Every November, Lisbon becomes the global capital of technology and innovation. Web Summit, once a scrappy startup conference in Dublin, has grown into the largest tech event in the world, and for good reason. With over 70,000 attendees, 3,000 exhibiting companies, 900 speakers, and 2,000 members of the media expected this year, Web Summit 2025 is shaping up to be the most ambitious edition yet.

For me, attending Web Summit is more than just keeping up with the latest trends in tech. It’s about experiencing the energy of a city buzzing with innovation, connecting with like-minded people from across the globe, and getting a front-row seat to discussions that will shape the future. While there’s far too much happening at the conference to capture it all, here are the five things I’m most looking forward to this year.

The talks: hearing from the people building the future

One of the most exciting aspects of Web Summit is the sheer diversity of talks happening across its many stages. Whether it’s a keynote from a Fortune 500 CEO, a fireside chat with a startup founder who just closed their seed round, or a debate between policymakers and technologists, the content is designed to challenge, inspire, and spark conversation.

This year, the lineup is already stacked. Leaders from Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, Qualcomm, and Mozilla are confirmed, and more big names are being announced every week. What makes the talks so compelling is that they aren’t just abstract thought pieces; they’re filled with actionable insights. It’s a chance to learn what’s working now in fields like AI, marketing, sustainability, leadership, and product development.

Personally, I’m excited to attend sessions that go beyond the hype and get into the real-world challenges of technology. How do we build ethical AI? How do startups survive in a funding winter? What does leadership look like in a hybrid, globalized workforce? These are the kinds of questions I want answered.

Web Summit also excels at hosting smaller, community-focused talks and panels. While the main stage sessions grab headlines, some of the most memorable moments occur in smaller rooms, where you can actually interact with speakers and ask questions. My plan this year is to balance the big-name keynotes with these more intimate sessions, where learning feels personal and direct.

The AI summit: cutting through the noise

It’s impossible to ignore the role of artificial intelligence in 2025. AI isn’t just a buzzword anymore; it’s transforming industries from healthcare to sports, reshaping how we work, and even redefining creativity. But with all the hype comes confusion and skepticism, and I’ll admit, I’m still a bit skeptical myself about the so-called “AI takeover.”

That’s why the AI Summit track at Web Summit is one of the things I’m most looking forward to. This isn’t about reading headlines or watching viral demos online. It’s about sitting in the same room with researchers, policymakers, startup founders, and executives from the world’s biggest companies as they debate the future of AI.

I expect discussions to cover everything from coding breakthroughs and productivity tools to issues like misinformation, regulation, climate applications, and global security risks. Who controls AI? Who pays for its development? And how do governments, investors, and creators adapt to a world being reshaped at lightning speed?

In previous years, some of the most powerful moments at Web Summit have come from these debates. You can feel the tension when experts disagree, and you leave with a better understanding of just how complicated and exciting the future really is. This year, I’ll be paying close attention to how different voices frame the conversation, especially around regulation and ethics.

Meetups: making real connections

Networking at a conference with 70,000 people can be overwhelming. That’s why I’m a fan of the Meetups introduced at Web Summit in 2023. Powered by the event’s own software, Summit Engine, Meetups create small, personalized gatherings where you can connect with people based on your industry, interests, and community.

Last year, I attended several Meetups, and I loved the concept. Instead of wandering the exhibition floor hoping for a chance encounter, you’re placed in a setting where everyone already shares something in common. It makes starting a conversation so much easier, and the potential for meaningful connections is much higher.

That said, I do have one criticism: the time limit. Each Meetup lasts only 15 minutes, which, in my opinion, is just too short. By the time you get comfortable talking with someone, it’s already time to leave. My hope for 2025 is that Web Summit increases the duration to at least 30 minutes, giving conversations room to breathe and connections time to form.

This year, I’ll be paying close attention to my Meetup invitations in the Web Summit app. And if there’s a group I’m not officially invited to but would love to join, I’ll take the advice given by the organizers and show up anyway. If there’s space, you’re welcome to join.

Night summit: networking beyond the conference

One of the things that makes Web Summit special is that it doesn’t end when the sessions do. The Night Summit takes the energy of the conference into the streets of Lisbon, with networking gatherings at bars, cafés, and traditional Kiosks across the city. Organized by industry, continent, and nationality, these events are designed to help attendees connect in a more relaxed, social environment.

I’ll be honest: last year’s Night Summit didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Some of the bars felt empty, and a few of the kiosks that were supposed to be part of the event weren’t even open. It lacked the buzz and sense of community I had hoped for.

But I’m not giving up on it. Lisbon is a city that thrives at night, with neighborhoods like Cais do Sodré, Príncipe Real, Bairro Alto, and Terreiro do Paço offering endless possibilities for good food, drinks, and conversation. My hope for the near future is that the Night Summit returns to the bigger, more organized events of the past, where it truly felt like the whole city was alive with Web Summit energy.

For me, Night Summit isn’t just about having a drink. It’s about those unplanned conversations where you meet someone from across the world, share stories, and leave with a new connection that lasts beyond the event.

Masterclasses: learning from the best

Finally, one of the features I’m most excited about this year is the masterclasses. These sessions are designed to go deeper than a typical talk, offering practical skills, expert knowledge, and future-focused insights directly from leaders at some of the world’s top companies.

In 2024, giants like Meta, Dell, Microsoft, Oracle, Adobe, and Huawei hosted masterclasses at Web Summit events around the world, and 2025 promises even more high-level learning opportunities.

What I love about Masterclasses is the chance to move beyond listening and actually engage in learning. These aren’t passive experiences; they’re designed to give you tools you can take home and apply immediately, whether you’re building a startup, leading a team, or exploring a new technology.

I’m particularly hoping to attend sessions focused on content creation, AI ethics, and digital storytelling, since these intersect with my own work. But honestly, part of the magic of Web Summit is discovering unexpected sessions that completely shift your perspective.