Few events can boast of still going strong after a quarter of a century, but the Better Living in Portugal (BLiP) expo joined that select group last weekend, celebrating its 25th anniversary with a hugely successful edition.
With more than 100 exhibitors filling the Portimão Arena on Saturday and Sunday (October 11-12), this year’s BLiP once again proved its pulling power. Visitors praised the diversity and friendliness of exhibitors, while businesses reported strong engagement throughout the weekend – many already confirming their interest in returning for next year’s edition.
“We had so many first-time exhibitors who want to come back in 2026 and are even requesting bigger stalls,” said Michael Reeve, CEO of afpop – Portugal’s largest foreign residents’ association and the organiser of BLiP – speaking to the Resident after the event.
Even 25 years after its first edition, the expo continues to show remarkable vitality.
“Feedback was almost completely perfect,” Reeve said, adding that visitors started emailing afpop as early as the following day to share how delighted they were with their BLiP experience.
This edition was doubly special: not only did it mark the event’s 25th anniversary, but it was also Michael Reeve’s final edition at the helm of the expo.
“I think there were lots of people who read last week’s Resident, because they came up to me to ask if I was retiring and wish me the best,” the outgoing CEO of afpop told us.
“It was a worthy send-off, hosting what many considered one of the best BLiPs ever” Reeve said. “I’m indebted to so many people – from the Portimão Arena staff and our sponsors who help the event happen ever year, to our afpop staff, without whom none of this would be possible.”
BLiP will return in 2026, promising to continue showcasing the wide range of services, institutions and businesses at the disposal of the expat community. As in previous editions, BLiP 2025 also shone a spotlight on 20 local charities, which promoted their work at the event alongside the remaining exhibitors.
Open Media/The Portugal Resident is the prime media partner for BLiP Expo, which is sponsored by Medal Insurance and Turismo do Algarve.
