Web Summit stands as one of Europe's largest technology conferences, drawing tens of thousands of attendees annually to discuss innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of digital industries. Founded in 2009 by Paddy Cosgrave in Dublin, the event relocated to Lisbon, Portugal in 2017, where it has become a cornerstone gathering for the global tech community.
The November 2026 edition will feature 20 content tracks covering internet technology, emerging technologies, venture capitalism, and digital innovation. Attendees gain access to talks, masterclasses, and networking opportunities designed to connect industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and technology professionals across sectors and experience levels.
Web Summit attracts a diverse audience: over 900 speakers, approximately 2,300 startups, and 1,200 investors typically participate. Previous editions have drawn more than 53,000 attendees from over 150 countries. The conference's partner network includes Fortune 500 companies such as Google, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, and Cisco Systems, alongside government entities and private foundations.
Beyond the main Lisbon event, Web Summit operates a portfolio of specialized conferences globally, including RISE in Hong Kong, Collision in Toronto, SURGE in Bangalore, and MoneyConf in Dublin. The organization also runs initiatives like "Road 2 Web Summit," a joint program with Startup Portugal designed to prepare early-stage Portuguese startups for the global stage.
The event functions as a marketplace where significant business deals are negotiated and industry trends are established, positioning itself as an essential meeting point for anyone engaged with technology innovation and digital transformation.