The thought-provoking TEDx events will take place in Lagos and Lisbon.

In Lagos, on May 16, the Lagos Cultural Center will be hosting its own day-long event: TEDxPraça Gil Eanes.

This year’s topic is Metamorphosis: The Beauty of Change.

Looking beyond the scope of nature, it will address scientific breakthroughs, social change, cultural shifts, and technological progress all having to move through unstable phases before something new can take shape.

Organisers add: “At TEDxPraça Gil Eanes 2026, we explore serious forms of change, past, present, and future, through research, evidence, lived experience, and new perspectives on how transformation really happens.”

Experts in branding, marketing, creative arts, science and leadership will be among those contributing to the topic.

Meanwhile, in Lisbon, TEDxMarvila is an annual showcase of panels held at Pátio da Galé, one of the Portuguese capital’s most historic and prestigious venues.

Taking place on May 24, the topic for this year’s one-day of discussions is What is Love? But not just in the sense of romantic relationships.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Portugal Pathways;

As the organisers explain: “From neuroscience to philosophy, we’re beginning to understand love not as something abstract, but as something deeply structural. A biological need for connection. A social glue that holds societies together. A driver of empathy, cooperation, and resilience in times of change.”

And if the event title reminded you of Haddaway’s 1993 hit What is Love? Well, he’s one of those taking part in the discussions.

He’ll be joined by a host of CEOs, investors, entrepreneurs, academics and marketing experts to discuss the topic.

They are just the latest high-profile events taking place in Portugal.

In November, thousands of delegates will attend Web Summit 2026 in Lisbon – with a stellar line-up of technology experts addressing the audience.

While anticipation is growing for the return of Formula 1 next year at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve; more commonly known as the Portimão Circuit.

Explains Paul Stannard, founder and chairman of Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club: “The TEDx events are always vibrant, engaging events and these in Lisbon and Lagos promise some thought-provoking discussion and excellent networking opportunities.

“Every year, we see Portugal adding more international-quality events to its calendar. It demonstrates the calibre of the audience they attract.

“Whether it’s discussions on how to develop our cities or communities or the sheer excitement of F1, Portugal is proving, yet again, to be the place to be.”