What to Expect at Web Summit Lisbon 2025 (November 10-13, 2025)
If you’re heading to Lisbon this November, get ready for four electrifying days that mix tech-festival energy, deal-making gravitas, and global startup hustle. Web Summit returns to the Portuguese capital’s Altice/MEO Arena and adjacent pavilions from November 10-13, 2025, bringing together a diverse ecosystem of corporates, founders, investors, policymakers and media.
What makes this edition special
First launched in Dublin in 2009 and now four times a year in Lisbon, Vancouver, Rio and Qatar, Web Summit has since grown into one of the world’s largest tech gatherings: last year drew 70,000+ attendees from more than 150 countries. In 2025, the Lisbon agenda promises 20+ content tracks, startup competitions, masterclasses, networking tools, curated meet-ups and a full “Night Summit” program for after-hours connections.
What’s relevant to B2B leaders, consultants and ecosystem builders: this is less about consumer flash and more about enterprise transformation, tech adoption and ecosystem partnerships. Whether you’re scouting AI platform plays, industrial-tech scale-ups, marketing-tech tooling or new global supply-chain models, Lisbon is a must-be-seen venue.
Key themes worth watching
Enterprise AI & readiness – Artificial intelligence continues to dominate stage listings, panel topics and expo booths. At last year’s edition, demos ranged from laundry-sorting robots to AI agents navigating procurement cycles, raising questions around impact, adoption and ethics. Expect 2025 to zero in on how B2B firms move from pilot to scale: governance, infrastructure, skills and “real-world” ROI.
Industrial & supply-chain digitisation – With global supply-chain stress, inflation pressure and ESG demands, the industrial side of tech is gaining prominence. Many exhibiting companies will show how factories, logistics hubs and field operations adopt tech stacks — robotics, IIoT, additive manufacturing and digital twins.
Marketing, sales and RevOps transformation – For B2B marketers this is why you want to be there: tracks on demand-gen, marketing-ops, AI-enabled content, customer success and funnel orchestration are increasingly part of the agenda. If your business supports B2B go-to-market transformation, this is a rich hunting ground.
Startups meet corporates & investors – Lisbon isn’t just a show-floor: it’s where early-stage companies meet enterprise buyers and funding networks. The startup programme remains a highlight, offering visibility, pitch opportunities and matchmaking from around the world.
Global & regional ecosystems – Web Summit increasingly serves as a gateway to Europe (especially South & West Europe), Africa and Latin American markets. If your focus isn’t just Silicon Valley-centric, the geographic diversity is a real plus.
What to expect on the ground
Venue & scale – The conference takes place across the MEO Arena and adjoining exhibition halls at the Lisbon Exhibition & Congress Centre. As of 2024, there are 15+ tracks, 1,000+ speakers and hundreds of booths. Comfortable shoes and a well-charged phone are essential — the floor plan is large and the energy high.
Tickets & access – General attendee tickets begin in the ~€1,000-€1,500 range (excl. VAT) for early bookers; expect full access to talks, expo floor and networking app features. For best value, book early and consider add-ons like VIP lounges or startup-hunt passes if you’re focused on deals.
Networking strategy – It’s more deal-room than rows of chairs. Be ready to move, mingle and set up meetings in advance via the event app. There’s also a “Night Summit” segment — the informal dinners and meet-ups after 5 pm often yield the most connected conversations.
Content overload & curation – With dozens of overlapping sessions, you’ll need a plan. Pre-select tracks aligned with your strategic goals (AI adoption, industrial-tech scale-ups, B2B marketing) and leave gaps for spontaneous encounters.
Logistics tip – Lisbon in November is crisp but mild (expect 12°-18 °C). The major venue is well-connected via metro and tram; book accommodation early as demand spikes.
WebSummit checklist for B2B hustle
- Define your mission: Are you looking for enterprise buyers, startup partnerships, investor introductions or marketing-tech insights? Set one clear outcome per day.
- Prep your message: Your quick-pitch should include your value proposition, target client persona and ask (e.g., “We help industrial B2B firms deploy AI–driven service models”).
- Use the app: Pre-schedule 1:1s, mark must-see booths and identify influencers to engage. Remember sessions are just twenty minutes – about the time it takes to get from one end of the conference floor to the other! Plan your sessions carefully.
- Follow up fast: Post-event the real work begins. Make sure to have follow-ups ready before you leave Lisbon.
- Balance content and connection: Don’t just attend talks, lean into booth visits, startup demos and panel chats where the real ground-level intel lives.
Why it matters for you
If your business is about helping go-to-market leaders, industrial clients or tech buyers adopt enterprise-grade transformation, Web Summit offers a super-charged funnel of potential clients, partners and thought-leadership signals. It’s not just another tech show: it’s one of the few places where startup innovation, enterprise adoption and global ecosystem strategy collide.
Pre-game tips
- Download the official Web Summit app and start exploring sessions and people.
- Choose your “top 3 outcomes” for the week (e.g., meet 5 enterprise leads, connect with 3 investors, discover 2 promising startups).
- Bring business cards or QR profile links.
- Wear layers and comfortable shoes — expect a big venue, big energy.
- Reserve a “quiet” hour each day for reflection and emails — you’ll want to capture insights before they fade.
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In short: if you’re serious about B2B tech, transformation and ecosystem growth, Web Summit Lisbon 2025 is a must-attend. Get your strategy tight, your schedule pre-booked and prepare for four days of connections, inspiration and opportunity. See you in Lisbon! I will be onsite all four days so if you have a good AI pitch or story idea, please reach out!
