Web Summit is one of the largest technology conferences on earth, drawing tens of thousands of attendees to Lisbon each November across startups, investors, big tech and media.
What to expect
It is a sprawling, multi-stage event covering everything from AI and SaaS to hardware, climate and policy. Startups exhibit in tiered programmes, investors run a parallel track, and the evening summit spills out into the city. Scale is both the point and the drawback: enormous reach, but easy to get lost without a plan.
Who it is for
Founders who want broad exposure and press, investors, and anyone building a network across the wider tech scene. It is less efficient if you want a narrow, technical AI crowd.
Why attend
The sheer breadth and the media presence make it a place to be seen and to meet people well outside your usual circle.
Good to know
Held in November at the Altice Arena and the FIL exhibition centre in Lisbon, in person. Expect big crowds and a heavy side-event calendar. Check the official site for exhibitor programmes and dates.
Similar events
If Web Summit fits your plans, also look at Slush 2026 in Helsinki and TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco.
Our take
Web Summit rewards preparation. For an AI or SaaS company it is better for reach and serendipity than for deep vertical conversations; set clear goals, or the scale swallows the trip.