This week on the roundup: meetups, distinguished guests, Algarve tourism, networking, online courses, hiring talent, award nominations, business partnerships, vital resources, limited edition wines, impactful service, telecom passion, conferences, academia, special guest writers, expansion, pioneers, trade shows, biodiversity, the economy, and more!

But first, John Paul Prior, Chair of the IPBN Porto shared positive discussions regarding the continued strengthening of relationships between Ireland and Portugal at May 23’s IPBN Breakfast at the Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa with the Northern Portugal IPBN committee, Irish Ambassador Ralph Victory and Minister of State for European Affairs Peter Burke.

And... tonight, members of the IPBN will be meeting Ireland’s Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail Mr. Neale Richmond T.D. on a visit to Porto at a Private Networking Reception at ANJE, the Portuguese National Association of Young Entrepreneurs, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Ralph Victory, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal will also be present.

Also, the IPBN held our second Tourism Conference on Wednesday, May 23 at Quinta do Lago, where we discussed the Algarve tourism sector, namely wellness and healthcare tourism, tourism resort development trends, and sport and leisure activities in the region. The Algarve isn’t just sun and beach anymore, there’s so much happening all over the region during the entire year.

Lastly... we had a fantastic networking event in Dublin on May 18 at Quanta Capital in presence of the Ambassador of Portugal in Ireland Bernardo Lucena.

And now...

IPBN member VP Formaçao is offering online course tailored to your company! Check it out here. 

IPBN member Otonomee says that hiring talent is a global problem. Finding the right talent quickly has become a major challenge for companies worldwide.

IPBN member Kathy O’Dwyer posted, "What an incredible evening celebrating the achievements of remarkable women in business at the Network Ireland Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2023."

And Career Training Internship is thrilled to announce that Founder & Director, Kathy O'Dwyer, has been nominated in two categories in the upcoming Network Cork - Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2023. Kathy has been nominated in both the Established Businesswoman and the prestigious Networker of the Year category.

And the IPBN is very excited to be in Cork from June 21 to 24 where we are bringing a group of IPBN members and Portuguese entrepreneurs to develop business partnerships with Cork. You can check the full program here!

IPBN member Allan Boyle shared that Galway Technology Centre is now Platform94! "A vital resource for growing tech scaleups across the west of Ireland and beyond. Also an exciting opportunity for developing tech talent and innovation in Connaught."

IPBN member Quinta dos Vales Lagoa presented, on May 19, two limited edition wines, specially produced to mark the 250th anniversary of the creation of the municipality.

IPBN member Aspira asked, "What makes Aspira so unique? Account Management ensures that we will deliver impactful services that drive success and key business outcomes for our clients, making us the trusted partner of choice."

IPBN member Aspire Technology wonders if you are a tech-savvy individual with a passion for telecommunications and software. "Are you looking to kickstart your career and make a lasting impact in the industry? Look no further! We have exciting opportunities tailored just for you and in three different locations! Join Our Dynamic Software or Telecom Team."

IPBN Partner Invest Porto shared the 10th edition of the international conference CIOmove that brought together, in Porto, the heads of several multinational companies. "The opening session, at Palácio da Bolsa, was attended by Ricardo Valente, the Councillor for Economy, Employment and Entrepreneurship, Klaus Straub, Martin Zierheim, and Pedro Rocha of xelerate.tech."

IPBN Partner Universidade Europeia posted, "One Health, a theme that is on the agendas of the World Health Organization and health professionals, as well as academia, was the theme of the II Health Days promoted by the European University, in partnership with the Lusíadas Knowledge Center, yesterday, in the Auditorium of the Lusíadas Hospital, in Lisbon."

IPBN member C-More|Beyond the Obvious's CEO Carolina Almeida Cruz wrote with Isabel Santos, Managing Partner of Ecochoice, for the Portuguese magazine Exame about the need to see the structural changes required to head more effectively towards sustainability, as an investment and not as a cost.

IPBN member Des Wynne shared, "Alvor, get ready for Leisure Internet! For more info contact sales@lazerspeed.com or visit lazertelecom.com."

From IPBN Partner Algarve Tech Hub invited you to mark your calendars for June 21st and get ready to immerse yourself in a world of innovation and inspiration. "This is your chance to connect with industry pioneers, discover groundbreaking technologies, and shape the future together."

IPBN Member John MacGoey really enjoyed his time at The Battery Show Europe this week. He said, "It’s great to feel the positive vibes back in the industry."

IPBN member KRA Portugal posted that "it is crucial to recognize the immense value of conservation and biodiversity. The built environment sector is responsible for nearly 30% of biodiversity loss globally (World Economic Forum, 2020). As professionals working in the built environment, we are responsible for championing our natural heritage's preservation."

IPBN Partner aicep Portugal Global shared that the Portuguese economy posted an external surplus of €996 million euros in the first quarter, compared to a deficit of €1.54 billion in the same period last year, the Bank of Portugal said on Monday.