Hosted by Limerick-based creative agency Piquant, the Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI), and Innovate Limerick, the event offered a high-impact programme of panels, talks, and provocations exploring the future of storytelling, branding, and communication in an increasingly complex world.

Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, spoke at the event, welcoming attendees to Limerick and underlining his support for Ireland’s creative sector. In his address, he spoke about the growing importance of national and international creatives, designers, brand strategists, and digital thinkers as drivers of innovation, identity, and regional development.

The day featured standout talks from leading voices including Simon Raybould, Michael Corcoran, Lorna Ross, and Emily Ross, and panels on AI, accessibility, polarisation, and creative risk. Attendees praised the event’s energy, openness, and sense of community. Feedback from both audiences and speakers has been resoundingly positive, with many highlighting GASP! as a must-attend for anyone working in digital communication, design, or brand strategy.

Charlotte Barker, CEO of the IDI, said:
“GASP! 2025 highlighted the vital role this kind of space plays in the growth of Ireland’s creative industries. To witness such high-caliber 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 of Commerce and FORGE Design Factory.

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