Paul Davis, a key figure in shaping the Irish events industry over the past 25 years, has been recognised with the Outstanding Contribution Award at the Event Impact Awards in Dublin. The CEO of Davis Events Agency was celebrated for his creative leadership, global success, and efforts to support the industry during the pandemic.
Davis, who began his career as Ents Officer at University College Dublin, reflected on his journey in his acceptance speech:
“It was just a hobby in school – running events and gigs – and I can’t believe I’m still getting away with it.”
Davis Events Agency’s Global Success
Founded in 2013, Davis Events Agency has grown into a globally recognised brand. It is ranked among the Top 100 Event Agencies in the World by Eventex and has expanded to the USA and the UK. Under Paul Davis’s leadership, the agency has produced world-class events for clients including Google, Dropbox, UEFA, and Indeed, as well as government and cultural organisations.
Transformative Leadership During the Pandemic
Paul Davis’s impact extends beyond his agency. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he founded Event Industry Ireland (EII), a group that:
- United event professionals across Ireland.
- Advocated for government support, securing funding from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, The Department of Tourism and Culture, Enterprise Ireland, and the EU.
- Helped retain thousands of jobs in the sector through wage subsidy schemes.
- Ensured freelancers and contract workers received financial support.
His efforts played a crucial role in securing the future of the Irish events industry, ensuring it not only survived but is now on a path to recovery and growth.
A Passion for Creativity and Events
Accepting his award, Davis referenced his experience working with Shane McGowan and a lesson from The Pogues’ legendary manager, Frank Murray:
“He used to describe the craziness of trying to herd cats while letting their creativity still blossom – he’d tell me, ‘Don’t kill the chaos.’ That’s the challenge for all of us working in events: having our systems and processes in place while keeping the magic and creativity alive.”
He thanked the Event Impact Awards organisers, his clients, and his team, recognising their energy, creativity, and commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences.
Davis Events Agency Wins Best Event Design Award
In addition to Paul Davis’s personal honour, Davis Events Agency also won Best Event Design at the awards for their Pride Campaign & Activations for Indeed, the world’s largest job search platform. The agency was also shortlisted in four other categories, highlighting its industry-leading innovation.
Event Impact Awards: Recognising Excellence in Irish Events
Launched in 2024, the Event Impact Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in Ireland’s dynamic events industry. With Paul Davis’s leadership and continued contributions, the sector is set to thrive, creating unforgettable experiences for years to come.
