THE BUSINESS of storytelling was at the front and centre of the GASP! conference held on Shannonside.
The conference, focusing on the ‘digital business of storytelling’ was hosted at Innovate Limerick and organisers said the response was “electric”, bringing together creatives, designers, brand strategists, and digital thinkers from across Ireland under one room in Limerick.
The event was hosted by Limerick creative agency Piquant, the Institute of Designers in Ireland, and Innovate Limerick and saw a series of panels and talks on the future of storytelling, branding, and communication as well as AI, accessibility, polarisation, and creative risk.
Speakers included Simon Raybould, Michael Corcoran, Lorna Ross, and Emily Ross.
Conor Buckley, creative director and founder of Piquant, reflected on the tone of the day, saying: “Design and communication have never mattered more. In a world that feels increasingly divided and uncertain, creative thinking is what helps us navigate complexity, connect with others, and imagine something better. GASP! was our chance to hold space for those conversations — and the response has been incredible.”
Limerick TD and Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, and Media, Patrick O’Donovan, spoke at the vent, addressing the “growing importance of national and international creatives, designers, brand strategists, and digital thinkers as drivers of innovation, identity, and regional development”.
Charlotte Barker, CEO of the Institute of Designers in Ireland, added that the GASP! conference “highlighted the vital role this kind of space plays in the growth of Ireland’s creative industries”.
“To witness such high-calibre conversations, energy, and insights taking place in Limerick is a testament to the growing strength of our sector across regional towns and cities.
“The expansion of the design sector in regional hubs is a key pillar of the Digital Creative Industries Roadmap, and we were thrilled to see so many attendees and speakers come together to create such an impactful event.”
GASP! 2025 was delivered by Piquant and IDI in partnership with Innovate Limerick, Limerick City and County Council, Creative Ireland, Design Skillnet, Limerick Chamber, and FORGE Design Factory.
