Special events

Welcome to IE open space session - a participant-driven forum where both members and non-members come together to explore the questions that matter most to us. Whether your passion lies in advancing heritage interpretation practice or strengthening the way our membership organisation functions, this method of working invites you to step forward, voice your ideas, and collaborate with others who care just as deeply. 

Open space thrives on the belief that the people who show up are the right people, the topics that emerge are the ones we are ready to tackle, and the outcomes depend on the collective energy we bring. Here, you are not just a participant but an active co-creator, free to move between discussions, propose themes, challenge assumptions, and shape practical results. Your curiosity, commitment, and willingness to engage are the driving forces behind what we discover - and the impact we create together. 
Make sure to sign up for the forum, which will take place for three hours in Faro, Portugal, on the 16th April 2026 at 14:00. 

IE General Assembly will be digital this year and will take place in May. 

If you’re an early bird, start your Saturday with an exhilarating search of birds in Ria Formosa! Home to over 223 different species of birds, the lagoon is the ideal place for those who enjoy birdwatching! During this tour, you will be guided by a Marine Biologist or a Naturalist throughout the park channels trying to spot as many species as possible within 2h. Our guides will tell you more about the birds you see along the way, as well as facts about the surrounding area.

The tour starts on Saturday at 6:00 in the morning. Participation is limited to 20 people.