This week on the roundup: beachfront venues, masterclasses, business success, registrations, launches, reflections, regulations, aspirations, communities, highlights, announcements, insights, strategies, celebrations, conversations, innovation, sanctuaries, technology, advice, solutions, and more!

But first, here are the IPBN Highlights of the Week

We invited our Algarve community to a special festive networking lunch as we wrap up an impactful 2025 together. Join us on Friday, December 12, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Well Vale do Lobo, a stunning contemporary beachfront venue in Vale do Lobo Praça. We’ll gather over Mediterranean canapés and refreshments for an informal, free-flowing networking session designed to spark meaningful conversations and new connections. You can register here.

We introduced our last two online events this year. An online Masterclass entitled "Looking Ahead to 2026" with esteemed thought leaders in business and academics on Wednesday, December 17 from 10h to 11h on Zoom. Next, the IPBN will participate in the International Migrants Day 2025 conference on December 18 from 9h30 - 13h, represented by our General Manager, Arnold Delville as a panelist at this webinar! Know more about it here where you can register.

We launched and announced the new Tony Boyle IPBN Business Success Awards to take place on Thursday, January 29th, 2026, at the Irish Embassy in Lisbon. This year marks a pivotal moment in the IPBN's history as we honour the memory and legacy of our founder and former Chairman, James Anthony "Tony" Boyle. You can apply for the Awards here before the 19^th of January 2026 and here you can register to attend the event.

And now...

IPBN Partner aicep Portugal Global announced that registrations are open for the Annual Meeting with Delegates from the External Network, taking place on January 5, 2026, in Lisbon. They noted this is a unique opportunity to meet Delegates from key global markets, with registration open until December 16.

IPBN member MyGuideAlgarve launched a festive Christmas giveaway offering nine Algarve experiences from iconic hotels, restaurants, and activity providers. 

IPBN member Hilary O’Shea reflected on an incredible year as a 2025 Emerging Finalist at the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland awards, following the recent gala at Powerscourt Hotel. 

IPBN member VMotion IT Solutions shared how they continue helping organisations in regulated sectors turn Jira and Confluence into strategic assets as an Atlassian Gold Solution Partner. 

IPBN member Tony Redondo commented on the UK budget, calling it “the death of aspiration” and citing downgraded OBR forecasts and impacts on living standards.

IPBN member Chitra Stern invited the community to explore the “15 years, 15 artists” exhibition at Martinhal Luxury Resorts, featuring 20 bespoke works created for the anniversary. 

IPBN member John Byrne emphasized the importance of journalists protecting their intellectual property in the age of AI and shared nine free courses to build digital fluency. Explore the courses here.

IPBN member Yvonne Dolan highlighted Dolan Padel Courts Ireland’s favourite outdoor installation of 2025. 

IPBN member Figs on the Funcho announced a new date for their “AI Automation for Small Business: A Practical Hands-On Workshop,” now set for January 23. Details and registration can be found here.

IPBN Partner Techies Go Green previewed their upcoming hybrid event with Paul Hawken, featuring insights from his new book and a first look at The Alliance for Earth.

IPBN member Carlos Justino published a practical step-by-step guide on how to build a social media strategy from scratch without overwhelm. Read the guide here.

IPBN member Clear Strategy celebrated Director and Co-Founder Julie Collison, who won the Scale Up Award at the Tide everywoman Entrepreneur Awards in London.

IPBN member Flow Productions welcomed students from UAlg for an open conversation about creative careers and processes at Tec Campus, sharing insights about working in communication and design. 

IPBN member Lee Bristow shared a recap of his presentation at the Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition West in Limerick, highlighting innovation across the region. Read his reflection here.

IPBN member Carla Gomes shared exciting news about Europe’s first large-scale elephant sanctuary opening soon in Alentejo. 

IPBN member Barbara Monahan reflected on attending the inaugural Cambridge Forum focused on Tech for Good, praising the event for its timely discussions on AI and purpose-driven technology. 

IPBN member Blevins Franks marked their 50th anniversary, reflecting on five decades of guiding clients through global change while maintaining consistent financial advice.

IPBN member Swissquote Bank Europe shared highlights from Investir Day 2025, where they met investors and partners and showcased their digital wealth-management solutions. Get the event recap here!