A Guide to Web Summit 2022
The Web Summit 2022 promises to surprise Lisbon (and the world) with a program full of events and brilliant speakers.
Web Summit is back in Portugal for another landmark edition. Lisbon, once again, hosts the largest technology and innovation convention on the planet, with over 70,000 participants and 900 speakers from around the world. This is what to expect from this year’s edition, which has already sold out.
What is the Web Summit, and is it worth attending?
In the words of its founder Paddy Cosgrave, the Web Summit is “where the tech world meets”. Browsing through the list of speakers, it is easy to see why. This is one of the largest and most important entrepreneurship, technology and innovation events in the world, with Forbes calling it “The best technology conference on the planet”. It is, however, about much more than tech alone: from politics to marketing, migration to climate change, media and entertainment – there is a lot more going on in these exciting four days.
A quick note on logistics: Web Summit 2022 will be held again at the Lisbon International Fair, between 1 and 4 November. Tickets are already sold out so if you haven’t got one, join local online communities to scout for any last-minute chance.
What not to miss at Web Summit 2022
Every year, Web Summit offers participants a rich and varied program. Tech A-listers to celebrities, politicians and CEOs share their experience, knowledge and their journey to success. This year, leaders from companies like Binance, Airbnb, Apple, Amazon, Revolut, Techstars, Twitter, gear up to take the stage at Web Summit 2022.
If you still need reasons to be part of this year’s edition, we leave you some of the great moments worth including in the 2022 agenda.
BARR MOSES, MONTE CARLO
Why: to understand the true value of data
When: Nov 3rd at 10:30
About 90% of all data ever generated has been produced in the last two years. Google alone processes over 40.000 searches - per second. And the pace of data generation is on the rise, with the rise of new technologies. With so much data being created all the time, few have been brave enough to take on the role of gatekeepers of data quality – or its integrity, as Monte Carlo calls it. On November 3, at 10:30 a.m., all eyes are on its co-founder and CEO, Barr Moses. Among other things, Monte Carlo vets datasets that go into models of Artificial Intelligence, Industry 4.0, Metaverse or Web 3.0. For about half an hour, Barr Moses will talk about how data processing has become increasingly sensitive and political, and one of the most urgent problems in the world today.
2. CHANGPENG ZHAO, BINANCE
Why: to pry inside the mind of one of Crypto’s most embattled CEOs
When: Nov 2nd at 10:00
Changpeng Zhao is the Founder and CEO of cryptocurrency giant Binance. This is the largest crypto exchange platform in the world and Zhao is coming to Lisbon to talk about its growth and the challenges facing the industry. But in the aftermath of a crisis that has devalued the portfolio of thousands of investors and a cyberattack which saw $570m of its own token, BNB, stolen by hackers, this is bound to be one of the most (in)tense moments of Web Summit 202. Not to be missed by those who want to understand where the future of money is headed, firsthand.
3. ADWOA ABOAH - GURLS TALK
Why: to talk about one of tech’s most pervasive taboos
When: Nov 4th at 14:30
Mental health is a hot topic in this year’s edition of Web Summit, one that British supermodel Adwoa Aboah addresses with no taboos. In 2017, she founded Gurls Talk, a non-profit organization that supports women's mental health care, after her own personal struggles with sobriety and a concern over the lack of mental-health resources for young women. In her keynote, Adwoa Aboah is expected to tackle head-on the negative impact of success on mental well-being. A cautionary tale, and a beaming light on a silent pandemic that targets tech workers in particular. The speaker will take the stage on the last day of the event, November 4, at 14:30.
4. GEOFF RALSTON, Y COMBINATOR
Why: for a refreshing take on innovation
When: Nov 4th at 14:55
Few people have seen so many dazzling ideas and innovations pass by their hands as this speaker of Web Summit 2022. Geoff has been the president of Y Combinator, one of the world's best-known incubators, for the past 10 years. All in all, over 3,500 startups and 9,000 founders have gone through Y Combinator, including names like Stripe, Airbnb or Dropbox. Prior to Y Combinator, Geoff founded one of the first webmail services, RocketMail, which became Yahoo Mail in 1997. Now, he shares his experience with the unique perspective of those who've been on the ground since the first wave of the internet. Not to be missed.
5. NATHAN BLECHARCZYK - AIRBNB
Why: to know what’s next for the future of cities
When: Nov 3th at 16:40
Nathan is the co-founder and head of Airbnb's strategy, with a leading role in the lodging giant's key initiatives. In this edition of Web Summit 2022, Nathan, who is also a host of the platform and has received hundreds of visitors over the years, explains the challenges for the future, the role of tourism in economic development, and how the platform seeks to balance the interests of hosts, guests, residents and cities. After another hot summer, which saw the return of thousands of tourists to Portugal, rocketing housing costs and a reignited debate on how to regulate the sector, his presence at WebSummit could not be more timely – and controversial. One highlight of this year's edition.
6. NOAM CHOMSKY - AUTHOR
Why: A unique chance to listen to the father of modern linguistics
When: Nov 4th at 16:15
Together with Gary Marcus, Founder & CEO at Robust.AI and Jeremy Kahn, Senior Writer a Fortune magazine, Noam Chomsky will discuss why the myths surrounding AI are particularly pernicious and how we should not rely on artificial intelligence tech as a world-saver.
The Best Side-Events of Web Summit 2022
If you are a seasoned networker, you probably already know that the best action is not at the main event, but at the hundreds of side gatherings where you can serendipitously meet local and international interesting people. From Web3 to Women in Tech, Lisbon is going to be the stage of action-packed meetups - here is our must-attend list:
DIGITAL SPIRITS OF ESTONIA
Why: because Estonia and Portugal are Startup nations!
When: Nov 2nd at 5:00 pm
Where: La Distillerie
The Estonian Investment Agency joins forces with 351 - Portuguese Startup Community in a networking event that promises lots of fun and connections. From investment, e-residency and how to scale up, you’ll find the right crowd to discuss opportunities in these two tech-oriented countries.
2. STARTUP ECOSYSTEM PARTY
Why: Incubators, Accelerators, Startups, Investors, Corporates… all in one place
When: Nov. 2nd at 10:30 pm
Where: K Urban Beach
Drink and network the night away in this stunning location in the heart of Lisbon. Sponsored by Zendesk, Startup Grind and Indico Capital Partners, this promises to be one legendary party to attend.
3. MEET THE ECOSYSTEM IN LISBOA
Why: get to know the good, the bad and the ugly of living and doing business in Lisbon
When: Nov 3rd at 6:00 pm
Where: Fábrica da Musa
Who better than local entrepreneurs, expats and ecosystem players to tell you everything you need to know about Lisbon? Don’t be shy: several hosts from communities and startups will be here to answer all your questions, in an ask-me-anything setting. And of course, there is craft beer.
Meet BRIDGE IN at the Web Summit for all you need to know on Company Incorporation and Employer of Record in Portugal
Lisbon is about to become the epicentre of innovation and we wouldn’t miss it for the world. At BRIDGE IN we are a trusted partner for a quick and risk-free expansion into the European Market. Our Employer of Record service in Portugal is designed for tech and tech-enabled companies that are looking to hire great tech, sales and customer success teams in Europe in a cost-effective way, without the need to establish a local subsidiary.
We help companies hire in another Country, open subsidiaries and seamlessly integrate the finances, teams and deadlines.
MEET US @ THE WEB SUMMIT ON NOV. 4, AT STAND N. A 724 (PAVILION 4)
If you want to know more, visit us at our stand, or reach out any time!
