CELEBRATING WORLD DESIGN

THURSDAY, 9 OCTOBER 2025

MASTERCLASS

THE SOCIAL HUB, meeting room 3
3 pm to 4.30 pm

This project is about creating excellence, but also about learning how to implement it.

It is aimed at all designers who are already involved in label design, as well as those who want to discover the secrets of label design and production. Together with our EPDA industry partners, who are leaders in their fields, we focus on the process that leads to outstanding results – with a purpose.

To kick off the project, our partners will give brief introductions, tips, and tricks to help designers understand their processes and get the most out of the design.

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UPM
Learn how to select the right label material, substrate, and adhesive, and explore sustainable options such as Ocean Plastic, recycled materials, and natural substrates.

KURZ
Gain insights into transfer materials and embellishment technologies, and learn how to give your design the perfect finish in a sustainable way (e.g., embossing, hot foil/cold foil stamping, digital processes).

CCL
Discover the unique aspects of label production and acquire hands-on knowledge on preparing a design for production — from concept to press-ready execution.

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This event is already setting the stage for something bigger: Get ready for the Label Design Challenge launching this fall (more info and details will be shared during the Masterclass) – open to all designers and design agencies.

Limited places available – first come, first served!
Workshop attendance is included in your conference fee.

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THURSDAY, 9 OCTOBER 2025

CELEBRATE & CONNECT

THE SOCIAL HUB, amphitheatre
5 pm to 9 pm
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Welcome to epda! Join us as we celebrate our community – to share who we are, what we do, and the friendships that help us grow together. Let’s ignite our esprit and connect with our Portuguese peers in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere.

The evening will start with short inspirational bites to set the tone. Then, mingle with old and new faces, enjoy refreshing drinks, and savor delicious finger food. We’ll wrap up this special gathering around 9 pm at the rooftop bar, overlooking the city.

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FRIDAY, 10 OCTOBER 2025

"CELEBRATING WORLD DESIGN" CONFERENCE

OUTSITE MOUCO, Sala Mouco
9.30 am to 6:30 pm

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Start your morning at a relaxed pace with a nice breakfast — fuel up and get ready for a day full of insights and connections. If you are staying at Outsite Mouco, allow yourself a little extra time for breakfast, as the café is limited in space.

We’ll open the doors at 9.00 am, and at 9.30 am sharp, the conference kicks off, bright, on time, and full of energy.

Our base for the day is OUTSITE MOUCO, where we’ll enjoy the conference sessions and take our breaks — hopefully basking in the fresh air outside or lounging on the ground floor, soaking in the atmosphere.

When the conference wraps up, you’ll have a little time to refresh before we head to the restaurant (just 2 km away). Take a leisurely walk (about 30 minutes), hop on the bus (15 minutes), or grab a quick taxi (10 minutes) — whatever feels best for you.

We’re looking forward to a day of learning, connecting, and sharing great moments together.

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FRIDAY, 10 OCTOBER 2025

RELAX & DINE

HERDADE 1980
8 pm to 11 pm

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After a full day of inspiring conference sessions, we’ll start the evening with a Port Wine Tonic on the veranda of the Bolhão Fresh Market hall, before winding down with a relaxed dinner — enjoying delicious food, wonderful company, and Porto’s laid-back evening vibe. It’s the perfect moment to share stories, laugh together, and savor the atmosphere before calling it a night.

And if you’d like to make the most of your stay, Porto’s vibrant Cedofeita district, brimming with bars, cafés, and boutique shops, is just a 10-minute walk away, ready to welcome you into the city’s lively nightlife!

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SATURDAY, 11 OCTOBER 2025

DISCOVER & SAVOUR

10 am to 2 pm (tbc)
FROM CORK TO PORT: A Journey in Porto

When in Porto, what could be more fitting than immersing yourself in the world of port wine? This region is also renowned for another treasure: cork. Portugal is the leading producer, responsible for almost 50% of the world’s supply. The cork forest is often referred to as Portugal’s “green gold” or “petroleum.” It comes as no surprise that the cork oak is the country’s national tree. From fashion accessories to functional design pieces, the variety of cork products is truly astonishing. And in the world of wine, cork stoppers remain the oldest—and, many would say, the most elegant—way to seal a bottle.

We invite you to join us on a unique discovery tour with our personal guide. Together, we’ll explore how cork is cultivated and sustainably harvested from cork oak forests, discover its fascinating applications, and see how it plays a vital role in preserving the character of port wine.

Amorim Cork, the world’s largest producer of cork stoppers, is headquartered right here in Porto. We’re thrilled to offer this experience in collaboration with Carlos Santos, CEO and President of Amorim Cork Italy, who will also give a special introduction to the world of cork.

Our journey will conclude - naturally - with a port wine tasting  at the Sandeman wine cellars!

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Why not stay for the weekend?

Porto has so much to offer — and the magic doesn’t stop when the conference ends.
Here are just a few experiences waiting for you:

- Glide along the Douro on a 6 Bridges River Cruise
- Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of a live Fado show
- Explore world-class art at the Serralves Museum
- Stroll through the charming streets of the Cordoaria and Baixa districts
- Watch the sun melt into the Atlantic from Praia da Luz bar

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