketing and communication skills
  • • Discover new trends and explore the latest insights
  • • Examples of best practice social media use across different sectors
Social Media Belfast

Registration

Early bird rate

£245
£245 + VAT @ 20%

Ends Thursday 26th June
Register

Delegate rate

£295
£295 + VAT @ 20%

After Thursday 26th June
Register

Charity rate

£175
£175 + VAT @ 20%
Register

Bring your team!

Please contact us for group bookings discount at registration@agendani.com or call +44 (0)28 9261 9933.

Who attends Social Media Belfast? 👋

Social Media Belfast brings together +200 attendees each year including…

  • Social media professionals
  • Marketing Directors / Managers / Executives
  • Chief Executives
  • Digital Marketing teams
  • Business Development
  • Video Production Managers
  • PR Managers & Officers
  • Directors
  • Fundraising and Engagement
  • Press Officers
  • Brand Managers
  • Communication Specialists / Directors / Officers
  • Media Managers
  • Social Media Editors
  • Ecommerce
  • Graphic Designers
  • External Relations
  • Anyone with an eye on social media!
Social Media Belfast

Getting to the venue

Titanic Belfast

1 Olympic Way
Queen’s Road
Titanic Quarter
Belfast
Northern Ireland
BT3 9EP

Getting to the venue
Accommodation options