Monocle's 10th Quality of Life Conference in Lisbon Marks 20th Anniversary

Monocle's 10th Quality of Life Conference concluded in Lisbon, Portugal, at the Museu do Design, marking the countdown to the company's 20th anniversary. The two-day event brought together speakers and delegates from around the world, fostering deep connections that the company's editor-in-chief, Tyler Brûlé, describes as an extended family rather than a mere community. In his column, Brûlé reflects on the conference's intensity and the personal stories shared by attendees, including a moving encounter with a gentleman who credited Monocle's radio station and magazine with helping him cope with his partner's sudden death. The conference also served as a retrospective on Monocle's founding and the people who have built its unique global network. Brûlé emphasizes the candid and raw conversations that occur among participants, facilitated by shared interests and a sense of belonging. He notes that Monocle has helped forge business alliances and even romances among its community. The event took place on a Saturday, with Brûlé expressing a mix of melancholy and gratitude as he prepares for the next phase of Monocle's journey into its third decade.