Web Summit 2025: Your Complete Guide to Networking

What is Web Summit?

Web Summit is one of the largest and most influential technology events in the world. Each November, Lisbon becomes the meeting point for over 70,000 founders, investors, executives, policymakers, and creators. The event spans four days at the MEO Arena and FIL pavilions in Parque das Nações. It combines talks, workshops, startup showcases, and business networking sessions designed to connect people who drive progress in technology and business.

The 2025 edition features top speakers such as Anton Osika, co founder and CEO of Lovable; Maria Sharapova, entrepreneur and former tennis champion; Alex Schultz, CMO at Meta; Cristóbal Valenzuela, founder and CEO of Runway; Michele Catasta, president of Replit; Toto Wolff, CEO of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team; and Nigel Morris, co founder of QED Investors.

When is Web Summit 2025?

Web Summit 2025 will be held from November 10 to 13 in Lisbon, Portugal. The venue area is located along the Tagus River, easily accessible by metro, train, or car from Lisbon Airport.

Why Attend Web Summit?

Web Summit gathers the most active voices in tech and business. You learn directly from people building the next generation of products and companies. You meet investors who are ready to deploy capital and founders solving problems across every industry. You leave with insights, leads, and opportunities that accelerate your goals.

You attend Web Summit to learn, connect, and act. Each talk and conversation gives you data, tactics, and perspective. You meet leaders shaping the future of AI, sustainability, finance, and innovation. You also improve your relationship networking skills by engaging with people who share your interests and ambitions.

Your Guide to Surviving and Thriving at Web Summit

a) Plan your experience

Define your main goal before you land. Focus on two outcomes, such as finding investors or forming partnerships. Review the agenda two weeks before the event and select priority sessions in the Web Summit app. Confirm meetings in advance and include clear meeting points.

Apply early if you are a startup. Activations like PITCH and Startup Showcase bring visibility and potential funding. Prepare your elevator pitch and a 40 word company summary. Keep your ask specific.

Investors should use the app filters to sort startups by sector and stage. Focus on “Investor meets Startup” and “New Venture” sessions. Marketers and operators should plan for SaaS, Marketing, and Growth tracks. When you grow your network, think of quality over quantity and follow up promptly with key contacts.

Schedule one hour daily for reflection. Review your notes, tag useful contacts, and identify your next three actions. This habit turns meetings into measurable outcomes.

b) How to arrive

Lisbon is compact and efficient. Take the Metro Red Line from Aeroporto to Oriente. The ride takes around ten minutes, and Oriente is next to the MEO Arena. You can also take a taxi or use ride hailing apps.

Stay near the Red Line to reduce travel time. Parque das Nações, Saldanha, and Alameda are convenient neighborhoods. Restaurants and cafes near the venue are ideal for quick meetings and Icebreaker Questions with potential partners.

c) What to bring

Your gear determines how efficiently you move through the event.

• Digital business card. A must have. You meet hundreds of people, and paper cards slow you down. Use KADO to share your contact instantly with QR or NFC. KADO keeps your information up to date and shows engagement analytics. Learn How to create digital business card to save time and make a strong impression.
• Portable charger and cables. You use your phone for navigation, networking, and notes.
• Comfortable shoes. The event covers several buildings.
• Notebook or digital app for meeting notes.
• Light jacket. Lisbon evenings near the river are cooler.
• Water and snacks.

Tactical Playbooks by Role

How to Maximize Each Day

Structure your time to avoid fatigue. Begin your day by checking your schedule and confirming meetings. Arrive early to high priority sessions to secure a seat. During talks, take brief notes on one actionable insight per speaker. Between sessions, update your contact list and send quick follow ups while the interaction is fresh.

End each day by reviewing your meetings. Sort contacts into three groups: investors, potential partners, and peers. Write one key takeaway from each discussion. Before going to Night Summit, identify two people you want to reconnect with. The best deals often start in relaxed evening conversations.

Travel and Practical Notes

Lisbon’s public transportation is reliable, and the Oriente hub connects metro, train, and buses in one station. The MEO Arena area offers plenty of cafes for quiet meetings and coworking. Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. Expect security checks at the entrances during peak hours.

Conclusion

Networking defines success at Web Summit. Every connection, message, and meeting carries long term value when managed correctly. You meet founders, executives, and investors who are shaping the future of industries. Preparation, precision, and follow through separate participants who attend from those who make an impact.

Strong relationships drive opportunity. Web Summit proves why is networking one of the best ways to get a job? You gain insights, referrals, and credibility directly from the people you meet. Building your professional circle is not optional; it is part of your career strategy.

Bring a digital business card. It saves time and keeps your connections organized. KADO is the best option for professionals who value efficiency and presentation. You share your contact instantly, personalize your design, and track who viewed your profile. You eliminate the need for paper and align with sustainable practices.

At Web Summit, attention moves fast. A clear and immediate exchange leaves the strongest impression. Using KADO helps you stand out, follow up faster, and stay remembered. Before traveling to Lisbon, set up your KADO digital business card and make it part of your workflow. You will leave Web Summit with real connections, stronger partnerships, and a deeper understanding of what is not an example of professional networking? Use every opportunity to learn how to improve networking skills, ask better questions, and grow your network with purpose.