This week on the roundup: St. Patrick’s Day, thought leadership campaigns, opening statements, electricity, academic experts and sustainability advocates, networking, economic growth, transformations, diversity, tastings and workshops, introductions, driving sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, new connections, insightful panels, urban planning and opportunities, doing business, academic experience, and more!

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

We wished our Members a very happy St. Patrick’s Day!

We introduced our new Master Class on April 8 entitled, "From Crickets to Clicks: Using Content to Get Seen & Trusted," presented by IPBN member Claire Mason, a publicist specializing in thought leadership campaigns for founders and venture capitalists in the technology sector. Register here if not already done.

We followed up on a very successful Sustainability Conference with a message from Arnold Delville, GM of the network and Geoffrey Graham, Chair of the IPBN.

And you can read here from Essential Business a great summary of the opening statements at our Sustainability Conference in Lisbon this week from H.E. Alma Ní Choigligh, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal and special guest Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief , Kevin “Boxer” Moran in his first visit to Lisbon as well as the keynote speech of Chitra Stern, owner of the Martinhal Resorts and the United Lisbon International School, and host of the conference.

We announced our AGM on April 10th in Lisbon, which will be open to members only. The venue is to be confirmed very soon, so for now, save the date!

And finally, some interesting information coming from Ireland, especially during the week of the Sustainability Conference: Almost half of Ireland's electricity in February came from wind energy, clocking in at 1,411 Gigawatt hours! Not only that, but Ireland also reached an important milestone with 5GW of installed onshore wind capacity.

And now...

IPBN Executive Partner Vellozo Ferreira Advogados posted, "We had the pleasure of participating in the Ireland Portugal Business Network's 6th Sustainability Conference, at the Martinhal Residences, in Lisbon. As IPBN Executive Partners, we understand the Conference represents a valuable opportunity to interact with industry leaders, academic experts, and sustainability advocates. One of the main highlights was the final panel discussion on the sustainability of Data Centres in the age of AI, moderated by Kayleigh-Ann Myles. The dynamic debates and high-level networking reinforced our commitment to sustainable innovation. A huge thank you to IPBN and all the event partners for promoting such an engaging event!"

IPBN Media Production Partner Jose Nunes shared, "Another great event to remember from the amazing Ireland Portugal Business Network. Arnold Delville you and the IPBN are raising the bar of networking! Let's keep it that way and reach for the stars! Everyone, consider joining this amazing work group and expanding your network with high-quality connections! Chitra Stern, thanks again for the amazing venue that was key to creating the perfect atmosphere for this edition of the Sustainability Conference.

IPBN Executive Partner PwC Portugal asked, "How can gender equality positively influence economic growth? (Read the article in Portuguese here).

IPBN member Gerry Dawson announced that Tourism from Ireland to Portugal Hit a Record High in 2024, with Strong Growth Expected in 2025!

IPBN Academic Partner Católica Porto Business School presented the 3rd edition of the Chief Sustainability Officer Executive Course, starting on March 21, 2025. According to the institution, "This training is designed to enable professionals to drive sustainable transformation and is taught in Portuguese." For more information, click here.

IPBN member Nessa Maguire says, "Only one week to go until the European Chips Diversity Alliance event at Dublin City University on March 27!" Registrations have closed but you still might be able to squeeze in by clicking here!

IPBN member Quinta dos Vales invites us to welcome April with a full month of activities, from wine tastings to workshops and our usual events: fado sunsets, yoga sessions, and movie nights!

IPBN member IDEA Spaces said, "Just like the fortune cookies, you never know how great an opportunity can be until you open it. Our Referral Program is back to reward you every time you introduce someone to our community! Talk with your IDEA team to know more.

IPBN member Allyne Quirino at Otonome posted, "Yesterday, I had the privilege of representing Otonomee at the Sustainability Conference hosted by the Ireland Portugal Business Network. It was an incredible opportunity to listen, learn, and connect with experienced professionals who are driving sustainability and making a real impact in their communities.The conference highlighted the growing importance of sustainability as a core pillar for businesses in Ireland and Portugal, reaffirming the power of purpose-driven leadership."

IPBN member Deemaze Software said, "This weekend, we had the opportunity to meet some young talents at TUMO and share our experience with them. Our mobile developer Maria Inês Fonseca gave a talk on Artificial Intelligence, in which she approached the evolution of AI in multiple areas of our lives."

IPBN member Claire Mason posted, "It is not every Tuesday I find myself at a luxury 5-star hotel. But today, at the Ireland Portugal Business Network 6th Sustainability Conference, I did. At the Martinhal Luxury Resorts no less! A day of insightful discussions, new connections + big ideas."

IPBN Board member Sharon Dehmel shared, "Navigating sustainability, Connecting Cultures— Today, the Ireland Portugal Business Network hosted its 6th Sustainability Conference at the stunning Martinhal Luxury Resorts Oriente in Lisbon. This year's theme, "Connecting territories: the best of urban-rural cooperation," was explored through three insightful panels."

IPBN member Shane Moran said, "Attending the conference on March 18th was a great reminder of community, urban planning, and opportunities that grow. Thanks to Ireland Portugal Business Network and thanks to Taylor Schaberg & Kay Wang for joining me! Check some of Shane’s highlights here."

IPBN member Nessa Sheehy posted, "Portugal is steadily cementing its position as a key destination for multinational companies, thanks to its pro-business policies, strategic access to European markets, and strong focus on technology and innovation. Widely regarded as one of Europe’s top countries for doing business, Portugal boasts a highly skilled workforce, a resilient economy, and a dynamic ecosystem that fosters corporate growth and expansion."

IPBN Academic Partner Universidade Europeia said, "Starting in September, discover the Oriente Green Campus, the new campus of the European University that will combine innovation, sustainability, and well-being. With several interior courtyards filled with greenery, even the library will have its own outdoor space, creating the perfect environment for studying, reading, or relaxing. This is the campus that will transform your academic experience!"