Who do we trust, and why? Can we trust what we read online, the technology we increasingly rely on, or the institutions that shape our lives? And what happens when trust is broken?
These are some of the questions at the heart of CongRegation 2026, (www.congregation.ie ) which will bring people from different backgrounds together in Cong, from November 27th–29th to explore the theme of Trust. Submissions are still open, and the organisers are inviting people to share their own experiences, ideas and perspectives.
Now in its 14th year, CongRegation is a three-day unconference that brings together people from business, technology, academia, the arts and the wider community. Around 100 participants are expected to take part in the main programme on Saturday, November 28, sharing ideas and discussing a subject that affects almost every aspect of our lives.
Unlike a traditional conference, CongRegation is built around contributions from the people who attend. Participants submit their thoughts on the annual theme in advance, and these submissions become the starting point for informal, small-group conversations known as huddles. Held in venues throughout Cong village, the discussions bring together people with different experiences and viewpoints, creating opportunities to challenge assumptions, exchange ideas and discover unexpected connections.
Written submissions must be at least 600 words, but contributions are not limited to conventional articles. Poems, songs, audio and video recordings, artwork and other creative responses are welcome. Submissions are published on the event website, allowing participants to explore the ideas in advance.
The organisers are particularly keen to hear from people who might not normally consider contributing to a conference. Trust can be explored from many angles: how relationships are built and repaired, confidence in public institutions, the role of trust in business, the reliability of AI and online information, or the difficult balance between trust and scepticism. Contributions can range from personal experiences and observations to questions and ideas that challenge conventional thinking. The aim is to bring different perspectives into the conversation, rather than arrive with a single answer.
Organiser Eoin Kennedy said: “Trust is something we all depend on, often without thinking about it until it is tested or broken. We want to hear from people with different experiences and viewpoints. A personal story, a question or an idea that makes others think differently can be just as valuable as an expert perspective.”
The weekend opens on Friday, November 27, with Trust Tales at Ashford Castle, featuring four speakers examining trust from different perspectives. Daragh O’Brien will explore trust, truth and governance; Michael Comyn will discuss trust as a skill; economist Jim Power will consider trust in economics, markets and finance; and Dr Jennifer Scott will examine the challenges of earning trust.
The wider programme includes workshops, social events and opportunities for participants to continue conversations beyond the formal sessions. CongRegation combines structured discussion with the informal connections that develop when people meet, share experiences and explore ideas together.
Submissions are still being accepted, and participation is earned through an accepted contribution on the theme rather than purchased through a conventional ticket. The organisers encourage prospective participants to explore the theme questions and existing submissions for inspiration before sending in their own contribution.
CongRegation 2026 takes place from November 27th–29th in Cong, Co. Mayo. To explore the theme and submit a contribution, visit www.congregation.ie/theme and www.congregation.ie/submit-2
