Gala Dinner and AmCham Portugal 2024 Tributes Ceremony
A night of celebration, friendship and sharing.
On November 6, the 10th edition of the traditional AmCham Portugal Gala Dinner and Tributes Awards Ceremony took place at the Palácio Estoril Hotel, bringing together more than 200 guests.
The event was presided over by His Excellency the Minister in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister and for State Reform, Gonçalo Matias, representing the Prime Minister, in a night marked by celebration, positive energy, and the spirit of friendship and cooperation that characterizes the AmCham community.
Under the theme “Celebrating Friendship, Honouring Peace”, the dinner included the screening of a film produced by AmCham Portugal, entitled PEACE, which highlighted the importance of peace as an essential foundation for prosperity, societal well-being, and business development.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the winners of the 10th edition of the AmCham Tributes, which recognize companies and individuals for their outstanding contribution to strengthening economic, business, and cultural relations between Portugal and the United States of America.
This year, the AmCham Tributes 2024 were awarded to Equinix, Hovione, Logoplaste, and LusoSpace, recognized for their remarkable roles in innovation, internationalization, and business dynamism.
Honourable mentions were also awarded to Amgen Capability Center and Organon, acknowledging their contributions to economic and social development in both markets.
In the Personality of the Year category, Dr. Leonor Beleza and Mr. Devin Nunes were recognized for their leadership and significant efforts in strengthening relations between Portugal and the United States.
“Tonight represents much more than awards. It is the celebration of friendship, cooperation, and peace that unite companies, people, and our two countries. Together, we will continue to build bridges that promote prosperity, innovation, and sustainable growth for all,” stated António Martins da Costa, President of AmCham Portugal. – Read the Remarks HERE.
In sum, it was a memorable evening of celebration, sharing, and inspiration, reinforcing the values of friendship, peace, and cooperation that guide AmCham Portugal’s mission.
AmCham’s Tributes 2024: Recognizing Excellence in Luso-American Relations
The AmCham Tributes are an initiative of the American Chamber of Commerce in Portugal that distinguishes organizations standing out in strengthening economic, commercial, and investment relations between Portugal and the United States of America.
During the ceremony, the winners were presented through short institutional films showcasing their projects and achievements. Company representatives then took the stage to share their perspectives on their organizations’ impact on transatlantic cooperation and socio-economic development.
2024 Winners – AmCham’s Tributes
Each winning company was presented with a short institutional film highlighting its projects and impact. Representatives took the stage to share remarks on their vision and contributions to transatlantic cooperation.
Equinix – represented at the ceremony by Carlos Paulino, Managing Director
Carlos Paulino highlighted Equinix’s strategic role in Portugal, reinforcing global connectivity and commitment to environmental sustainability through the new LS2 data center in Lisbon.
Hovione – represented at the ceremony by Jean-Luc Herbeaux, CEO
Jean-Luc Herbeaux shared Hovione’s 25-year journey in the U.S., emphasizing significant investments, team growth, and the company’s global impact in the pharmaceutical industry, underlining Portuguese innovation and talent.
Logoplaste – represented at the ceremony by Filipe de Botton, Chairman
Filipe de Botton explained how the innovative Wall-to-Wall model has transformed the packaging industry, strengthening Logoplaste’s presence in the U.S. while promoting sustainability and transatlantic cooperation.
LusoSpace – represented at the ceremony by Ivo Yves Vieira, CEO
Ivo Yves Vieira presented PoSAT-2, the first Portuguese commercial satellite, and shared LusoSpace’s ambitious plans to position Portugal on the global aerospace map, showcasing the synergy between Portuguese engineering and American technology.
Honourable Mentions
Amgen Capability Center – represented at the ceremony by Cláudio Onodera, Managing Director
Cláudio Onodera discussed the expansion of the global center in Lisbon, highlighting innovation and talent development in biotechnology.
Organon – represented at the ceremony by Michael Rauenzahn, Lead of the BT Hub in Portugal
Michael Rauenzahn presented the Business Technology Center of Excellence, outlining Organon’s commitment to women’s health and innovation in Portugal.
“Personality” Awards 2024
Dr. Leonor Beleza, President of the Champalimaud Foundation
Recognized for her exceptional role in strengthening scientific and cultural ties between Portugal and the U.S. Under her leadership, the Foundation established partnerships with institutions such as Harvard and MIT, becoming a global reference in neuroscience and artificial intelligence, promoting scientific excellence and transatlantic collaboration.
Mr. Devin Nunes – honoured for his contribution to bilateral relations, although unable to attend the ceremony.
About the Winners
Equinix
Equinix is reinforcing its presence in Portugal with a €50 million investment in its second Lisbon data center (LS2), powered entirely by renewable energy. The project consolidates Portugal’s position as a strategic hub for terrestrial and submarine networks, placing the country at the center of global connectivity.
Hovione
Hovione celebrates the 25th anniversary of its U.S. subsidiary and has invested $161 million since 2016 in expanding operations in the U.S. It has contributed to the development of 26 FDA-approved medicines and has been recognized as a Top Employer in both Portugal and the U.S., symbolizing innovation, talent, and global impact.
Logoplaste
With nearly five decades of history, Logoplaste has revolutionized the global packaging industry with its Wall-to-Wall model, operating 15 factories in the U.S. and employing around 800 people. In 2024, it inaugurated Logomould USA and launched an Innovation Lab in Chicago, promoting sustainability and regional development.
LusoSpace
LusoSpace launched PoSAT-2, the first Portuguese commercial satellite, providing real-time data on maritime and climate conditions. With plans for a constellation of 12 satellites and annual revenues projected to reach €100 million by 2029, the company positions Portugal on the global aerospace map, demonstrating the fusion of Portuguese engineering and American technology.