ICC Belfast welcomed the Research Quality Association (RQA) and over 400 of its global quality community for the RQA International Conference 2025.
Across three days, Belfast became an international hub for learning, innovation and connection focused on real-world approaches to quality. This caused conversations around practical thinking, human connection, and meaningful impact to take place in every corner of ICC Belfast.
- Attendees
- 430
- Event Type
- Conference and exhibition
- Space Used
- Riverside foyer, Hall 1, Hall 2, Level 1, Studio, Meeting rooms
PAINTING THE PICTURE
RQA’s goal for the 2025 edition was clear, to create a space where quality professionals could move beyond theory and explore “Quality That Works – Pragmatism over Perfection.” ICC Belfast’s purpose-built design supported the complexity and scale of the event programme.
From day one, delegates heard from a range of sector leaders and industry professionals through conference streams, insightful keynotes, interactive round-table plenaries, Innovation Theatres, an exhibition and continuous networking. The event opened with an energising keynote from internationally respected systems thinker Dr Bill Bellows, who invited delegates to see quality through “other eyes.”
Throughout the days, the venue’s multiple meeting spaces and Studio came alive, whilst Hall 1 hosted a busy exhibition and sponsorship showcase that kept conversations flowing long after formal sessions ended.
RQA AT ITS CORE
As a professional membership body, RQA provides status and visibility for individuals engaged in the quality of research across pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, chemicals and medical devices. With a mission to inspire quality, integrity and compliance in scientific research, the association set out to make 2025 at ICC Belfast its most impactful conference yet.
Carl Lummis, Events, Marketing, Publications and Online Learning Manager, RQA commented,
"We are blessed with magnificent facilities at ICC Belfast – it affords us the space to expand the programme and do so much."
ICC Belfast are willing partners in curating an event that showcases their local identity, as well as allowing us to be creative, which is something we truly value.
DAY TO NIGHT TRANSITION
As the final sessions wrapped on day one, ICC Belfast transformed from conference hub to evening destination.
Delegates arrived in vibrant Día de los Muertos inspired costume and gathered in Riverside Foyer. After a busy day, this was the perfect opportunity for guests to let their hair down and mingle before moving upstairs to Hall 2, where the Mexican theme was alive with marigold florals and papel picado paired with upbeat Latin rhythms and mysterious lighting.
Ceiling installations in bold colour, sugar skull napkins and sombrero table settings and extravagant dancers in colourful costume created an immersive celebration for all to enjoy. The result was an incredibly festive start to the association’s three-day programme, and a signature Belfast welcome as promised.
A FIESTA OF FLAVOUR
ICC Belfast’s hospitality partner Pan & Pour delivered freshly prepared dishes which depicted the theme perfectly whilst showcasing local suppliers.
Street style service encouraged easy networking with small plates and sharing stations. Menu options included Tamales de la Abuela with guajillo chilli, chargrilled Elote with chipotle lime and Tostaditas de Ceviche followed by, signature mains of deep, aromatic Mole Negro and Yucatán style Cochinita Pibil with pickled red onion and habanero salsa. Sides of Arroz Rojo and Frijoles de la Olla were accompanied by warm corn and flour tortillas and a Trio de Salsas.
Finally, dessert brought a celebratory finish with Pastel Tres Leches topped with cempasúchil cream and Dulce de Calabaza scented with cinnamon and orange. The menu delivered colour, flavour and pace to match the mood of the night.
DELIVERING TRUE IMPACT
ICC Belfast provided the perfect canvas for RQA to stage their annual conference. By blending the thought-provoking and educational 2025 event programme with ICC Belfast’s world-class capabilities, the event delivered beyond the brief. With an exciting new three-year deal secured for ICC Belfast, momentum now shifts to RQA’s return in 2027.
Ross Moffett, Sales Director, ICC Belfast expressed,
“The team love events like this because it’s not just putting on an event. It’s joining a part of a bigger community."
For our team, it’s about leaning into the whole experience, understanding what the client’s needs are and delivering an experience that just takes it from the page right into life.
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