For the first time in the Algarve, the National Design Students Meeting gathered renowned speakers under the leadership of the institution's Design Student Group.
From 17 to 19 April, the 11th edition of ENED took place, marking a particularly relevant milestone as it was held, for the first time, in the Algarve, in Portimão.
This edition was made possible through the effort and dedication of the ISMAT Design Student Union, which took responsibility for organising the event, from contacting and inviting speakers to communication, sponsorship, and partnership development.
Hosting ENED in Portimão represented an important moment not only for the academic design community, but also for the affirmation of the region as a territory capable of welcoming national initiatives with an impact on the contemporary design landscape.
The work developed by the students involved therefore deserves special recognition. Among the key figures was Filipe Maçanita, Communication Design student and President of the ISMAT Design Student Union, whose leadership, in articulation with the remaining members of the team and with the support of the ISMAT Students’ Association, was decisive in bringing an event of this scale to life.
The 11th edition of ENED was supported by several entities, including DBR STD, Portimão City Council, ISMAT, Grupo Lusófona, Carias Car, Loja Académica do Algarve, Friends of Figma, Pastelaria Crocante, Continente, Sulpools, Mediterrânea Lifestyle, and Padaria Trigo Bom. These contributions were fundamental to making this initiative possible.
Throughout the event, national and international speakers contributed to a diverse and relevant programme. Guests included Lo Siento, Silva Designers, Desisto, and Lucas Luz, Creative Director at &Walsh, a group of speakers that strengthened the quality and visibility of the meeting.
More than the organisation of an event, this edition of ENED demonstrated the capacity, commitment, and initiative of ISMAT’s future designers, highlighting their willingness to energise the region and affirm design as a central field of reflection, creation, and intervention in the present.
