This week on the roundup: networking, official visits, interviews, podcasts, workshops, introductions, new partnerships, wine tastings, welcoming environments, significant steps, transfer services, comfort, collaboration, leadership, connecting, renewables, budgets, strategies, shoutouts, roadmaps, speakers, challenges, reconsiderations, pathways, and more!

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

We shared the pictures of last week’s networking MMM event in Porto at the FinTrU office. Thank you again to Site Lead Telmo Fernandes for inviting us and hosting our members there!

The event was followed by an official visit of the Ambassador to FinTrU office in Porto yesterday, Thursday, May 15. We would like to thank Telmo again, as well as Gael de Belair, Executive Director at FinTrU, for welcoming the Ambassador, H.E. Alma Ní Choigligh to their Porto office.

We announced and launched the 2^nd edition of our Innovation Conference in Dublin at the Guinness Enterprise Centre, which will take place on Tuesday, June 17. Check out the latest Spotlight Interview with IPBN GM Arnold Delville here!

We shared a new podcast with IPBN member Jo James of AmberLife VIP Business Coaching, Sales Training, Author of Make Your Mondays Matter! In the podcast, we explore the story behind Jo’s book Make Mondays Matter and what it means to help entrepreneurs grow sustainably, why maintaining momentum is paramount, and more.

The workshop with Shane yesterday in Lisbon at the IDEA Spaces in Saldanha went really well and was well attended. We will share some pictures next week.

We introduced our new networking MMM in the Algarve in Lagos on May 28. You can already register here to join us!

We introduced two new members: Petra Bakker, Wine expert from Vidavinho, and Stephanie Prenderville, strategic advisor who works closely with CEOs and leadership teams of high-growth, mid-sized firms.

We are also excited to report on new partnerships initiated by Arnold Delville, GM of the IPBN:

1. The visit of Quantic School of Business and Technology based in Washington to the United Lisbon Edu Hub run by IPBN member Chitra Stern, on Friday June 27.

2. An official partnership to be signed at the Dublin conference on June 17 between our host the Guinness Enterprise Centre and our academic partner in the Algarve, the Algarve STP and Algarve TEC Campus.

3. A new partnership with the Catolica Porto Business School as part of the existing partnership with the University Catolica de Porto.

And now...

IPBN member Vidavinho organises a monthly returning wine tasting called Portuguese Wine Discovery. They described the experience as, "a workshop-style event about Portuguese wine, focused on learning the basics of Portuguese wines from an international perspective. You will get to know and taste wines from the most important regions and their local grapes. If you like Chardonnay, but have hard time finding something comparable here, this is your opportunity to find out. Register here!" The tasting of 7 different wines with accompanying bites will take place on Saturday, June 14, from 4 pm to 6:30 pm in Cascais for €35 per person.

IPBN member Algarve Care Services shared, "Come along to our Dementia Memory Café in Vilamoura on the 20th of May from 11 am to 1 pm at the Luz Aura Yoga and Wellness Centre. And join other English-speaking expats living with dementia and their families in a friendly, welcoming environment where you can meet new friends and take part in meaningful activities that stimulate. The cafes are FREE to attend, and we will be sharing useful information to help you understand and cope with your dementia journey. For more information and to register your interest, call 927 688 677 or book your FREE places using the this link. You can also email enquiries to algarvecare.com for your FREE Dementia Cafe and Events Guide.

IPBN member Tony Redondo says, "Trade deal time! The UK-India and UK-USA trade deals were finalised last week, marking significant steps in the UK’s post-Brexit trade strategy amid global economic turbulence. Find out more here."

IPBN member Portugal Algarve Transfers – We are pleased to share a special offer exclusively available to IPBN members - a 10% discount on all private transfer services with Portugal Algarve Transfers. This offer is valid throughout 2025 and applies to all destinations departing from Faro Airport. Important: Members should always refer to the IPBN when booking to ensure they receive the special conditions. For reservations, please email portugalalgarvetransfers@gmail.com or WhatsApp +351 968 034 717 and you can check rates here.

IPBN member Lisbon Heritage Hotels says, "For business travellers, Lisbon Heritage Hotels offers the utmost comfort in the heart of Lisbon. With a central location, rooms with private desk, breakfast until 12, and a concierge always available, everything is designed so that you can focus on what really matters." Book your next stay now here: lisbonheritagehotels.com.

IPBN member Salmon Software posted, "Last week, the Salmon Software team came together in Berlin for an unforgettable team-building experience — a chance to connect across departments and countries, strengthen collaboration, and celebrate the incredible people behind our treasury solutions."

IPBN member AMARNA Vida starts every leadership advisory engagement with one question: “Who do you want to become as a leader, not just what do you want to achieve?” This simple shift unlocks clarity, alignment, and action. Conscious leadership is a strategic infrastructure. And it’s the foundation of the work we do with purpose-driven CEOs and teams. Curious about how this approach looks in practice? Contact us — we’ll walk you through a case. Contact us."

IPBN member Kathy O’Dwyer was up bright and early this morning for the Cork Business Association networking event with Cork Harbour Cruises. "Such a lovely morning for cruising, connecting, and reconnecting."

IPBN member Gavin McBride is looking forward to attending All-Energy on 14-15 May 2025 - the UK’s premier event for low-carbon energy and the entire renewables supply chain!

IPBN member Barbara Monohan posted, "The biggest blocker in your business isn’t your budget. It’s your brain. Fear runs the show more than we care to admit. You don’t need to be fearless. You just need a foundation strong enough to act despite the fear. DM me to learn more. Our next group starts this September, and groups are limited to 8 small business owners."

IPBN member Hilton Vilamoura said, "As part of Hilton’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy to drive responsible travel and tourism globally, Hilton Vilamoura proudly participated in Earth Week with a meaningful community impact activity. In partnership with Marina de Vilamoura, Vilamoura World, Comfort Zone, and DETAILS Hospitality, our incredible Hilton Vilamoura team members volunteered to help preserve the natural beauty of Falesia Beach."

IPBN member IDEA Spaces' 11th anniversary party wouldn’t have been the same without them: A huge shoutout to the incredible brands and DJs who helped make it unforgettable!

IPBN member Stephanie Prenderville shared, "You don’t need an AI strategy. You need a business strategy that’s READY for AI. That’s what this new Strategic AI roadmap helps with. Check out the flyer here for details. DM me or comment if you’d like the sample roadmap."

Stephanie will be guest speaker at our Dublin Innovation Conference on June 17 and will be running a Master Class for the network before that on June 6. You can already register for it here.

IPBN member Ana Massapina from Golf Concept GC shared the best moments of the WCGC Portugal by Turkish Airlines Stage. "The second stage of the World Corporate Golf Challenge Portugal took place on April 29th, at the challenging Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club golf course, in Sesimbra, with the prestigious sponsorship of Turkish Airlines."

IPBN member John Donnelly said, "Stephan Eder, Head of Western Europe & Germany at Stada, and President of Medicines for Europe, insists that the European Commission must reconsider its implementation of the UWWTD in its current format."

From IPBN member Sam Marchetti posted, "LinkedIn has reminded me that ConsortiaCo is 7 years old today! After a crazy start to the year with StormEowyn taking us offline for almost 6 weeks, I spent another 2 months cleaning about 300+ trees from our new HQ in the forests of lovely Leitrim. All in all, it's been an interesting start to the year, with many pathways developing across our 3Ps: Public Sector, Private Sector, and Peer Development. As always, if you have an idea for collaboration, get in touch!"