FOLLOWING the success of the sold-out inaugural event in 2024, Connect, Select and Grow returns to Tullamore’s Bridge House Hotel on Thursday, February 27th, 2025. Plusvital, a leader in equine science and supplements, is title sponsor of this year’s event.

Hosted by Michael Doherty, this year’s edition of Connect, Select and Grow consists of four sessions.

Connect: A networking session, where each attendee is given the opportunity to introduce themselves, and breeding programme, to their respective table. Pre-set tables comprise eight to 10 people, and the session is designed to help broaden the network of each attendee.

Stallion selection: Emma Thorén Hellsten, geneticist and former breeding manager of the Swedish Warmblood Association, will demonstrate a selection of tools, services and data sources currently available to assist breeders with stallion selection.

The marketplace: A panel discussion with representatives from Ireland’s sport horse public auctions, discussing market insights, trends, and how we can collectively work together as a sector to improve the outlook for 2025 and beyond.

Telling the stories of our sport: Equestrian data science company, EquiRatings, will discuss how they use their data and metrics to tell the stories of equestrian sport, engage fans, inform federations, and help market international events.

Prizes

The event runs from 6pm-10pm, and has a capacity of 100 attendees. Tickets can be purchased via www.michaeldoherty.ie/insights until February 20th, but may close sooner if event capacity is reached. Attendees will also have the chance to win industry spot prizes, including a breeding supplement hamper and a nutritional consultation from event sponsor Plusvital.