∙13-19 June 2024∙
From Porto to Lisbon, Portugal
Immediately following the Madrid Board of Directors Meeting embark to a land of discovery where centuries of innovation have shaped and continue to evolve all of civilization. Portugal is a country full of wonders, from deceptively humble castles that open to stunning interiors and courtyards to buildings covered in thousands of intricately decorated tiles in countless colors and patterns. A feast for the eyes, body, and soul.
CENTER OF INNOVATION
The Heart of Portugal’s Art and Ideas
In vibrant Porto, tradition and vision shape an alluring river city. Wander winding cobblestone alleys dotted with azulejo-tiled buildings that reflect Porto’s rich history as a hub of artistic expression. Meet local members and engage with entrepreneurs spearheading Porto’s emergence as a biotechnology start-up hub. Savor the complex notes of port during an exclusive tasting at a centuries-old wine aging lodge. A magical journey that brings the heart of Portugal to life.
MAGNIFICENT SETTINGS
Palácio da Bolsa: The Stock
Exchange Palace
Make your grand entrance on the candle lit Bailey, serenaded by fado singers—Portugal’s musical heritage come fully to life. Walk amid the stock exchange’s neoclassical façade into the Arab Room, the highlight of the Palace, decorated in the exotic Moorish Revival style and used as reception hall for personalities and heads of state visiting Porto. As live piano and opera from the balcony fill the air, savor a gourmet meal in this breathtaking hall where equities were once traded.
ICONIC ELIXIR
Graham’s Port Lodge
Tour climate-controlled cellars housing barrels of vintage port dating back over a century. Retire to the tasting room for a private sampling of rare reserves, gaining insight into the nuances distinguishing each harvest’s character. Over a gourmet lunch, explore port’s integral role in Porto’s history and culture. This behind-the-scenes experience brings the region’s celebrated signature drink to life through the lens of one of its most storied producers.
THE QUINTESSENTIAL RETREAT
The Yeatman Hotel
On a hilltop overlooking the Douro River, discover Porto’s premiere wine country hotel. Since opening its doors in 2010, The Yeatman has earned fame for its bespoke hospitality and world-class wine program highlighting Portugal’s finest vintages. Set among scenic vineyards with sweeping city vistas, the hotel’s plush guestrooms blend modern amenities with stylish décor inspired by traditional port cellars. An outdoor pool, spa treatments, and cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients provide luxury comforts.
TRAVELING RESOURCE
Ambassador (Ret.) Robert A. Sherman
With 30 years of wide-ranging experience in government, law, and the private sector, Bob is opening doors of Portugal’s top decision-makers to bring you Only-in-CEO access. Enjoy the rare opportunity to have Bob’s up-close observations and real-time insights of the global landscape as you journey through Porto and Lisbon.
PORTUGAL’S VIBRANT CAPITAL
Richly Historic
Discover the hills and history of storied Lisbon. Stroll winding alleyways to experience local life in bustling plazas. Take in sweeping river views while you savor the fresh coastal flavors during visits to authentic tascas and innovative new eateries. Get behind-the-scenes insights at landmark institutions shaping business, culture, and innovation. Ride nostalgic tuk tuks through lively terra cotta roofed neighborhoods pulsing with music. This insider’s journey brings Lisbon’s enduring traditions and promising future into inspiring focus.
HISTORY OF DISCOVERY
Ajuda Palace
Step into Portugal’s seat of royal history. Constructed in the early 1800s, this neoclassical landmark housed the Portuguese royal family through the fall of the monarchy. On an exclusive tour, admire priceless artworks and furnishings of the rooms and state apartments. Over cocktails in the dazzling Throne Room, envision the grand receptions once held beneath the intricately painted ceilings. A private dinner in the palatial State Room caps an unforgettable chance to experience the life of Portuguese royalty within one of Lisbon’s most storied and splendid sites.
POMP AT EVERY TURN
Queluz Palace
At Portugal’s baroque Queluz Palace, members receive the ultimate royal treatment. On the palace drive, trumpeters herald a red-carpet arrival fit for heads of state. In ornate gardens, white-gloved servants pass champagne through hedge walls. Stroll into the Throne Room’s resplendent Rococo interior where Portuguese monarchs once held court where the evening culminates in an opulent dinner beneath the soaring frescoed ceilings and an equestrian show evokes the estate’s storied pastimes.
GLOBAL SEAT OF LEARNING
Joanine Library - Coimbra University
Inside the storied Joanine Library, Portugal’s most magnificent Baroque book repository, marvel at intricately carved wood ceilings, frescoed walls, and elaborate motifs reflecting Portugal’s age of discovery. Peruse cabinets housing over 60,000 volumes, including rare texts dating to the 12th century. Over a lunch in the Quinta das Lágrimas’ garden, gain insights on Coimbra University’s pivotal role in preserving and expanding knowledge through Portugal’s history.
SHOWCASE OF THE REGION
Adventurous Off-Sites
Curate your own insider experiences to explore the vibrant culture. Wander Casa de Serralves’ stunning contemporary art museum and Art Deco mansion. Peruse trendsetting galleries or the edgy street art scene. Get hands-on learning the secrets behind Portugal’s iconic custard tarts or renowned ports during a master class. At the National Tile Museum, uncover Portugal’s azulejo tile-making heritage. With personalized offsites spanning wine, food, art, and architecture, members can tailor an illuminating perspective on what makes Porto and Lisbon hubs of creativity.
GILDED AGE GLAMOUR
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz
Housed in a landmark palace built in the 1950s, this pinnacle of Portuguese hospitality evokes the elegance of bygone eras. Sumptuous guest rooms fuse classic comforts and modern luxuries, with scenic views of Eduardo VII Park or Lisbon’s Old Town. Pampering spa treatments, an outdoor pool and exceptional cuisine provide refined respite after days spent exploring Lisbon’s riches. With magnificent banquet spaces and famed service, the Hotel Ritz remains a premier destination for indulgence and celebrations in the heart of the city.
NOVA
UNIVERSITY
Discover a modern university focused on innovation, creating world citizens, and futurism. Ranked number 18 worldwide by the Financial Times in executive education programs, explore their unique campus and learn the global influence of Portugal across trade and economics.
BIOTECH
The innovations of the biotechnology industry in Porto have amplified across other sectors, making it a key driver to the competitiveness of the Portuguese economy and a high priority for the entire country.
NANO
TECHNOLOGY
Welcome to Europe’s hottest tech hub where traditional industries like textiles have made way for universities, organizations and networks dedicated to supporting nanoscience as well as investigating the challenges and future of nanotechnology.
AGE OF
DISCOVERY
Portugal was the first global empire and the great voyages of Portuguese explorers "knit” the human family into a single world community by developing sea routes and opening trade connections to Europe—the beginning of globalization.
THE METAMORPHOSIS
OF BIRDS
Filmmaker Catarina Vasconcelos sifts through the memories of her ancestors. Her family history evolves into a meditation on life, death and the emotional impact of shared grief. This is the beginning of a generational saga.
BLINDNESS
The 1995 novel by José Saramago was one of the author’s titles noted by the Nobel Prize for Literature committee when announcing his award. Blindness tells the story of an unexplained mass epidemic of blindness afflicting nearly everyone in an unnamed city, and the social breakdown that swiftly follows.
FIND OUT
ABOUT FADO
This Portuguese traditional music with lyrics and themes of regret, mourning, and loss is accompanied by a 12-string guitar (Guitarra Portuguesa) and a smaller guitar named violão. The word Fado in English means “fate”. Listen to our curated playlist to find out.
CHAIRS
Cidalia Luis-Akbar And Natalia Luis
DATES
13-19 June 2024
EVENT SIZE
Limited to 60
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Yeatman Hotel Porto
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
STAFF
Lauren Turosik
AIRPORTS
Porto International Airport (OPO)
Lisbon International Airport (LIS)
PRICE PER PERSON:
US$18,500 (double occupancy)
US$19,400 (single occupancy)
Open to CEO members, spouses, and adult family members (25+).
∙13-19 June 2024∙
Meet the heart and
soul of Portugal.
