On Wednesday, November 13, 2025, Ireland’s vibrant craft and creative community will come together at Google’s Foundry in Dublin for Digital 26: Focus on Craft and Creatives — a unique, in-person event designed to help small creative businesses navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape. With a programme packed full of insight, inspiration, and innovation, this event is set to be a game-changer for makers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs looking to future-proof their businesses.
Hosted by Google and brought to life in partnership with Craftwork4All and the Local Enterprise Offices of Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow, Digital 26 is part of the wider You’re the Business digital upskilling initiative. This powerful collaboration aims to equip Ireland’s creative sector with the tools, confidence, and knowledge to embrace digital transformation in a meaningful way.
Speaking about the event Cera Ward, Managing Director, Central Europe, Large Customers Sales at Google Ireland said “Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of Ireland’s economy, creating employment opportunities, fostering talent, and driving innovation. The craft and creative community play a vital role in shaping Ireland’s culture and identity, and at Google, we’re committed to supporting these businesses by helping them build the digital skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We’re proud to host Digital 26 at The Foundry in Google’s EMEA Headquarters and look forward to welcoming Ireland’s creative entrepreneurs to a day designed to inspire, upskill, and empower. I’d encourage anyone working in the craft and creative sector to register and join us it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn how digital tools and AI can unlock new opportunities and help future-proof your business.”
The event kicks off at 10:00 AM with arrival and check-in at Google’s iconic Gordon House in Dublin’s Grand Canal Dock, where attendees will be welcomed with coffee and the opportunity to connect with fellow creative professionals and Local Enterprise Office representatives. A short opening session from Google and LEOs will set the stage for the day’s theme the power of digital and AI in shaping the future of creative businesses.
One of the highlights of the morning is a keynote session from a Google expert on how AI can be harnessed by craft and creative entrepreneurs to enhance productivity, streamline content creation, and unlock new market opportunities. This will be followed by a live demo of ViGenAir, a powerful AI tool that helps creators repurpose existing content into professional-grade promotional videos optimised for various advertising platforms.
After a networking lunch, the afternoon will dive deeper into hands-on learning with two practical breakout sessions. Attendees can choose between Making Sense of AI, a session focused on the foundational principles of artificial intelligence and its ethical application, or Practical AI for Marketing, which offers tactical tips for using AI tools to support brand growth, customer engagement, and online visibility. Spaces in these sessions are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
The day concludes with a powerful panel discussion titled My Digital Journey & AI, hosted by renowned tech innovator and AI ethics advocate Naomh McElhatton. As founder and CEO of Stimul.ai, McElhatton is at the forefront of human-centred innovation, and her experience bridging the gap between creativity and technology makes her the ideal host for this session. The panel will feature a diverse group of inspiring Irish entrepreneurs who have successfully integrated digital thinking into their creative enterprises:
- Magdelena Seymour of Pure Oskar, whose ethical skincare brand blends sustainability with handmade quality.
- Kim Whyte of Pawpear, Kim Whyte is the Founder & Designer of Pawpear, an Irish stationery company inspired by Ireland’s culture, language, and landscapes. Kim’s illustrations reimagine our ancient landscapes, culture and heritage through striking shapes and bold colours.
- Kay Lyng of K Kajoux Jewels, known for vibrant, semi-precious handcrafted jewellery.
- Niav Riley of Market Square Studios, a creative hub showcasing Irish-made ceramics and homewares.
- Kieran Comerford, Chairperson of the Network of Local Enterprise Offices, who brings a national perspective on supporting small business innovation.
Throughout the day, attendees will be encouraged to network, ask questions, and explore how emerging technologies can support not replace the human craft at the heart of their businesses. The event wraps at 3:00 PM with closing remarks and key takeaways.
Speaking about the importance of this event, Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development and Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office in Carlow County Council said “We’re delighted to work with Google on this exciting initiative. Events like Digital 26 are vital in helping small businesses in the craft and creative sectors stay competitive and future ready. Digital skills and AI are no longer optional — they’re essential tools for growth, innovation, and resilience. Through this collaboration, we’re empowering local creatives to harness technology in ways that support and enhance their unique talents.”
Digital 26: Focus on Craft and Creatives promises to be an energising, hands-on day filled with insight, inspiration, and practical tools. It’s a must-attend for any creative business ready to embrace digital and thrive in 2026. Booking is available as follows: Digital 26: Craft & Creatives @ Google with Craft Work 4.0 All & Local Enterprise Offices (Carlow) - Local Enterprise Office - Carlow