On 15 September, Porto Business School will host the official presentation of the EY Luxury Client Index 2026, a landmark study developed by EY that examines the evolving expectations, motivations and behaviours of aspirational luxury consumers worldwide.
Against a backdrop of a gradual, yet still fragile and uneven, recovery in the luxury market, the study identifies the trends shaping the future of the sector and the new opportunities for brands to strengthen their relevance, differentiation and growth.
Based on a survey of more than 1,600 high-income consumers across 9 markets, the study reveals that the traditional foundations of luxury continue to prevail — with quality of materials and brand heritage remaining the main drivers of purchase decisions — while new dynamics are also emerging. Physical stores remain at the heart of the luxury experience, while artificial intelligence is gaining acceptance, with 94% of consumers believing it can enhance the shopping experience. At the same time, alternative business models, such as certified pre-owned products and luxury subscriptions, are gaining momentum.
The session will provide an opportunity to discover the study’s key findings first-hand and exchange perspectives with leading professionals from Portugal’s luxury sector, in an EY-led discussion on the challenges and opportunities transforming the industry at both national and international level.
Final Program
17h00 | Opening | Porto Business School
17h10 | EY Luxury Client Index 2026
Presentation of the study’s key findings
Hermano Rodrigues e Sérgio Ferreira, EY
17h35 | EY Luxury Client Index 2026: Key Insights
António Paraíso, Porto Business School
17h45 | Leading the Luxury Business
Brief introduction to Porto Business School’s Advanced Program
18h00 | The Future of Luxury: Shifting Markets, Consumers and Brands | Panel Discussion
- Ingrid Koeck, Torel
- Joana Pais, Sogrape
- Manuel Santos, The Yeatman
- Paulo Vaz, Exponor/AEP
Moderator: António Paraíso, Porto Business School
19h00 | Closing | EY & Porto Business School
This session is designed for business leaders, managers, and professionals looking to understand emerging trends in the luxury market and anticipate the challenges shaping its future.