The Algarve Deserves Its Own Stage: The Vision Behind the Algarve Real Estate Summit 2026

On 20 November 2026, the Lagoa Congress Centre will host the first edition of the Algarve Real Estate Summit, an event bringing together real estate professionals, investors, developers, entrepreneurs and institutional representatives to discuss the present and future of the Algarve.

Founded and organised by Vladlena Serra, the Summit was born from a personal vision: to create a space where the Algarve could take centre stage, with meaningful discussions led by people who know the region and contribute to its development.

A Vision Born in the Algarve

For Vladlena, the idea emerged naturally from her experience working in the real estate sector.

"Throughout my professional journey, I've met incredible people with different experiences, opinions and perspectives on our market. I often wondered why we didn't have more opportunities to bring these voices together and discuss what is really happening in the Algarve."

Rather than creating another traditional property exhibition, her ambition was to develop something different: an event focused on knowledge, honest conversations and genuine connections.

"The Algarve deserves its own stage. We have extraordinary professionals, businesses and institutions here. I wanted to create an opportunity for their voices to be heard and for us to discuss the future of the region we work in and care about."

This regional identity is one of the Summit's defining characteristics. The majority of its speakers are Algarve-based or have strong professional connections to the region, while its partners represent businesses and organisations committed to the Algarve's development.

Although international perspectives will be welcomed, the Algarve remains at the heart of every discussion.

Seven Talks, Different Perspectives, One Region

The Summit's programme features seven panel discussions addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the property sector.

The morning sessions, moderated by Vítor Neves, will explore the realities of the Algarve property market, professional collaboration, mortgage financing, legal security, urban planning, construction and differentiation within the industry.

Speakers include David Santos, Fábio Oliveira, Henrique Uchoa, Alejandro Gómez Costa, Décio Correia, Dominique Martins, Aline Contente, Leandro Braga, Ricardo Mariano, Catarina Lourenço, Tony Gonçalves, Diogo Maia and Tomás Ziobrowki.

The afternoon will introduce an international dimension, with discussions about the USA and Dubai property markets, luxury real estate, hospitality and resorts.

Moderated by Daniela Kassner, the international panels will feature Sérgio Juvêncio, President of APMLS; Norber Csonst, representing Heaven Properties; Maria Fernandes from Sarena Hospitality; Erik from Carvoeiro Branco; Sean Moriarty from Quinta do Lago; and the CEO of The Portugal News.

These conversations will explore international investment trends while considering what the Algarve can learn from other destinations.

"I don't want everyone on stage to agree. I want different opinions, different experiences and conversations that make people think. That's how we learn and evolve as professionals."

What Future Do We Want for the Algarve?

The final discussion, moderated by Vítor Neves, will focus on one central question: What future do we want for the Algarve and Portugal?

The conversation will bring together representatives of Turismo do Algarve, API — Associação Portuguesa de Imobiliário, and the Municipality of Lagoa, alongside Paulo de Carvalho, COO of Carvoeiro Clube Group, and Miguel Lamy, representing BeHappy Algarve.

Topics will include sustainable development, investment, tourism, infrastructure and the importance of preserving the Algarve's identity while supporting economic growth.

"We often talk about how much the Algarve is growing, but I believe we also need to ask how we want it to grow. What kind of region do we want to leave for future generations? These conversations cannot happen within just one industry."

More Than Real Estate. More Than Networking.

Another important aspect of the Summit is its commitment to bringing together different sectors.

Real estate is closely connected to tourism, architecture, construction, finance, design, hospitality and local economic development.

The Summit's partners reflect this diversity, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between businesses and institutions connected to the Algarve.

"I believe we need more moments where we stop seeing each other only as competitors and start recognising the potential to become partners. We may have different businesses, but we all contribute to the same region."

The event will also feature networking opportunities, carefully designed partner lounges and an exclusive VIP Dinner, creating an environment that encourages meaningful professional relationships.

The Beginning of Something Bigger

For Vladlena, organising the first edition represents both a professional challenge and a deeply personal project.

"Creating an event like this from the ground up requires determination, but seeing people and businesses believe in this vision has been incredibly rewarding."

"My greatest hope is that people leave the Summit with a new perspective, a new connection or a new opportunity. And, above all, with the feeling that the Algarve deserves more conversations like these."

The event is open to everyone interested in the property sector and the industries connected to it.

On 20 November, the Algarve will not simply host a conference. It will take centre stage.

LIVING • INVESTING • CONNECTING
20 November | Lagoa Congress Centre

The Portugal News is the Official Media Partner of the Algarve Real Estate Summit. Readers can enjoy an exclusive 15% discount on tickets using the code THEPORTUGALNEWS. For tickets and further information, visit www.algarverealestatesummit.pt.

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