This week on the roundup: narration, reminders, exploration, feedback, guest speakers, celebration, algorhythms, testimonials, culinary artistry, certifications, empowerment, immersive experiences, concepts, and more!

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

We introduced our new member, Professional Voice Actor Shane G. Casey! Shane is known for his warm, rich, and authoritative vocal style, delivered with a neutral Irish accent. His work spans commercial, corporate, narration, and character voiceovers, with a distinctive blend of clarity and authenticity. Now based between Dublin and the Algarve, Shane offers a versatile skill set and a creative, solution-oriented approach to every project he undertakes. 

Also, here are a couple of reminders: 

Join us for the 3rd edition of the Coimbra Invest Summit taking place on July 3! Check the program here where you can register free of charge.  

Our next mini conference will be exploring the intersection of healthcare, wellness, and innovation in the Algarve. Organised in partnership with Algarve Care Services (ACS), the conference will take place on Thursday, July 10 from 9h to 12h30 at the Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa. Registration is open here.

Next, some feedback on the Dublin Conference!

We had our conference in Dublin last Tuesday, June 17! Check out the feedback below from some of our speakers and delegates. And here is a thank you note from our General Manager, Arnold Delville, who said, "AI adoption and understanding and challenges are real and we'll be there to help you navigate a fast-changing world of innovation...Thank you all for making this edition another fascinating and enriching experience!"

Next, IPBN member and delegate Barbara Monohan posted fascinating insights from the conference. Among her thought-provoking feedback she said, "I heard about opportunity, trust, and innovation. But I also heard warnings: ‘Make sure what you design is what you want to see in the future.’ AI isn’t neutral. It reflects the values we encode into it, consciously or not. And it’s moving fast."

Keynote speaker Lee Bristow posted words of thanks regarding the conference as well. He said, "It was great to attend and speak at the AI Innovation Conference hosted at The Guinness Enterprise Centre, this morning. Such a valuable opportunity to connect with the wider IPBN community." 

Guest speaker Mark Kelly also posted about the conference. His tips on why every business workflow will have an AI copilot within just 2–3 years revealed the following about hiring. He said, "Challenge every vacancy: can an AI agent cover 70 % and free humans for the other 30 %? Design for 'bot-and-human' pods: multinationals are redrawing roadmaps around 12-month AI sprints. Talent scarcity is real: even with agents, you still need architects, prompt engineers, and change-management pros."

IPBN member and delegate Beatriz Rodrigues posted, "It was lovely to see some familiar faces and to meet new ones while learning more about AI, its impact in businesses, and all the opportunities it can provide. As a Portuguese living in Ireland for the past 3 years, it warms my heart seeing this relationship being strengthened between both countries!"

IPBN member and guest speaker Sam Marchetti shared, "A fantastic event all-round with experts and industry players coming together to explore a very fast-moving space. From my own side, I spoke about Local Enterprise Offices grant schemes as a way for all SMEs to develop bespoke digitalisation strategies and becoming champions of AI-enabled workflows."

And now...

IPBN member Alice Dowling shared, "Yesterday, we celebrated our Glandore Dublin Members' Summer Party! It was the perfect opportunity for our community to come together, catch up, network, enjoy a relaxed lunch, and sip a few Aperols in the sunshine. We loved seeing so many familiar faces (and a few new ones!) enjoying the good vibes and great weather. Thanks to everyone who joined us."  

IPBN member Sean Kelly says, "We are Live! The Akrido Access Pass is Now Available. Today marks the release of the Akrido Access Pass, a limited BTC Ordinal digital asset that unlocks early access to our algorithmic trading suite — built from over 8 years of real-world experience in the Bitcoin and AI-linked markets."

IPBN member Clear Strategy says, "Don't just take our word for it, trust our testimonials! Here is what Ronan Doherty, Chief Data Officer at Davy had to say about working with Clear Strategy to help implement Davy's Snowflake Data Platform."

IPBN member Martinhal Luxury Resorts posted, "Happy International Sushi Day! Our Terrace restaurant at Martinhal Oriente embraces this tradition with care, offering hand-crafted rolls made with the freshest ingredients, culinary artistry and technique, and a touch of creativity. Every Friday, our Sushi Night brings together refined flavours and uplifting ambiance, featuring live DJ music until midnight, celebrating taste and rhythm."

IPBN member IN2 Engineering shared about planning approval. "We are celebrating another Planning Milestone achieved by our London team, this time for the exciting redevelopment of 21 Wilson Street. This transformative project in the heart of London has sustainability at its core. We are aiming for EPC A and BREEAM Excellent certifications, through a combination of PV roof panels, all electric heating and cooling systems, and a new high-performance feature façade." 

IPBN member Fiona Disegni shared, "In my world, music is another way - yet maybe the most powerful - to break boundaries. And Friday June 20 is a good Impact Day. At lunch, Fado becomes "Joyeux" with my first "Fado Brunch", in collaboration with Café Joyeux Portugal, the brilliant cafe concept that truly empowers disabled people. It's about breaking the rules, empowering and connecting differently...and it's 22 seats only.

IPBN member Ocubo says, "Behind every immersive experience is a team of visionaries, collaborators, and bridge-builders. OCUBO is honored to walk alongside the curatorial team of the Portuguese Pavilion, aicep Portugal Global, the Commissioner-General for Portugal's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, and Turismo de Portugal in bringing Portugal’s history to life at Expo 2025 Osaka." 

IPBN member Ronan Holohan thanked McGuigan Furniture for helping them to deliver and help making a reality their team's design concept for Mercantile Hotel Dublin.