This week on the roundup: jobs, recognition, events, currency insights, certifications, tourism fairs, copycats, partnerships, nerds, learning, investing, commitments, impacts, sessions, technology, and more!

But first, here are the IPBN Highlights of the week:

Have you checked out our Job Board recently? Click here to stay updated on job opportunities between Ireland and Portugal tailored for professionals, businesses, and institutions engaged in the Ireland–Portugal relationship.

Time to register here & join IPBN members and board members at the network's special 7th edition of the IPBN Business Success Awards 2025 in memory of Tony Boyle, our first Chairman, on Thursday, January 29th, 2026, at the Embassy of Ireland in Lisbon! The Irish Ambassador to Portugal, Alma Ní Choigligh, will be present to say a few words in recognition of the business success stories of our members and their contributions to a vibrant relationship and trade between the two countries.

We encourage everyone to attend the All - Ireland Business Foundation annual summit to be held in May in Dublin. The All-Ireland Entrepreneurs Summit is Ireland’s leading business event. The Summit exists to promote meritocracy and encourage businesses to aspire to reach the highest level. The event is designed to help develop and cultivate relationships whilst providing clear, actionable strategic insights. Find out more about it here.

We announced two networking events in the Algarve. Join us at our exciting new Networking Members Meet Members events in the Algarve at IPBN member Tribulum Restaurante, Friday morning on February 20 and at the Vilamoura Marina on board of IPBN member Vilamoura Dreams Cruises flagship catamaran, MorningStar on April 23.

And now...

IPBN member Tony Redondo shared, "For relevant currency insights and our blog please sign up here. If you like what we do: Our business is referral based so if you know someone who’d benefit from what we do please share their details with us here and check our verified reviews here."

IPBN Board member Rachael Milne is very pleased to share that Rachael Milne Consulting is now a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP). "This means I can now deliver official, PMI-authorised PMP® and CAPM® exam preparation, using PMI-licensed courseware, both for individual professionals and corporate cohorts."

IPBN member Lisbon Heritage Hotels posted, "We are back at FITUR 2026! Lisbon Heritage Hotels are present at the international tourism fair, sharing our experiences of charm, hospitality, and excellence with partners from around the globe."

IPBN member Barbara Monohan shared, "For small and medium business owners, looking to grow your business but feeling stuck in the copycat zone this one is for you. Understanding perception is a powerful step in how you build your business. Together with Bridge Enterprise Centres I am giving a free talk this day next week, 27th January at 1pm online. Everyone is welcome to listen in. Sign up on the Eventbrite link which I’ve posted in the comments."

IPBN member Vilamoura Dreams Cruises posted, "Don’t miss out! We are absolutely delighted to be hosting an upcoming networking event in partnership with the Ireland Portugal Business Network. It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to connect while enjoying the stunning Algarve coastline."

IPBN member John Byrne shared, "I'm a startup nerd. I admit it freely. Give me an hour with a founder who's successfully built and scaled something, and I'll ask every question under the sun, until they physically boot me, or leave the room themselves. Which is why, when Arnold Delville and the Ireland Portugal Business Network team asked me to host their 'Conversation with a Leader' series in 2026, I had basically agreed before they finished asking. Speaking to other founders about how they actually build and scale companies is one of the best ways to learn."

And we are pleased to confirm the first Conversation with Gil Azevedo, CEO of Unicorn Factory in Lisbon March 3 in the morning at the Praça Beato. Details to be announced next week.

IPBN member Kamilla Escovar says, "Learning can and should be a memorable experience. That is why the Egas Moniz School of Health & Science will launch International Immersions in Portugal, inspired by the concept of Edutainment: education of excellence combined with tourism, culture, emotion and real experiences. This project was designed especially for the Brazilian community that wants to combine high-level knowledge, international networking and remarkable cultural experiences. Here, knowledge leaves the classroom and comes to life."

IPBN member Swissquote Bank Europe posted, "Is value investing really broken — or just outdated? For decades, value investing meant buying “cheap” stocks based on traditional metrics like price-to-book. But in today’s asset-light, intangible-driven economy, those measures may no longer tell the full story. Learn more about it In our latest article with WisdomTree in Europe here."

IPBN member Hilton Vilamoura shared, "Hilton Vilamoura is present at FITUR 2026, in Madrid, which takes place from January 21 to 25, 2026. Our participation reflects Hilton Vilamoura's ongoing commitment to tourism development, international cooperation and the promotion of the Vilamoura and Algarve destination."

IPBN Business Partner Porto Business School said, "What's Next Summit is back! Last time, we explored what AI means for strategic decision-making. This time, the focus is on implementation – real solutions, measurable impact. Registration is now open here."

IPBN member Filipe Pinho Pereira said, "AI Builders Club | ABC meetups are back in ’26. And we’re starting strong! Join us Feb 16 for an unmissable session featuring Pedro Gustavo Torres, Senior Engineering Leader at Salsify. In “The Future of AI Coding: A CTO’s Perspective,” we’ll dive into how AI is already reshaping the way software is built. Sign up in the comments."

IPBN member Saros Consulting posted, "Technology keeps accelerating, but delivery still depends on people getting the right support at the right time. In this short clip from our podcast, Cillian Kelly FCIOB, Group Head of Digital Project Delivery at John Sisk & Son Ltd, reflects on a challenge many will recognise: system overload. Too much technology. Too many tools. Too many logins and systems getting in the way."