Quality of Life Conference 2026: The panels and conference agenda
08.30 – 09.30 Morning coffee and global newspapers
09.40 – 09.55
Portugal’s shop window to the world
Let’s get acquainted with our host nation. We’ve commissioned designer Joana Astolfi to create an imagined shopfront – a skill she has deployed for Hermès and other major brands – to illustrate 10 lessons that Portugal can offer the world
Speaker: Joana Astolfi. Artist, designer, founder of Studio Astolfi

09.55 – 10.20
Lessons in leadership
What does good leadership look like? Lisbon’s mayor helped reshape his city into a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and quality of life. Here, he shares his insight into what makes a great city tick.
Speakers: Carlos Moedas, mayor of Lisbon (and more to be announced)

10.20 – 10.40
The future of the high street
People who claim that the future of retail will unfold virtually clearly don’t get out enough. Physical shops – big and small – are still key to developing neighbourhoods and entering new markets. This panel explains why it matters.
Speakers: Paul Sirisant, CEO, Cloud 11 (and more to be announced)

10.40 – 11.00
Hot wheels: the Amble
Portugal-based mobility start-up Amble might just change the future of travel for small, sporty vehicles in the world of hospitality and beyond. Strap in to meet the founders behind the electric four-seater being rolled out around the world.
Speakers: Amble co-founders José António Uva, Adrien Roose and Julien Hoening



11.00 – 11.30 Coffee break
11.30 – 12.00 Surprise special guest
12.00 – 12.25
Health: walk it out
Fitness and wellbeing are booming industries, but the path to better wellness is far more personal. Monocle’s hotly anticipated health panel this year hits its stride on the subject of walking. Movement matters – we explain why.
Speakers: Takashi Fukuchi, founder and CEO, Stride, and Dr Courtney Conley, founder of Gait Happens and author of ‘Walk’


12.25 – 12.45
Ask the captain
An airline captain and former search-and-rescue pilot answers your aviation questions, and talks about chaos in the cockpit and how geopolitics is affecting the world’s holiday plans. Plus: plenty of high-flying observations and a view from 40,000 feet.
Speaker: Ricardo Nunes, TAP Portugal captain

12.45 – 14.15 Lunch break
14.15 – 14.30
Things we like
Tyler Brûlé shares some wisdom, ideas and recommendations from his travels and his decades chairing global businesses. From retail and hospitality benchmarks to the best in media, branding and design, Monocle’s editorial director discusses the companies making moves and what’s caught his eye. Notebooks at the ready – these are insights for which you’ll need a pen handy.
14.30 – 15.00
Architecture that heals you
Can architecture fix us? We hear from two top designers who believe that the built environment can boost quality of life, health and happiness for its inhabitants. It’s time to talk about beauty, form and function.
Speakers: Manuel Aires Mateus, architect and founder of Aires Mateus, Tatiana Bilbao, CEO and founder, Tatiana Bilbao Estudio


15.35 – 16.00
Hammer time: the Monocle Auction
A top auctioneer holds forth on the rise of Asian art, what to collect (and sell) and the direction in which the luxury world is heading. Plus: a swift Monocle auction to raise funds for the work of non-profit Reporters Without Borders.
Speaker: Yü-Ge Wang, Director, Senior Client Advisor & Global Auctioneer at Christie’s

16.00 – 16.30 Coffee break
16.30 – 16.50
How to fix your look
Getting dressed is both mundane and magical. But how can a well-constructed hem or a smartly designed jacket change the way you’re seen and feel? A top Parisian tailor behind an effortlessly stylish brand offers some steps to sartorial success. This is how to cut a dash.
Speaker: Nicolas Gabard, founder of Husbands

16.50 – 17.10
Lessons in hospitality
Hospitality is a skill that’s too often overlooked in every aspect of business and daily life. Here a panel of top hoteliers and people behind some of the world’s largest luxury brands share the secret to thriving in the industry. Spoiler alert: technology isn’t always the answer.
Speakers: Dan Ruff, CEO of Belmond, Otávio Suriani, founder of Pulso Hotel, Pedro Oliveira, founder of Hotel das Amoreiras (and more to be announced)

17.10 – 17.30 The grand finale
No spoilers here!
19.30 until late: Dinner
23.00 – late: After party
At JNcQuoi private members club
Saturday 5 September
09.00 – 11.00: Cultural & city tours
10.45 – 13.00: Farewell rooftop brunch at MUDE
