Coffee, pastries, and real conversations. 15 people. No pitches. Just better networking in a smaller, more relaxed space.

Buns & Business Belfast with Tom Kelly and Geoff WilsonFifteen places. Two internationally experienced guest speakers. One afternoon of better business conversations.

Thursday 10 September 2026 | 4:00 PM

Krumb Bakery, Ormeau Road, Belfast

Coffee. Pastries. Better business conversations.

September’s Buns & Business brings together two highly experienced voices from the worlds of crisis communications, public affairs, international sport, and marketing.

One works with organisations when their reputation is on the line.

The other helps sports organisations across the world develop their strategy, strengthen their marketing, and engage their audiences.

Both understand the importance of communication, reputation, leadership, and trust.

With only 15 places available, everyone will have an opportunity to meet, contribute, and join the conversation.

Guest Speakers

Tom Kelly

Crisis Management and Strategic Communications Expert

Honorary Professor of Practice, Queen’s University Belfast

Tom is an experienced communications specialist with an extensive background in crisis management, reputation management, political communications, and public affairs.

His work has involved navigating complex and high-stakes situations across Ireland, the UK, and the United States.

Tom is an Honorary Professor of Practice in Politics and Public Affairs at Queen’s University Belfast, having previously spent 12 years as a visiting professor at Ulster University.

He is also a Policy Fellow at Labour Together and previously served as Honorary Consul for Malta.

Tom brings practical insight into communicating under pressure, protecting reputation, and making decisions when the stakes are high.

Geoff Wilson

International Sports Strategist and Marketing Consultant

Founder, Geoff Wilson Consultancy

Geoff advises sports organisations, businesses, NGOs, and government bodies around the world.

His international work has included strategic, marketing, and communications consultancy involving UEFA, FIFA, AFC, FIBA, and a wide range of football associations and sports organisations.

Geoff is Chair of the Sports Council Trust Company, a member of the English Football League Advisory Panel, and a former expert advisor to the Barcelona FC Innovation Hub.

He previously served as Head of Marketing and Communications at the Irish Football Association and spent eight years on the board of Tourism Northern Ireland.

Geoff is also the author of Leading a Grassroots Sports Club and an experienced international conference speaker.

He brings a wealth of practical experience in strategy, sports marketing, fan engagement, leadership, and organisational growth.

Two Very Different Careers. Several Shared Lessons.

Tom and Geoff have worked in very different environments, but their careers share many of the same foundations:

Building and protecting trust

Communicating when the pressure is on

Understanding different audiences

Managing reputation

Developing an effective strategy

Leading organisations through change

Turning relationships into long-term value

What To Expect

Coffee and pastries at Krumb Bakery

Relaxed conversations with Tom and Geoff

Practical insights from two highly experienced guest speakers

Genuine networking with business owners and professionals

Time to meet everyone properly

No formal pitches

No awkward selling

Who Should Attend?

Buns & Business is for business owners, founders, senior leaders, and professionals who want to learn from experienced people and build genuine relationships.

Whether you work in communications, marketing, leadership, professional services, sport, or business development, there will be plenty to take away from this conversation.

You do not need to arrive with a sales pitch.

Come along, enjoy the pastries, and get to know some good people.

Tickets

Growth Network members attend for free.

A limited number of non-member tickets are also available.

Only 15 Places Are Available

The event is deliberately limited to keep it relaxed, welcoming, and conversational.

When the 15 places are gone, the event is full.

Please only reserve a place if you genuinely intend to attend. Every place matters.

About The Growth Network

The Growth Network is a trusted cross-border business community connecting founders, business owners, and senior leaders across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

We create opportunities for better conversations, valuable introductions, and relationships that continue beyond the event.

Reserve Your Place Today

Coffee. Pastries. Better business conversations.

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