On Thursday, 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.
Cera Ward, Managing Director, Central Europe, Large Customer Sales at Google Ireland, highlighted the significance of small and medium-sized businesses, saying, “SMEs are the backbone of Ireland’s economy, creating jobs, fostering talent, and driving innovation. The craft and creative community play a vital role in shaping Ireland’s culture and identity. At Google, we’re committed to supporting these businesses by helping them develop 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 welcome Ireland’s creative entrepreneurs to a day designed to inspire, upskill, and empower. Anyone in the craft and creative sector should register—this is a fantastic opportunity to explore how digital tools and AI can unlock new possibilities and future-proof your business.”
Digital 26 begins at 10:00 AM at Google’s iconic Gordon House in Dublin’s Grand Canal Dock, with coffee and networking opportunities for attendees to connect with fellow creatives and Local Enterprise Office (LEO) representatives. A short opening session from Google and the LEOs will introduce the day’s theme: the transformative power of digital and AI for creative businesses.
Morning highlights include a keynote by a Google expert on harnessing AI to enhance productivity, streamline content creation, and explore new market opportunities. Attendees will also see a live demonstration of ViGenAir, an AI tool that repurposes content into professional-grade promotional videos optimized for various platforms.
Following a networking lunch, the afternoon offers hands-on breakout sessions. Participants can choose between Making Sense of AI, focusing on AI fundamentals and ethical applications, or Practical AI for Marketing, offering tactical guidance for using AI to boost brand growth, engagement, and online presence. Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The day concludes with a panel discussion, My Digital Journey & AI, hosted by Naomh McElhatton, founder and CEO of Stimul.ai. The session features Irish entrepreneurs who have successfully integrated digital strategies into their creative businesses: Magdelena Seymour (Pure Oskar), Kim Whyte (Pawpear), Kay Lyng (K Kajoux Jewels), Niav Riley (Market Square Studios), and Kieran Comerford (Network of Local Enterprise Offices).
Kieran Comerford added, “We’re delighted to work with Google on this initiative. Events like Digital 26 are vital in helping creative SMEs stay competitive and future-ready. Digital skills and AI are no longer optional—they are essential for growth, innovation, and resilience.”
Digital 26: Focus on Craft and Creatives promises an energizing, practical, and inspiring day for any creative business ready to embrace digital and thrive in 2026.
Booking is available as follows:
Other Areas -No Transport Included
