This week on the roundup: The Tourism Conference, new members, flexibility, Web Summit, innovation, promotions, networking events, observations, contemporary artists, proactive maintenance, partnerships, inspiration, achievements, celebrations, forces for good, short-term wins, aspirations, rare opportunities, mental health support, training, obstacles, and more!

But first, here are the IPBN Highlights of the week 

We introduced the last panel of the upcoming IPBN Tourism Conference, taking place in Lisbon on October 22. Panel 2: Responses to New Trends from a Business & Hospitality Point of View. This panel will examine how innovation, research, and business expertise are driving the hospitality and tourism industries forward. Find out more and register here. 

We reminded everyone of our next networking events next week in Porto on October 15 and in Dublin on October 16. Check all the details at the links above, where you can still register! 

We introduced our new member FITQOR Cascais, Portugal represented by Co-Founder Sherry Seeton! FITQOR members build strength, gain flexibility, and see real progress with the support of expert trainers in small class groups or one-on-one for a personalized fitness experience. 

The IPBN is gearing up for Web Summit Lisbon (November 10 - 13), and we want to make it easier than ever for members to connect, collaborate, and make the most of this world-class event. We will therefore create a WhatsApp Group. If you are planning to be at Web Summit and want to connect with fellow members — whether to grab a coffee, compare notes from a session, or attend a talk together — this group is for you. To join, simply send your phone number to IPBN General Manager Arnold Delville, arnold.delville@ireland-portugal.com, who will be compiling the list ahead of the summit. 

We were delighted to announce a new and exciting partnership with UC Business, the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) of the University of Coimbra (UC). The protocol was formally signed at the IPBN networking event in Coimbra on October 2. Representing the University of Coimbra at the signing was its Vice-Rector, Dr. Nuno Ricardo Furtado Dias Mendonça, who oversees innovation at UC. Also present were Luís Saraiva da Silva, Head of UC Business, and Luís Andrade dos Santos, Innovation Manager. A special thank you also goes to IPBN Board Members Sharon Dehmel and Mário Gago for their presence and support in initiating this partnership. Check all the details of the new partnership here!

And now...

IPBN member Silvia Correia at re-store has some incredible news! Huge congratulations from the IPBN to re.store® who was distinguished as a Portuguese National Winner in the European Enterprise Promotion Awards 2025, in the Responsible and Inclusive Entrepreneurship category. These awards are promoted by the European Commission and coordinated in Portugal by IAPMEI. Sílvia Correia highlighted this achievement by saying: "This award is a collective recognition. This would not be possible without our social and industrial partners and all the members of our Tribe who believe, trust and walk with us daily. This is another step in validating that it is possible to unite environmental and social impact in a viable business model with a future". In November, re.store® will go to Copenhagen, DK to represent Portugal and compete with the best European projects in this category, along with another national winning project, "Unicorn Factory Lisboa". 

And before that, join us next Wednesday morning, October 15, in Vila Nova de Gaia at our next networking event in Porto where Silvia will be in a conversation about her success story with Chair of the IPBN Porto, John Paul Prior. Find all the details here where you can register.  

IPBN Partner Fundação Livraria Lello says, "At the Monastery of Leça do Balio, in Matosinhos, sculpture, photography, literature, installation, video and performance are intertwined in an exhibition that observes the world in motion – people, seeds, ideas – and invites us to listen, welcome and act together. People in Motion is open to the public from September 26th." 

IPBN member The Sovereign Group is delighted to inform you about the Sovereign Portuguese Art Prize Gala 2025, Sovereign’s primary fundraising event in Portugal, taking place on Saturday, 22 November 2025, at the historic Palácio da Bacalhôa, Azeitão. "The evening will celebrate the achievements of Portugal’s most exciting contemporary artists and support the Sovereign Art Foundation’s charitable programmes, which use expressive arts to transform the lives of underprivileged children. For all the full programme and book your tickets, click here. and you can contact Tanya Bennett on tanya@sovereignartfoundation.com if you have any questions/doubts." 

IPBN member TIRECHECK makes inspections smarter and provides results that matter. "Four hours saved per inspector, per week. €35K gained through proactive maintenance. 20% fewer unplanned maintenance events. 100% error-free inspections. That’s the ROI one customer achieved in just 8 months after moving from paper to TireCheck’s digital inspection solution." 

IPBN member Filipe Pereira posted, "On October 30th, I'll be hosting a remote one-day “Vibe Coding” workshop for non-developers who want to use AI to build real, working software. What I’ll cover: Effective prompting, Core product engineering principles, Working with APIs, Debugging and authentication, Databases and version control and more… The workshop is delivered in partnership with Olisipo Learning, and can be free if you're eligible for Cheque Digital." 

IPBN member John McGoey shared that it is always inspiring to see how his solutions empower customers to reach the next level. "At Xotigo, we’re proud to drive customer success and support the industry with expertise, innovation, and commitment." 

IPBN member Lionheart Business says, "AI adoption is not merely a strategy for future-proofing your business—it's a gateway to smart, sustainable growth. According to LBL's data, companies that embrace AI can achieve up to a 40% increase in operational efficiency. Are you prepared to unlock the potential of AI without navigating the complexities? At LBL, we simplify AI, making it accessible and effective for every SMEs. Here's how we can assist." 

IPBN Partner Algarve Biomedical Centre (ABC) reminded us, "Last weeks to sign up for Mama em Movimento! Don't leave for tomorrow what you can celebrate today: the health, solidarity and strength of women! The Mama em Movimento solidarity walk and run is about to happen. Event Date: October 25, 2025. Meeting Point: Mar Shopping Algarve. REGISTER HERE https://lnkd.in/g8SkJA_K. Every step counts. Each application strengthens this mission. Run, walk, participate — and sign up now!" 

IPBN member Otonomee BCorp shared, "This month we are celebrating a special milestone — 2 years as a B Corp! When we set out on our certification journey in 2022, we wanted to demonstrate a clear commitment to embedding purpose into every part of our organization. In September 2023, our dedication was rewarded with the official recognition of becoming one of the few BPO’s in the world to become a Certified B Corporation. Since then, we’ve been proud members of a global community of companies using business as a force for good." 

IPBN member Miguel Brandao posted, "In a world of sharks chasing short-term wins, I believe in the power of creative dolphins—those who thrive on trust, collaboration, and shared purpose. They don’t compete to dominate. They co-create to elevate." 

IPBN member Nessa Maguire really enjoyed being part of the Accelerating Europe’s Tech Advantage panel in Brussels last week. "Laith Altimime from SEMI Europe opened with a clear message about the war for talent across Europe’s semiconductor sector. Andreas SCHLEICHER from the OECD - OCDE reminded us that aspirations and skills are not the same, and that socio-economic background and gender still shape who gets access to STEM opportunities." 

IPBN member Villagrand Real Estate invites you to discover a rare opportunity to invest in two linked modern townhouses located in the sought-after area of Areeiro, Almancil. "These building plots come with an approved architectural project, offering a total plot area of 3,378 m², allowing each townhouse to enjoy a spacious private garden and individual swimming pool." 

IPBN member Sharon O’Neill Ryan says, "Most men wait too long before seeking mental health support. It's a pattern we see all too often. Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes it feels like there's no space to ask for help. But taking that first step can open a path to healing. Talking Therapy is here to provide a safe space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. If you're ready to talk, reach out to me directly here." 

IPBN member Renato Calvao posted, "Today was the first day of the training with startUP23. No matter how much experience we have, there’s always something new to learn. A new perspective, a different way to look at things, or simply a reminder of what really matters in building and growing a business." 

IPBN member Marian Purcell shared, "One of the biggest obstacles in building a team is finding your people. People you can trust, laugh, challenge and celebrate together. When you find them appreciate their talents and tell them how much they are worth."