Quality of Life Conference 2026: The panels and conference agenda
08.30 – 09.30 Morning coffee and global newspapers
09.40 – 09.55
Portugal: A window to the world
We’ve commissioned designer Joana Astolfi to create a special shopfront – a skill she has deployed for Hermès and other major brands – to display 10 ideas that Portugal can offer the world.
Speaker: Joana Astolfi. Artist, designer, founder of Studio Astolfi
09.55 – 10.15
How to turn around a city
Lisbon’s mayor explains how to make the city a home innovation, entrepreneurship and quality of life for all. Plus: Canary Wharf CEO Shobi Khan on applying those same ambitions to reimagining a city quarter.
Speakers: Carlos Moedas, mayor of Lisbon, and Shobi Khan, CEO, Canary Wharf Group
10.15 – 10.35
Why big retail matters
People who say that the future of retail will be virtual clearly don’t get out enough. Physical shops – big and small – are still key to making great cities. This panel looks at why bricks and mortar shopping matters.
Speakers: Paul Sirisant, CEO, Cloud 11, and Saoud Khoory CEO, Aldar Retail
10.35 – 10.55
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 Julian Hoenig
10.55 – 11.25 Coffee break
11.30 – 11.50
Health: walk it out
Fitness and wellbeing are booming industries but is the path to better health lying at our feet? Monocle hits its stride as we discover the value of walking.
Speakers: Takashi Fukuchi, founder and CEO, Stride, and Dr Courtney Conley, founder of Gait Happens and author of ‘Walk’
11.50 – 12.00
Who’s in the room?
We put the spotlight on you, our delegates, as we reveal some of your professions, passions and flight paths taken to reach Lisbon.
12.00 – 12.05
Top of the hour
Live news from Monocle Radio with Tom Edwards
12.05 – 12.20
Go with the Flo
How do you shape contemporary culture? One of the most successful rappers and music producers in Japan is also the founder of fashion and jewellery brand Ambush, we get his secrets on mixing it up.
Speaker: Verbal, Tokyo-based rapper and record producer, member of M-Flo and Teriyaki Boyz, and Co-Founder & CEO of Ambush
12.20 – 12.35
Where next for business
Most companies plan for next quarter, few plan for the next decade. We meet a leading voice in strategic foresight who is helping the world’s biggest businesses to see what’s around the corner.
Speaker: Joanna Lepore, Global foresight strategist
12.35 – 13.00
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 Air Portugal captain
13.00 – 14.30 Lunch and shopping at the Monocle Market
14.30 – 14.45
Things we like
Our editorial director, Tyler Brûlé, gives a global rundown of the people, places and products that have caught his eye, from the quirky to the epic.
14.45 – 15.00
Delivering change
Drones are now becoming part of everyday life. We meet a Portuguese manufacturer to ask how they can help cities work better.
Speaker: Ricardo Mendes, CEO of TEKEVER
15.00 – 15.25
Architecture that heals
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.
Speakers: Manuel Aires Mateus, architect and founder of Aires Mateus, Tatiana Bilbao, CEO and founder, Tatiana Bilbao Estudio
15.25 – 15.40
Fuel for thought
Petrol stations are becoming more than just places to fuel up and Galp is rethinking what the roadside experience should look like. We explore how a major Portuguese brand is reinventing itself for the next generation of drivers.
Speaker: Maria Joao Carioca, Co-CEO & CFO, Galp
15.40 – 16.05
Hammer time: the Monocle Auction
A top auctioneer pulls back the curtain on what it takes to hold the hammer for international sales, the differences in global audiences and cultures, and how the world of auctions has changed over the past 260 years. Plus: a swift Monocle auction to raise funds for Reporters Without Borders.
Speaker: Yü-Ge Wang, Director, Senior Client Advisor & Global Auctioneer at Christie’s
16.05 – 16.35 Coffee break
16.55 – 17.15
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: Otávio Suriani, founder of Pulso Hotel, Dan Ruff, CEO, Belmond, Pedro Oliveira, founder of Hotel das Amoreiras
17.15 – 17.30
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
The farewell toast
Gala dinner
The Ritz, Rua Castilho 77
22.30 – late: After party
At JNcQUOI private members club, 144 Avenida da Liberdade
Saturday 5 September
09.00 – 11.00: Cultural & city tours
10.45 – 13.00: Farewell rooftop brunch at MUDE
Specific timings of conference panels may be subject to moderate changes
