AmCham Gala Dinner 2024

What a night! A truly unforgettable and special evening, marked by the celebration of friendship and collaboration, which kicked off the festive spirit of the holiday season!

The AmCham Gala Dinner was a special opportunity to reinforce AmCham’s commitment to promoting business dialogue, strengthening transatlantic cooperation and recognizing the organizations that make a difference as true ‘Game Changers’ in the business landscape of the North.

On December 4, the AmCham Gala Dinner took place at the Círculo Universitário do Porto, presided over by His Excellency the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and Her Excellency the US Ambassador, Randi Charno Levine. The dinner was also attended by distinguished guests, including the Mayor of Porto, Dr. Rui Moreira, the President of AICEP, Professor Ricardo Arroja, as well as the Rectors of the Catholic University and the University of Minho.

More than 200 participants attended, reinforcing AmCham’s role in the North and marking the start of a stronger presence in the region.

“I am convinced that no political cycle in America will shake what is so strong. What comes from the past will remain in the future” – this was one of the messages delivered by the President of the Republic in his speech, also recalling the “solid alliance” with the US to express confidence in the future, and stressing that Portugal “is in fashion for Americans”.

Welcome Remarks by António Martins da Costa, President of AmCham Portugal. Read it in full HERE.

Many thanks to Accenture, BIG, Google and Mystic Cruises for their support and for making this event possible!

Read the speech by Her Excellency the US Ambassador HERE.

Game Changers

During the dinner, four “Game Changers” were recognized for their transformative role in the business landscape of northern Portugal, particularly in fostering close ties with the United States, by being presented with the Game Changers Diploma.

This recognition celebrated talent, excellence, good practice, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability.

• Amkor Technology – Game Changer Company
  AmCham recognized the American company Amkor Technology, based in Vila do Conde, for its exceptional contributions to engineering and development, especially in the crucial semiconductor sector. The diploma was received by José Moreira da Silva, Director of Amkor.
• CEiiA – Game Changer Organization:
  CEiiA, an engineering and product development center, was recognized for its pioneering contributions to the development of new sustainable technologies, with particular relevance to the automotive and aerospace sectors. The Diploma was presented to Helena Simas Silva, Director of CEiiA.
• University of Minho – Game Changer University:
  The University of Minho was recognized for its acknowledged academic excellence and strong ties to the business sector. The award was presented to the Rector, Professor Rui Vieira de Castro.
• Isabel Furtado – Game Changer Personality:
  AmCham recognized Isabel Furtado for her exemplary leadership and her constant commitment to innovation. Thank you very much for your contribution and dedication, Isabel Furtado, who is also AmCham Portugal’s senior representative in the North region.

In the press:

Marcelo convicto de que nenhum ciclo político nos EUA abalará relação com Portugal – Diário de Notícias

PR convicto de que nenhum ciclo político nos EUA abalará relação com Portugal

Portugal’s president says no change in U.S. political cycle will shake relationship

President of the Republic at the AmCham Portugal dinner