TEDxMarvila returns for its second edition as part of a wider transformation taking place in Lisbon’s eastern district, bringing together speakers, audiences and ideas in a neighbourhood that has shifted from an industrial past to a cultural centre.

Experienced by around 1,000 attendees last year, the event has positioned itself as one of the largest TEDx gatherings in Portugal, combining international perspectives with a strong local focus.

The Portugal News sat down with Anel Imanbay, founder of TEDxMarvila, and João Cabaça, CEO of VIC Properties and general sponsor of the event, to discuss the origins of TEDxMarvila, and how the collaboration came together.


For João Cabaça, the initiative is closely tied to the development of Marvila itself:

“And nothing better than TEDx and bringing such a globally known platform to voice that out and make that known. And obviously, we could not do that without Anel and supporting her in bringing to life TEDxMarvila, which we did, and we are very proud to be the general sponsor of such an initiative.”

Building community beyond architecture

The evolution of Marvila plays a central role in how the event is framed. Once seen as “an old, industrial, highly polluted, forgotten location of Lisbon”, the area has, in Cabaça’s words, become “a super vibrant, multicultural, dynamic, culturally sort of heavy, bursting location.”

That transformation, he suggests, is not only physical, “And I think from the very early days, our focus has been on bringing some soul to where you live.”

TEDxMarvila, in this context, becomes part of a broader effort to shape how people interact within the space.

“It’s not just about architecture, it’s not just about the finishes of the building, it’s about the living experience when those buildings are completed“, João Cabaça says.

Exploring the universal theme of love

This year’s theme, “What is Love?”, builds on last year’s focus on “The Art of Being Human”, continuing a thread centred on reflection and shared experience.

In the video below, Anel Imanbay explains why this year’s theme is framed as a question, how it builds on last year’s edition, and how the day will explore love through different perspectives:


“I think every event that we create at TEDxMarvila, and you’ll witness it at this year’s edition, my general goal is to make people feel the theme under their skin,” Anel Imanbay says.

The theme will be explored through different perspectives across the day, structured around emotions, actions and interpretations of love.

A meeting point for cultures

A defining feature of the event is its mix of international and local audiences, reflecting the changing identity of Marvila itself.

In Anel Imanbay’s own words: “The uniqueness of TEDxMarvila is that right now we are the largest industry in TEDx that’s happening in Portugal. And I think the beauty about Marvila neighbourhood is the fact that, as João mentioned, it’s a very healthy mix of foreigners and Portuguese.”

Talks are delivered in English but translated live into Portuguese, with a focus on connecting different communities through shared cultural references.

“I think the true value proposition of TEDxMarvila is that we show humanity, we live at peace, respecting each other and respecting the home, which is Portugal,” Anel Imanbay says.

Supporting ideas beyond business

The role of sponsorship is also framed as part of a wider responsibility towards the community.

Anel Imanbay highlights that VIC Properties’ support reflects a broader commitment to both community development and the promotion of shared values, pointing to what she describes as a more human-centred approach within the company.

“What VIC is showing by supporting us at TEDxMarvila is that they’re here to, not only care for the community and building Marvila, but also here to educate people, to spread the good and right values.”

As the event grows, both organisers and partners point to its potential to continue shaping how Marvila is experienced, not only as a place, but as a shared cultural space.

The event will take place on Sunday, May 24th, from 10:00 to 19:00, at Patio da Gale. Get your tickets at: tedxmarvila.com.