​10h00 / 12h45

Podcast Recording​

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10h00 / 10h45

Ponta Delgada and the Azores – event status and its impact on the population and economy

 

In the year that Iberian Festival Awards celebrates its 10th edition in Azores, this podcast episode focuses on Ponta Delgada and the growing role of cultural events as drivers of regional development. How have events evolved in the archipelago? What impact do they have on the local economy, tourism, employment and the region's international profile? And how do they contribute to the identity and cohesion of the Azorean community? A strategic conversation about territory, culture and sustainability, exploring how Azores are increasingly establishing themselves as a relevant stage in the Iberian events landscape.

 

Sofia Rebanda HOST

Cila Simas (Coliseu Micaelense / Director)

Filipe Tavares (Azores Burning Summer / Director)

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11h00 / 11h45

The current state of Iberian festivals, a conversation with jury members

 

At a time of accelerated transformation in the sector, this episode brings together jury members from the Iberian Festival Awards for a critical analysis of the current landscape of festivals in the Iberian Peninsula. Covering programming trends, financial sustainability, technological innovation, new audience profiles and structural challenges, the conversation offers a privileged insight from those who closely follow the evolution of the market. An informed and strategic debate on the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities that are shaping the present — and defining the future – of Iberian festivals.

 

Sofia Rebanda HOST

Jordi Lauren (Playplan / SonRÍas Baixas / Director)

Marcelo Almeida (AAC – Academia Artes Chaves / Director)

Ricardo Costa (Artcor / CEO)

 

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12h00 / 12h45

New solutions for Iberian festivals

 

In an increasingly demanding and competitive sector, Iberian festivals face structural challenges that require innovative and strategic responses. In this special episode of the Iberian Festival Awards podcast, we explore new solutions for financial sustainability, audience engagement, technological integration, risk management and value creation for brands and territories. With guests from the Iberian ecosystem, the conversation focuses on models of cross-border collaboration, knowledge sharing and adaptation to a globalised market. An episode dedicated to thinking about the future of festivals in the Iberian Peninsula — with pragmatism, vision and a spirit of innovation.

 

Sofia Rebanda HOST

Bruna Magalhães (Fluffy Fest / Director)

David Lago (Underfest Xacobeo / Director)

Pedro Martínez Oliva (Estival Cuenca / Head of Production)

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15h00 / 16h30

Iberian Football Cup

(exclusive to ticket holders)

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The Iberian Festivals Futsal Cup is a friendly game that brings together professionals from the festival industry in Portugal and Spain, providing an opportunity for networking in a relaxed atmosphere. Following the success of the 2025 edition, this initiative aims to strengthen ties between the two countries, combining a passion for music, culture and sport.

 

The 2026 edition will take place at Complexo Desportivo do Lajedo and promises to maintain the spirit of fellowship, sport and fun, strengthening professional and personal ties between participants.​

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19h30 / 21h00

Networking Dinner

(exclusive to ticket holders)

 

The Iberian Festivals Awards Dinner Networking is an exclusive event for professionals who make the industry happen, providing meetings, conversations and connections in an informal and carefully curated environment. The experience includes a walking dinner with dishes prepared from typical Azorean products: an immersive experience in Azorean culture.

 

Capacity is limited to 100 participants, making this a unique moment, reserved for those who want to start the gala evening in the best possible way.

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20h00 / 21h30

Welcome Party

 

The Welcome Party marks the start of the Iberian Festival Awards evening and is a chance to meet up before the gala. The night will feature a DJ set by Bita, from Toledo, who will be the official DJ of the party. This is also when the Networking Dinner takes place, in an informal setting that is conducive to conversation and making new connections.

 

Throughout the evening, the atmosphere, local cuisine and the presence of industry guests create the setting for the start of the celebration, which culminates in the gala.

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21h30 / 00h00

Gala

 

The Iberian Festival Awards Gala is the highlight of the event, where awards will be presented in 27 categories, reflecting different dimensions of the festival industry in the Iberian Peninsula in 2025. Some categories are awarded through public voting, while others are the result of evaluation by a panel of expert judges, ensuring a balance between public recognition and professional analysis.

 

Throughout the gala, the audience will be able to enjoy live performances by NAPA, an indie pop band from Madeira that represented Portugal at Eurovision 2025 with ‘Deslocado’; Aiko El Grupo, a pop-punk artist from Madrid known for his raw energy and ironic lyrics, who will perform at several festivals in 2026; and SOLO9VIOLA, an instrumental project by Evandro Meneses that reinvents the Viola da Terra and reflects the culture of the Azores.

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00h00 / 02h00 

Afterparty

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The Afterparty marks the closing celebration of the Iberian Festival Awards, bringing the evening to a vibrant and celebratory finale. The night will once again feature a DJ set by Bita, who will lead the soundtrack of this final gathering.

 

Following the gala, the Afterparty is a moment to unwind, celebrate and take to the dance floor, extending the energy of the night in a lively atmosphere.