This week on the roundup: stormy weather, highlights, surveys, copyright lawsuits, procurement, navigation, buzz, bridge building, frameworks, academic models, family hospitality, operators, dedication, and more!

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

Review of the year so far - Earlier this year, we were delighted to welcome António Rios de Amorim, President and CEO of Corticeira Amorim, for our Conversation with a Leader series sponsored by Writers’ Bloc at the Corticeira Amorim Auditorium, Católica Porto Business School. And we welcomed Gil Azevedo, Executive Director of Unicorn Factory Lisboa, for an engaging discussion on innovation, entrepreneurship, and Lisbon's rapidly evolving startup ecosystem.

We introduced and welcomed 3 new members: Keystone Group, Conrad Algarve, and Hyland Shipping!

And we announced a a special hybrid event, "If AI Doesn't Recommend You, Who Will?" in partnership with IPBN member Flow Productions to take place on Wednesday, 22 July, from 15:00–16:30 at the UALG TEC CAMPUS, Faro, and online. You can register here. 

What does the future of the space economy mean for businesses in Ireland and Portugal? In the latest episode of the Ireland Portugal Business Network Podcast, Ellis Dixon is joined by Professor Nuno Mendonça, Vice-Rector for Innovation, Business Relations and Employability at the Universidade de Coimbra, and Carlos Cerqueira, Coordinator of Coimbra Supernova, to explore how one of Europe's oldest universities is helping build one of its most exciting innovation ecosystems. Listen to it here!

And now...

IPBN Media partner Essential Business  posted, "Stormy weather. A wake up call for Portugal’s government and economy. Storms, technology and AI topped the agenda of a discussion on the Future of Tech  Driven Marine Protection at the Ireland-Portugal Business Network 7th Sustainability  Conference in March whose central theme was the Ocean and the Blue Economy. Read all about it here in  the new EB Quarterly Magazine issue."

IPBN member re.store shared that, "T Jornal highlighted re.store®'s presence at this national meeting, where we had the opportunity to share our vision on the role of textile reuse, circular economy and social inclusion in building a more sustainable future."

IPBN member Croissant said, "One survey. Endless chasing. The reminder email. The "have you done it yet?" ping. Email, chats, DMs, reminders on reminders — hours gone before a single insight arrives. The chase isn't a sign people don't care. It's a sign the method is broken."

IPBN member John Byrne from Writers’ Bloc and official partner of our Conversation series posted, "Two renowned Stanford and Yale professors just published a paper that could impact 125 (and counting) copyright lawsuits, and it doesn't say what either side wants to hear. Tomorrow I'm translating the legal and technical jargon and breaking down in plain English: the findings of the paper, what's actually inside these models, why the existing law has no idea what to do about it, and what the authors recommend. Subscribe now so it lands in your inbox."

IPBN member Sam Marchetti shared, "There has been significant buzz across the Public Procurement community following the circulation of a leaked draft of the proposed new EU Public Procurement Regulation. I’ve extracted the most important development - from the proposed requirement to publish annual Needs Plans to the increased focus on contract-performance monitoring and measurable green and social outcomes. Read all about it here."

IPBN member Innovate360 Portugal said, "Starting a business is not the hard part. The challenge is navigating registrations, compliance requirements, tax obligations, and all the things nobody talks about. You don't have to become an expert in everything. You just need the right people in your corner."

IPBN Academic Partner KiPt CoLab posted, "The middle of the year is a good time to look back and recognize what has been built. In these first six months, KITP CoLAB has strengthened bridges between research, the tourism sector and society, through projects, events and collaborations that have challenged us and made us grow."

And the IPBN was delighted to have KIPt CoLAB and Antonia Correia as keynote speaker at two of our conferences about the Ocean. In March in Lisbon and in May in Faro. Thank you for your support and sharing your expertise with Ireland Portugal Business Network members.

IPBN member EDGE International Lawyers shared, "Article 15: Residence Rights for Family Members of EU Citizens. Maitê Antonini Lui, Lawyer at EDGE International Lawyers, explains how Article 15 may provide a legal pathway for family members of EU citizens to obtain residence in Portugal. The framework allows eligible relatives, including spouses, partners, dependent children, and parents, to live and work legally in Portugal through the EU citizen’s right of residence. At EDGE, we assist families in understanding their residence options and navigating the applicable legal procedures."

IPBN Academic Partner Sofia Almeida wrote, "The academic model of the European University, "is already part of our DNA" and is one of the great differentiating factors of the institution (....) Here you will find my full article published on Ambitur."

IPBN member Martinhal Luxury Resorts shared, "Luxury family hospitality is evolving. So are guest expectations. Luxury family hospitality is no longer defined by spacious accommodation or premium facilities alone. Today's families are looking for experiences that are thoughtfully designed around the needs of every generation. At Martinhal, we've learned that the most memorable family holidays are those where everyone can enjoy their stay in their own way, while sharing meaningful moments together."

IPBN member Christopher Garner posted, "The best deal I closed this year started with me giving something away. Early on, I treated negotiation like a fight to win. Every point I conceded felt like a loss. It took years to understand that the person across the table is not your opponent. They are either your next long-term partner, or they are gone. The operators who win repeatedly do three things. Learn more about it here."

IPBN Academic Partner Porto Business School shared, "Turn data into a compelling story. In the Sustainability Reporting program, gain practical skills to develop robust, transparent reports that showcase your organization’s dedication to sustainability—earning the trust of investors, customers, and stakeholders. Learn more about this program here. And you know Sustainability is a key subject for the IPBN."