Name: Lisbon Search and AI #2 Hosted by Microsoft
Start: 2026-03-11T18:00:00Z
End: 2026-03-11T20:00:00Z
Location: Microsoft (in Expo)

Hi, and welcome to the Lisbon Search & AI user group event #2, organized by NetApp and hosted by Microsoft!

Below you will find the agenda + talk summaries
**18:00 – 18:20: Arrivals, Networking, Food & Drinks**
**18:20 – 18:25: Welcome & Housekeeping**
**18:25 - 18:45: First Speaker (Host) -** Renato Ribeiro, Microsoft
**18:45 - 19:15: Second Speaker** \- Afonso Mendes\, Empa\-T
**19:15 – 19:45: Third Speaker -** Carlos Rolo, NetApp
**19:45 – 20:00 Q&A, Wrap-up.**
**Talk 1:** Microsoft in the Open Source Community
**Speaker:** Renato Ribeiro
**Talk Summary:** Why Microsoft and Open Source, and Microsoft's role on CNFC and as internal adopter.
**Talk 2:** Large Language Models and their role within the current Search & AI ecosystem
**Speaker:** Afonso Mendes
**Talk Summary:** This session looks beyond the buzz to question what large language models (LLMs) truly bring to the table, and where their limits lie. We will examine how these models fit within the broader ecosystem of Search and AI tools and how they relate with more traditional systems. From uncovering where LLMs shine to exposing where they do not, the discussion invites a clearer view of their real value in today’s landscape.

**Talk 3:** Title TBD
**Speaker:** Carlos Rolo
**Talk Summary:** TBD

If you'd like to join and present at this or future meet-ups, please get in touch with Bernardo or Carlos!

Bernardo Mendes

Carlos Rolo

Kris Freedain

Aoife Hennessy

Lisbon Search and AI User Group

OpenSearch Project

Technology

Open Source

New Technology

Apache Lucene

Information Technology

Data

Big Data

Data Analytics

Renato Ribeiro, Cloud & AI Apps Sr Solution Engineer @ Microsoft, With cross-sector experience in Consulting (National and International Projects), I'm currently working as a Solution Engineer for Cloud & AI Apps for Azure Cloud at Microsoft, helping, and enabling customers in the adoption of new solutions with AI, and modernizing existing ones, with a strong focus on AI Agents and frameworks.
[https://www.linkedin.com/in/renatosgribeiro/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/renatosgribeiro/)

Afonso Mendes, Data Scientist at Empa-T, is a software developer specializing in open-source, AI-driven analytical frameworks. Originally trained as an immunologist, he transitioned early in his career to developing computational tools that address critical gaps in data analysis. He has extensive experience with Java and Python, with his flagship achievement being the development of SReD (Structural Repetition Detector), a state-of-the-art framework for unbiased pattern recognition. Currently, his focus revolves around implementing large language model (LLM)-based solutions. Outside of professional work, Afonso enjoys kickboxing, playing guitar, and experimenting with 3D printing and electromechanics. Connect with him on LinkedIn and GitHub.
[www.linkedin.com/in/afonsomendes92](http://www.linkedin.com/in/afonsomendes92)
[www.github.com/ammendes](http://www.github.com/ammendes)

Carlos Rolo, Open Source Contributions Manager, is a family man who loves doing random activities with his wife and kids, playing water polo, and exploring AI innovations alongside tinkering with home tech setups. With expertise in Rust, Python, and a strong foundation in Go, Carlos is a celebrated 2x Cassandra MVP and has released a groundbreaking time series compressor (instaclustr/atsc) with 7 patents pending. Actively engaged in the Cassandra community, he enjoys sharing technical insights and fostering collaboration. Connect with Carlos on LinkedIn and GitHub

[https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosjuzarterolo/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosjuzarterolo/)
[https://github.com/cjrolo](https://github.com/cjrolo)

Lisbon Search and AI User Group

Lisbon Search and AI #2 Hosted by Microsoft

Lisbon Search and AI User Group

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