Business leaders from across Northern Ireland gathered at the Culloden Estate & Spa on Thursday 10 September for the IoD Northern Ireland Annual Dinner 2026, supported by headline sponsor Bank of Ireland and associate sponsor Arthur Cox.
Hosted by broadcaster and journalist Jim Fitzpatrick, the event brought together senior leaders from the public, private and third sectors to celebrate leadership, achievement and economic opportunity.
Addressing over 300 guests, John Hansen, Chair of IoD Northern Ireland, called for greater focus on delivery, reform and long-term decision-making to unlock Northern Ireland's economic potential.
"The challenge facing Northern Ireland is not capability. The challenge is execution. We have the talent, ambition, investment and opportunity. What we need now is the determination to turn potential into performance and move from ambition to action."
John Hansen highlighted several achievements from the past year, including the launch of IoD Northern Ireland's Infrastructure and Investment Action Plan, continued growth in professional development programmes and the success of the Women's Leadership Conference, which attracted a record 575 delegates.
A key moment of the evening was the presentation of the 2026 IoD Northern Ireland Chair's Award for Excellence in Director and Board Practice to Dr Theresa Donaldson CDir, Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners, recognising her outstanding contribution to leadership, governance and boardroom excellence.
Presenting the award, John Hansen said:
"Dr Theresa Donaldson exemplifies the highest standards of leadership and governance. Through her commitment to board excellence and strategic leadership, she has made a significant contribution to Northern Ireland's business community and is a highly deserving recipient of this year's Chair's Award."
Guests also heard from keynote speaker Dr Norah Patten, who is expected to become Ireland's first astronaut when she embarks on her scheduled space mission in 2027. Dr Patten shared lessons on leadership, resilience and achieving ambitious goals, drawing on her unique journey towards spaceflight.
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Commenting on Bank of Ireland's support for the event, Colm Moane, Associate Director, Bank of Ireland Corporate and Treasury, said:
"Bank of Ireland is proud to support the IoD Northern Ireland Annual Dinner and the vital role the organisation plays in developing leadership, promoting good governance and supporting economic growth across Northern Ireland. As businesses continue to navigate change and seize new opportunities, strong leadership will be critical to driving investment, innovation and long-term prosperity. We look forward to working alongside the business community to help realise Northern Ireland's significant economic potential."
The evening also featured a charity prize draw in aid of The King's Trust, marking the organisation's 50th anniversary in Northern Ireland and raising funds to support young people in developing the skills and confidence needed to succeed in work, education and enterprise.
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