Web Summit 2018 Experience

Web Summit 2018 was lit.

Tim Berners-Lee, the creator of the Web at Web Summit 2018

Over 60.000 attendees. Over 1.200 speakers in 18 conferences. Over 170 countries represented. These are the main numbers of the most recent edition of the Web Summit, considered one of the major technology conferences in the world and currently an undeniable landmark in every digital leader agenda.

Although I cannot say I’m a nontechnical person, my involving in digital marketing industry for only 6 months brings more discoveries and novelties for me every day.

A week before Web Summit I didn’t even knew about this event existence. Tuesday I’ve found out about Web Summit, Wednesday I met a friend who was going to attend the event and Thursday came with great news that there is one more ticket available for me too. Friday I was already flying to Barcelona for the long time ago planned Girls Trip and by Sunday morning I was landing in Lisbon.

The impatience and the curiosity took me over totally. I have never attended such a big event before with so much to learn from ahead. Even Beyonce’s summer concert in Rome had fewer participants, and there at least I knew the lyrics. Web Summit raised as a spontaneous opportunity, with no much time to do the homework. But, as Marc Andreessen says “Adaptability is key.”, let’s go further!

What I found interesting at Web Summit:

1. Volunteers Rules

I was impressed by the exhibition organization. When I left the airport I was already registered to event, sparing me from long queues on the opening day. Throughout the event volunteers were willing to guide you and help you in any problem. I find it remarkable that for such a complex event, almost all the organizing work was supported by volunteers.

2. Web Summit it’s all about connecting people

Next step was downloading Web Summit mobile app and setup my attendee profile. The app gives you the possibility to connect with all the participants including the speakers, either through scanning the QR code or direct search in app.

Also, you can schedule in your custom calendar every single day of event conferences you want to attend , from you app menu.

One aspect I found confusing was the online map and the fact that I didn’t find that easy the booths and stages, I had talks submitted to, causing me loosing the event.

3. Options gives you freedom

At the end of the second day I felt overwhelmed by the amount of activities I planned to accomplish and by the surrounded energy. The information input and dynamics of the event were truly remarkable …

I wanted to engage in conversation with people from my field, to visit booths and discover new technologies but as well to attend the talks I’ve submitted for. All the worries vanished when I discovered all talks recorded are uploaded on Web Summit official Youtube account, having the possibility to watch over later.

So third and forth days I’ve focused on exploring the exhibition and do what this conference is all about: networking.

4. Startup Pitch was the best learning experience

At PITCH stages were brought together the world’s leading early-stages startups for a live on-stage battle. Being part of pitches, feeling people’s emotions, courage and determination has taught me a lot about how to promote your idea and fight for it.

A good idea, ambition and a pinch of luck are the essential ingredients of a startup to catch Web Summit’s investors attention.

5. Thanks Web Summit to bringing me to beautiful Lisbon

It was my first time in Lisbon and it was love at first sight. Even I was short on time, only two days for visiting, I was able to capture bits and pieces of Lisbon’s energy.