The event brought together entrepreneurs, specialists, and professionals to debate future challenges and opportunities, with artificial intelligence and technological transformation at the forefront. The central theme was "The Art of Knowledge — Where intuition meets the algorithm", promoting reflection on how new tools can optimize management and create business opportunities, without devaluing human knowledge.
The president of the Lagoa Municipal Chamber, Luís Encarnação, highlighted that hosting the congress recognizes Lagoa's capacity to host national meetings and provides an opportunity to strengthen the link between tourism, business activity, and territorial valorization. "We want to establish Lagoa not only as a recognized tourist destination but also as a territory capable of hosting business initiatives, professional meetings, and events that promote knowledge, innovation, and new business opportunities", he stated.
Encarnação emphasized the importance of reconciling technological innovation with service quality and valuing people, noting that creativity, authenticity, and professional qualification are decisive. "Technology, by itself, does not guarantee better results. Its value depends on how we use it and, above all, on the knowledge and experience of those who make decisions", he concluded.
The congress also reinforces the municipal strategy of enhancing the Lagoa Congress Centre as a reference facility for the congress and business events segment. Attracting these initiatives draws new audiences, stimulates the local economy, and diversifies the tourism offer throughout the year.
The Municipality considers it fundamental to promote a development model that combines competitiveness, innovation, and opportunity creation with the valorization of the territory's resources and identity. The congress also addressed professional qualification and retention, sustainability, market evolution, and Portuguese gastronomy.
The Lagoa Municipal Chamber thanked AHRESP for the trust placed in the municipality and all those involved in the organization, reaffirming its availability to host future initiatives that promote knowledge, innovation, and economic development.
