The Post: Events & Hospitality Manager, McConnell’s Distillery
The Post Holder: Conor Brennan
A part-time hospitality job to support himself through college quickly turned into a passion for Conor Brennan.
Give a brief outline of your career to date?
My career has always revolved around the food and beverage industry. I began in Dubai’s luxury hotel scene before moving on to manage large-scale events as Corporate Manager at the SSE Arena for four years. After launching an award-winning Filipino restaurant, Lasa, with my wife, I briefly stepped into the charity sector. However, after meeting John Kelly, CEO at McConnell’s Irish Whisky, and learning about their brand story, I was inspired to return to my roots in hospitality and now manage unforgettable experiences at the new McConnell’s Distillery at Crumlin Road Gaol.
What was your favourite subject at school?
PE, I’ve always been physically active so loved sport and enjoyed learning about human biology and nutrition.
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so what did you study and where?
I started a degree in Business Studies at university but didn’t finish it – life took me in a different direction! I later pursued several higher-level courses in Food & Beverage Management and Leadership, which played a significant role in advancing my career. These courses gave me the practical skills and knowledge I needed to excel in hospitality and event management, allowing me to lead teams and manage complex operations successfully.
How did you get into your area of work?
I initially got into the hospitality industry to support myself through college. What started as a necessity quickly became a passion. I loved the energy of the nightlife scene and how sociable it was. In my early 20s, I stayed in the nightclub industry, meeting so many interesting people. The fast-paced environment and the connections I made kept me hooked, and from there, I continued to build my career in hospitality and events.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
Funnily enough, no! I always saw myself pursuing a career in sports, whether as a coach or teacher. However, since joining the McConnell’s team, I’ve come to realise this is exactly where I’m meant to be.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
The beauty with the hospitality industry is that there are so many different pathways into it. If you have business acumen, a personable nature and a team mindset, anyone can succeed.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence are essential. Clients need to feel confident in your ability and trust that their event is in safe hands, so it’s important to build rapport quickly and reassure them.
What does a typical day entail?
A typical day involves a lot of event planning and coordinating our team to deliver bespoke experiences. I like to stay ahead in the food and beverage sector, so I’m frequently meeting different suppliers.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
As a new establishment, it will take time to build our visibility and ensuring potential clients know what we can offer them. The hospitality industry operates around the clock and events often take place at evenings or weekends, so that can also be challenging, but it’s also part of the excitement. The most rewarding aspect of the job has to be wowing clients and exceeding their expectations.
Why is what you do important?
I love helping people have fun – that’s what life is all about. At McConnell’s Distillery we are bringing a traditional industry back to life, having restored an historic grade A listed building, to, most importantly, offer unique and enjoyable experiences for people in Belfast.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
It can be challenging, so resilience and patience is key. If you love what you do and stay committed, good things will follow.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
If I weren’t in this role, I’d be a personal trainer. I’ve aways been energetic – I could just see myself shouting motivational quotes to a group class at 6am!
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Relax and don’t worry about making an immediate impact. Trust in your abilities and give yourself time to grow and settle into the role.
Describe your ideal day off.
My ideal day off would be a family outing with my wife and sons around the city. We love exploring new spots and indulging in lots of good food. If my wife Elizabeth is driving, I might even treat myself to an Irish coffee!
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Find a role or career path that genuinely excites you.
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