This week on the roundup: panels, internationalisation, founders, discounts, new partnerships, announcements, sales strategies, courses, cocktails, visits, optimisation, economics, hosts, projects, meetings, congratulations, updates, programs, apartments, wealth management, and more!

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

We introduced the 1st panel and the 3rd panel of the upcoming Tourism Conference in Lisbon Oct 22. The 1st panel conversation will be about Authentic Tourism – Managing a Multigenerational & Multicultural Workforce, featuring perspectives on technology, sustainability, cultural intelligence, and leadership and the 3rd panel will turn to how the hospitality sector is innovating, adapting, and creating truly authentic experiences. Read more about each panel at the links above. 

We shared the recording of our last week’s Masterclass about Design Thinking for Contemporary Internationalisation with Professor Ricardo Morais of Católica Porto Business School, a fascinating deep dive on how design thinking can serve as a strategic tool for international growth. 

We welcomed the newest member company to the IPBN, Witfy - Socially Smart, represented by the IPBN's long-time friend, presenter, and collaborator, Carlos Justino! Witfy is the AI-powered productivity companion that helps brands create authentic, high-impact social media content with ease. From solo founders to agencies, Witfy saves hours of planning and execution, turning strategy into scroll-stopping content across all major platforms. 

We shared the Exclusive Executive MBA Opportunity for IPBN Members and their families. Thanks to our new partnership with Católica Porto Business School (CPBS), we are delighted to share an exciting educational benefit exclusively for the IPBN community. We, at CPBS, have a scholarship plan that can give discount up to 70% over the value of the program. depending on several candidacy conditions. Check it here. 

We shared the pictures of our networking event in Lisbon at LACS Anjos. Check here for the upcoming events in the Algarve Oct 7, Porto Oct 15, Dublin Oct 16. Register on the link mentioned above. Hope to see many of you there. We were in Coimbra yesterday to meet our members and sign a new partnership with the UC Business in the presence of the Vice Rector of the University of Coimbra Innovation Nuno Mendonça. Lots of synergies and exciting plans together for 2026!

And now...

IPBN Executive Partner Claudia Coelho from PwC Portugal shared, "This week, we released the results of our 'Global Sustainability Reporting Survey,' which results from the analysis of the experience of 496 companies from more than 40 geographies in terms of sustainability reporting." 

IPBN member Sherry Seeton is excited to announce that the Cascais International Business Women networking group is sponsoring the screening of "The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause" in Cascais. View the official trailer here: 

The screening will happen at the Cinemas NOS CascaiShopping on Oct 15 at 10h. Doors open 9:30 am. Tickets: 5€. Ticket proceeds will be donated to the Bombeiros Voluntários de Cascais, after fees and taxes are deducted. Buy tickets here.  

IPBN member Druid Sport was delighted to see The Sunday Times Ireland spotlight their CEO, Diarmuid Crowley, and the growing story of Druid Sport. "From representing some of the world’s most iconic rights holders to developing innovative sponsorship sales strategies, our mission is to help partners unlock lasting value by delivering world-class commercial strategies in a meaningful and impactful way." 

IPBN member HPA Health Group's Dr. Paulo Sousa, Director of the Surgical Department and President of the Medical Council of the HPA Health Group, was part of the Faculty of the Emergency Surgery Course, held in Vila Real last week. This course, certified by the European Society of Trauma and Surgical Emergency, provides decisive knowledge for traumatic care in an emergency context. 

IPBN member United Lisbon International School posted, "The first month of the school year is already almost behind us, and what a great start it has been! Earlier this month, our staff came together Martinhal Luxury Resorts for a welcome cocktail to celebrate the beginning of the year. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, catch up, and enjoy some relaxed moments together outside the classroom. We’re excited for everything that’s ahead and look forward to all that this year will bring." 

IPBN member Patrick FitzGerald was deeply honoured this week to host a distinguished delegation of 12 state legislators from Wisconsin state legislator accompanied by senior staff from the University of Wisconsin, organised by the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL). "This visit represents more than a courtesy tour — it’s part of a broader initiative by NCSL’s Institute for International Cooperation to build bridges between American state legislatures and global partners." 

IPBN member Stephanie Prenderville shared, "Great techBREK session hosted by Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, AI Ireland and Microsoft on Streamlining Operations with AI optimisation. My advice - take 15 minutes a day to learn AI relevant to what interests you and your work. You won’t regret it!" 

IPBN member Tony Redondo posted, "Inflation. The OECD thinks the UK will be hit by the highest level of inflation of any major economy this year. The OECD expects the UK’s inflation problem to persist, ending this year at 3.5% and ending 2026 at 2.7%, a long way from the BoE’s (Bank of England’s) 2% target. It’s markedly higher than in the Eurozone, where the OECD expects inflation to end 2025 on 2.1% and 2026 on 1.9%." 

IPBN member Kayleigh-Ann Myles shared a huge thank you to the entire PwC Ireland team for hosting such a thoughtful and energising evening. "Events like Women in Sustainability matter; they amplify women’s leadership and build the coalitions we need to make change stick." 

IPBN member Millimetre Design posted some exciting news! "We've been shortlisted for an impressive 11 awards at this year's Fit Out Awards 7 projects have been nominated across 10 award categories and we are also up for Design Practice of the Year. Looking forward to the awards night in November and best of luck to all the finalists." 

IPBN member EDGE International Lawyers was in Istanbul this week, from 30 September to 4 October for one-on-one meetings on Residency and Investment in Portugal. "This was a unique opportunity to explore options directly with experts and receive tailored advice." 

IPBN member Career Training Internships shared a big congratulations to their most recent group of interns from Italy on completing their internships. 

IPBN member The Sovereign Group welcomed everyone to their September newsletter, bringing the latest updates for both corporate and private clients. "This issue covers key regulatory changes in the UAE and UK, global economic trends, and practical guidance for investors and trustees." 

IPBN member IN2 Engineering is delighted to be working with Westmeath County Council on their innovative energy efficiency programme, part of the National Building Retrofit Programme for Local Authorities."This project represents a major investment in climate resilience and the future-proofing of public buildings in Westmeath! Read more in the Westmeath Examiner:"

IPBN member VILLAGRAND REAL ESTATE posted information about a spacious 3-Bedroom Apartment with Roof Terrace in Almancil, Algarve. "Discover this elegant 3-bedroom first-floor apartment in Almancil, featuring bright interiors, multiple terraces, and a private roof terrace with BBQ. Perfect for family living near the Algarve’s beaches and golf courses. Visit here." 

IPBN member Swissquote Bank Europe posted, "Patrimonia 2025. We would like to thank those who joined us on booth B12. These meetings provided an opportunity to discuss the developments that are shaping wealth management today. In 2025, professionals are faced with various challenges: gaining agility in the face of market opportunities, and meeting their clients' increased expectations in terms of access to new asset classes."