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FDCC MEETINGS / LOOKING AHEAD
the heartbeat of the city street by
street.
A Week of Discovery
and Connection
Our meeting—rooted in the theme
A Mosaic of Memories—promises
to unfold experiences as varied
and layered as the city itself.
From enriching CLE sessions to
immersive cultural excursions and
magical evenings dining under
the stars, this week will deepen
connections within our FDCC
community while opening doors
to new friendships, insights, and
passions.
Our home for the week, the five-
star Corinthia Lisbon, awaits— it
pairs elevated luxury with a warm
and welcoming spirit. Recognized
as Portugal’s Leading Conference
and City Hotel, the Corinthia boasts
tranquil, well-appointed rooms,
a serene spa with an indoor pool
and hydrotherapy circuit, and
acclaimed dining at Erva and Soul
Garden. Our sites team secured
exceptional rates to make your
stay in Lisbon as comfortable and
inviting as possible.
The meeting agenda balances
focused professional development
with ample opportunity for
exploration and camaraderie.
From a full-day enchanted
journey through Sintra’s fairy-tale
landscapes—where the iconic
red-and-yellow towers of Pena
Palace pierce the clouds and Quinta
da Regaleira’s mystical gardens
whisper secrets—to the seaside
charm of Cascais with its sun-kissed
beaches and invigorating ocean
breezes, every day offers something
extraordinary.
Afternoons offer cultural immersion
in Belém, where the splendor of
Jerónimos Monastery and the
We are breaking
with tradition for our
President’s Reception
at the National Palace
de Queluz by having
a reception in the
garden followed by
a seated dinner. This
promises to be more
than a reception. It will
be a celebration of the
FDCC’s 90th year.
Monument to the Discoveries tell
stories of Portugal’s golden Age of
Discovery. No visit here is complete
without indulging in the legendary
Pastéis de Belém, custard tarts
perfected since 1837.
We hope that you find time to
wander Alfama’s narrow, cobbled
streets, where laundry flutters
from wrought-iron balconies, the
soulful strains of Fado music spill
into the alleyways, and colorful
tiled staircases recount centuries of
history with every step. For those
drawn to the water (and wine), a
serene catamaran cruise along the
Tagus River offers sweeping views—
from the iconic 25 of April Bridge
to the towering Cristo Rei statue—
framed by a glass of Portuguese
wine.
Lisbon’s magic deepens rather
than fades after dark. Rooftops
glow softly in the twilight, Fado
melodies fill the air, and city lights
shimmer across the water. Dining
ranges from Michelin-starred gems
to intimate taverns hidden down
cobblestone alleys.
Our Celebrations Will Sparkle
We formally open our meeting with
our New Member Orientation and
Reception on Tuesday, July 28, at
4:00, and our Welcome Reception
at the enchanting Soul Garden on
the first floor of the hotel beginning
at 5:30. Lisbon dines late, so you
will have plenty of time to enjoy a
dinner with friends following the
Welcome Reception.
We are breaking with tradition
for our President’s Reception at
the National Palace de Queluz
by having a reception in the
garden followed by a seated
dinner. This promises to be more
than a reception. It will be a
celebration of the FDCC’s 90th
year. The President’s Celebration
will combine royal history and
architectural splendor in the
“Portuguese Versailles,” with
unforgettable ambiance amidst
gilded halls, opulent ballrooms,
elaborate chandeliers, and intricate
azulejo tilework. Marc and Holly
will need a scepter because this
will be a President’s Celebration to
remember.
Our Closing Gala will crown the
week in the magnificent Pátio da
Galé, nestled in the west wing of the
iconic Praca de Comercio. Here,
the open cloisters and majestic
arches fuse history and elegance
in Lisbon’s waterfront district
along the Tagus River, offering a
breathtaking setting for our final
celebration.
Charting our Week
Program Chair Alycen Moss has
judiciously planned the program
to maximize every minute of
the morning for CLE, while still
allowing plenty of time to network
and explore in the afternoons
and evenings. We have planned
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