In this episode of Interlinks, I speak with Chris Valentine, founder and CEO of Adeo InterActive in Austin, Texas, about the changing business of events and the inaugural Futura Innovation Conference, taking place in Limerick from 19–21 October 2026.
Drawing on around 30 years of producing events, Chris explains how Adeo brings entrepreneurs, investors, businesses and policymakers together to create commercial opportunities. We discuss his career, his Irish connections and his interest in helping cities beyond the usual major centres gain international attention.
At the heart of our conversation is how COVID changed the reasons people attend events. The pandemic renewed our appreciation of face-to-face contact while making us more selective about leaving home, travelling and taking time away from work. Good speakers and useful content remain essential, but attendees increasingly expect a broader range of interests, unexpected encounters and distinctive experiences, including culture and entertainment. Those individual decisions are collectively reshaping the events business: a global shock working through personal priorities to change an entire sector.
Chris outlines how Futura responds to these expectations through seven interconnected tracks and a programme spread across Limerick city centre. With around 200 speakers and 100 sessions planned, the event aims to connect people across sectors including logistics, life sciences, sustainability and creative industries. We also explore AI’s role in events and the future of work, and the value of maintaining international business connections amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Interlinks listeners can book for €349 plus VAT instead of the usual €399 plus VAT, saving €50. Enter the discount code PDALY on the Futura booking page to avail of this special offer.
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