18th September 2026
Alan Dillon TD, Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail will attend university, business, and sporting engagements centred around the University of Wisconsin on the 18 and 19 of September.
The visit supports preparations for the 2027 Aer Lingus College Football Classic, which sees the University of Pittsburgh open its 2027 season against the University of Wisconsin at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on August 28, 2027. The fixture is projected to attract approximately 25,000 American visitors to Ireland.
Minister Dillon said:
"The ties between Ireland and Wisconsin continue to grow through education, business and sport. The 2027 Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium is projected to bring approximately 25,000 American visitors to Ireland. This is exactly the type of international event that supports Business Events 2030 ambitions, and showcases Ireland as a leading destination for holiday and business tourism."
During the visit, Minister Dillon will meet university leaders, elected representatives, researchers, innovators, alumni and business leaders to showcase Ireland's strengths in tourism, enterprise, education and international partnerships.
The visit includes engagements with the University of Wisconsin's International Division, College of Engineering, Wisconsin School of Business, School of Medicine and Public Health and Center for Dairy Research, as well as attendance at Wisconsin Badgers sporting events and game-day activities, concluding at Saturday’s University of Wisconsin versus Eastern Michigan American football game at Camp Randall Stadium.
ENDS
Back to Department News