Technological University Dublin Wins First Place at 41st IHI National Business Management Game
2nd March – Five teams from Hospitality and Event Management programmes across Ireland competed in the 41st annual IHI National Business Management Game, held at the Conrad Dublin.
The intensive two-day competition began on Sunday, 1st March, with teams representing Atlantic Technological University, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Technological University Dublin, and two teams from Shannon College of Hotel Management.
Participants faced three industry-focused challenges designed to test their ability to apply real-world commercial, strategic and leadership skills.
IHI President Ciara Drohan said:
“The Business Game is a flagship event in the IHI, education and industry calendars. It brings together some of the country’s most talented and ambitious hospitality students, challenging them to step beyond the classroom and into the realities of business leadership.
The competition sharpens strategic decision-making, strengthens innovative thinking and develops the leadership and commercial acumen our industry demands. Fundamentally, it bridges the gap between theory and practice — transforming academic knowledge into real-world application, where judgement, agility and teamwork truly matter.”
Ciara also acknowledged the contribution of the judging panel, chaired by Ivan King, CEO, Luttrellstown Castle, alongside Deirdre McDonald, Senior Hospitality & Tourism Consultant, Innovate Room; Veronica Timlin, General Manager, Buswells Hotel; and Leona McGarry, Group Systems Training & Standards Manager | Revenue, Dalata Hotel Group, for their expertise, time and commitment.
As part of the event, a student seminar titled Hospitality 360: More Than a Profession was chaired by Charlie Sheil, Group General Manager, Windward Management Limited. Panellists included Micheal Jacobi, Managing Director, Scally Hotel Collection; Leah Gunn, Head of Business Development, Levy Ireland; Matti Reuter, General Manager, Travelodge Plus Dublin City; and Micheal Quinn, Manager, Tourism Careers, Fáilte Ireland. The panel shared valuable insights and reflections from their career journeys.
The overall winners were Technological University Dublin. The first-place cup was awarded to team captain Diana Dumirescu, alongside Anthony Austin, Catriona Kelly, Saoirse Daly and Stuart Hession.
Congratulations also to their lecturers, Dr. Clement H. Ryan and Dr. John Ryan.
The event was proudly sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, Conrad Dublin, the Irish Hotels Federation, The iNUA Collection, Scally Hotel Collection, TIFCO, The Talbot Collection, Windward Management Limited, Tierney’s and Classic Drinks.
