Web Summit 2026 is the flagship Lisbon edition of the world’s largest technology events, taking place November 9–12 at MEO Arena and FIL. It brings together 70,000+ attendees, 3,000+ exhibiting companies, and startups, investors, and media for content across AI, fintech, cybersecurity, health, and more.
Dates
9–12 Nov 2026
City / country
Lisbon, Portugal
Venue
MEO Arena
Time
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Companies exhibiting at Web Summit include ABA - Austrian Business Agency, Adpak Machinery Systems, AENVO, Aga Khan Foundation and Ahoy.
Event overview
Web Summit is a global technology conference held annually in Lisbon, Portugal. The 2026 edition runs November 9–12 at the MEO Arena and FIL.
It connects founders, investors, journalists, and technology leaders, with 70,000+ attendees expected. The programme spans 17 content tracks, a startup programme, investor meetings, masterclasses, and Night Summit networking.
TL;DR
• Access all 17 content tracks, talks, masterclasses and exclusive perks with a general attendee ticket. • Connect with 70,000+ attendees through the AI-powered meetup system and attendee directory. • Meet founders, C-level executives, investors and policy-makers before, during and after the event. • Experience Night Summit networking at Pavilion 5, included with your ticket. • Join Food Summit, meetups and community events across four days. • Learn from startups in PITCH, explore investor meetings and attend specialised summits like AI, Developer, Policy and Creative.
• Exhibition space for 2026 is sold out; more than 3,000 companies are exhibiting, including Google, Replit, Agibot and Intel. • Reach 70,000+ attendees from 150+ countries, including founders, investors, journalists and technology leaders. • Showcase products across 17 content tracks covering AI, fintech, cybersecurity, health, climate and more. • Connect with investors through curated meetings, masterclasses and networking. • Startups can apply for the startup programme, which includes PITCH, Mentor Hours and investor-to-startup meetings. • Establish partnerships and brand visibility at the world’s premier tech conference.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
5Lisbon, Portugal
Floor plans & maps
Underground parking is available at FIL (830 spaces) and the Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre. On-site parking at MEO Arena offers approximately 500 spaces, with prices ranging from €5-€10 depending on the event. Accessible parking for disabled visitors is available.
830 spaces ·
Web Summit has an accessibility policy and the venue provides step-free routes, sensory-friendly spaces, and accessible facilities. The MEO Arena has accessible toilet facilities near the reduced mobility area and an accessibility entrance on the North side (Garage, FIL side). A dedicated accessibility team is available, and requests for adjustments should be made in advance.
MEO Arena has a cloakroom with a cost of €2 per piece. Large bags and suitcases are strictly prohibited inside the Web Summit venue complex.
Off-site luggage storage is mandatory as large bags and suitcases are prohibited. Facilities are available at Lisbon Airport Terminal 1 and near Oriente Station starting from €1.95 per day. The Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre, 300 meters from the venue, also offers bag storage services.
Charging stations are available at the venue, though demand is high. Attendees are advised to bring a portable phone charger and cable. MEO Arena also has electric vehicle charging points in its parking area through a partnership with Repsol.
CARRIS operates a dedicated Shuttle Web Summit between Estação Sul e Sueste and Estação Oriente in both directions. The shuttle runs from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM from Sul e Sueste and from 3:52 PM to 8:00 pm. from Oriente, with an average interval of 22 minutes. Valid tickets include the Web Summit transport pass.
Food options
Food Summit, MEO Arena concessions
On-site diningParking: [2025 edition] Organiser strongly recommends public transport; parking near the venue is limited. Discounted parking is available through partner Telpark at car parks near the event (booking via reserva.telpark.com). Oriente metro station (red line) is roughly 300 m from MEO Arena, and a Web Summit shuttle bus ran between Oriente and Praça do Comércio.
Gate: [2025 edition] Dedicated taxi and rideshare drop-off and collection points operate at the venue on all event days. Badge registration was at Pavilhão de Portugal, roughly 600 m from Oriente metro station. 2026 entrance and gate details not yet published.
Attend
Event days & opening times
General attendee
List price excl. sales tax. Discounted price of €995 excl. sales tax available when purchasing before the price increase deadline; a further discounted price of €809 excl. sales tax was previously available. Includes access to exhibition floor, speaker content across 32 industries, networking recommendations, curated meetups, Night Summit, masterclasses, downloadable contacts, partner perks, personalised schedule builder, and searchable attendee list.
VIP
Excl. sales tax. Discounted price of €1,585 excl. sales tax available before the price increase. Includes all General attendee benefits plus evening receptions, meeting spaces, catered food and drinks, access to all exhibition floor lounges, VIP Lounge access, and priority registration.
Chairperson
Excl. sales tax. Discounted price of €20,285 excl. sales tax available before the price increase. Includes all VIP benefits plus fast-tracked entrance and Speaker Lounge access.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Pick up your lanyard and wristband at registration. Two registration locations: Terminal 1 of Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon Portela Airport), Alameda das Comunidades Portuguesas, 1700-111 Lisboa; and Pavilhão de Portugal, Alameda dos Oceanos, Parque das Nações, 1990-221 Lisboa, adjacent to the venue. You must wear your lanyard and wristband each day of the event. The QR code in the Web Summit mobile app is scanned at registration to check in and collect your badge and lanyard. If you lose one item of accreditation, a €100 replacement fee applies; if both items are lost, you must repurchase a ticket at the current price of €1,595.
Ticket notes
All tickets grant access to the full length of the event; no one-day or two-day passes are available. Tickets are individual and non-shareable. Web Summit is an over-18s event; attendees aged 17 and under must have a registered Youth ticket and be accompanied by a ticketed adult chaperone at all times. Attendees under 18 do not have access to the Web Summit mobile app, and evening events including Night Summit are strictly for those over 18. Full refund available if cancellation is requested within 14 days of booking; strict no-refund policy after that date.
What's on
4
Talk
2
Event days
10:55–14:35
Typical time
Henna Virkkunen
Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy @ European Commission
Technology policy, sovereignty
Matthew Prince
CEO @ Cloudflare
Cybersecurity, internet infrastructure
Mike Cannon-Brookes
Co-founder & CEO @ Atlassian
Future of work, corporate innovation
Richard Socher
Co-founder & CEO @ You.com
AI, search, agentic systems
Jackie Jantos
Chief Executive @ Hinge
Marketing, brand building
Jen Wong
Chief Operating Officer @ Reddit
Platforms, media, zero-click world
Jill Kramer
Head of Communications and Marketing @ Mastercard
Brand, marketing, AI
Marcus Segal
Partner @ Andreessen Horowitz
Venture capital, investment
Brad Smith
President & Vice Chair @ Microsoft
Future of work, cybersecurity, AI
Michelle Zatlyn
Co-founder & President @ Cloudflare
Cybersecurity, AI
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026
The end of genius
How AI is reprogramming the physical world
Thursday, Nov 12, 2026
When cameras start thinking
Securing the AI frontline
Venture
Night Summit
Startup Masterclasses
Mentor Hours
PITCH
Web Summit's flagship startup competition, bringing together early-stage startups from around the world to compete across three days of rounds before thousands of attendees and investor judges. In partnership with KPMG. Winners receive the PITCH trophy.
IBM
AHOY
Câmara Municipal de Lisboa
Municipal government support (€8 million funding for Web Summit 2026)
Governo de Portugal
National government support via European fund reimbursements
How the last edition performed
Current edition
2026 · 70,000 visitors · 3,000 exhibitors
Exhibitors: Web Summit's partner page states more than 3,000 companies are exhibiting at Web Summit 2026 and that exhibition space is sold out (organiser figure, pre-show). Visitors: 70,000+ is a pre-show expectation repeated by participating agencies (Startup Qatar, Austrian Business Agency) and event listings, alongside 160+ countries; no official 2026 attendee forecast page was retrieved, so treat as an estimate until Web Summit publishes its show-week numbers. Venue: MEO Arena and FIL, Lisbon.
Visitors
71,386
Exhibitors
2,725
Exhibitor countries
108
Visitor countries
157
Growth over time
Edition recap
Web Summit 2025 ran November 10-13 at the MEO Arena and FIL in Lisbon, its tenth year in the city. The organiser reported 71,386 attendees from 157 countries, a record 2,725 exhibiting startups from 108 countries (AI and machine learning the largest category, 40% women-founded) and a record 1,857 investors from 86 countries, up 74% on 2024.
Exhibiting partners included IBM, Visa, Qualcomm, Alibaba Cloud, Revolut People, KPMG, Replit, Huawei and LinkedIn. Attendance was essentially flat against 2024 (71,528) while investor participation grew sharply, a favourable signal for exhibitors targeting capital and enterprise buyers.
Commercially, Web Summit reported revenue above EUR 100 million for 2025 (EUR 79 million in 2024), with an estimated EUR 300 million spent in Lisbon during the week. For 2026, the partner page lists 3,000+ exhibiting companies and a sold-out floor.
New this edition
China Summit
A new track at Web Summit 2025 dedicated to open debates on global collaboration and innovation, reflecting China's growing role in tech.
SourcePhotos
Testimonials
2025 was a historic year and we hope that 2026 will be even better
Web Summit just keeps growing with each year
used this week in Lisbon as a springboard to do remarkable things
Next edition outlook
2026-11-09 – 2026-11-12Web Summit returns to Lisbon from November 9-12, 2026, aiming to build on the record investor participation and AI focus of 2025.
Impact
Web Summit 2025 drew 71,386 attendees from 157 countries, including 1,857 investors (up 74% from 2024) and 2,725 startups from 108 countries. AI and machine learning emerged as the top industry, and 40% of exhibiting startups were women-founded. 869 speakers and 1,519 media representatives participated. 268 government delegations from 82 countries attended.
Audience quality
High-level audience with 71,386 attendees from 157 countries, including 1,857 investors (74% increase), 268 government delegations from 82 countries, 1,519 media representatives, and 869 speakers. The event attracted C-level executives, founders, and policymakers.
Exhibitor outcomes
According to the Web Summit x Crunchbase 2025 Funding Report, nearly 200 startups from the 2024 Startup Programme raised a total of $715.5 million post-event. AI & machine learning startups raised $334.6 million, up 360% year-over-year. Since Web Summit 2024, 332 companies that attended collectively raised $128.8 billion.
Intelligence
189
Exhibitors
22
Categories
49
Countries
19
Pavilions
Top 10 by exhibitor count — estimates based on published directory.
United States
Portugal
Poland
United Kingdom
Brazil
Spain
Croatia
Cyprus
Canada
Germany
Denmark
Belgium
UAE
Italy
Netherlands
Spain Pavilion
Coord. Red.es and ICEX
Croatian National Pavilion
Coord. Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation; Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK)
Georgia National Pavilion
Coord. StartUP in Georgia
Official Egyptian Pavilion
Coord. ITIDA and DETGD
High priority
Buyers sourcing
Politics, Government & International Trade
Buyers sourcing
AI & Machine Learning
Buyers sourcing
SaaS & Enterprise Software
Buyers sourcing
Telecommunications & IT
Buyers sourcing
Fintech & Financial Services
Medium priority
Buyers sourcing
Advertising, Content & Marketing
Buyers sourcing
HR & Recruitment
Buyers sourcing
Charities & NGOs
Buyers sourcing
Cybersecurity & Security
Buyers sourcing
Legal & Professional Services
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Web Summit 2026 sits at the intersection of three defining forces in the global technology economy: the maturation of artificial intelligence from hype to infrastructure, the stabilization and reinvention of fintech, and the emergence of machine-versus-machine cybersecurity as a board-level concern. For exhibitors and sponsors, the event offers access to a concentrated pool of 1,857+ investors (up 74% year on year), 70,000+ attendees from 157 countries, and a programme spanning 17 content tracks from AI and fintech to health, climate, and sport. Lisbon's MEO Arena and FIL campus host an event that generated over €300 million in local economic impact and broke the €100 million revenue mark in 2025, cementing its status as Europe's largest technology gathering. Unlike purely developer-focused or purely enterprise-focused conferences, Web Summit's multi-track format brings founders, C-level executives, investors, journalists, and policy-makers into the same physical space, creating unusual cross-sector networking and deal-making opportunities. The 2026 edition's emphasis on Chinese AI and robotics participation, announced in October 2026, signals a deliberate effort to bridge East-West technology ecosystems at a moment of geopolitical tension. For trade-show intelligence purposes, Web Summit remains a high-velocity environment where partnership announcements, investment news, and competitive intelligence are generated at scale over four days.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
AI Investment Enters a Phase of Cautious Recalibration
The artificial intelligence investment landscape is moving past its gold rush phase into an era of cautious recalibration. Venture capital is becoming more selective, specialized, and demanding of real economics rather than narrative momentum. Investors are moving down the AI stack to find value, focusing on what a company owns, what data it controls, and what makes it hard to replace, as recurring model retraining costs cannibalize profits for many model providers.
SourceFintech Stabilizes with AI-Driven Fraud Prevention and Real-Time Payments
Fintechs are stabilizing after a couple of volatile years. AI is redefining fraud prevention, real-time payments are scaling, and personalisation is now the norm. Digital banking is expected to reach over half the world's population in the next couple of years. Key themes include embedded finance, BNPL, cross-border payments, and the race for real-time rails, with AI vs. AI emerging as the new fraud frontier.
SourceCybersecurity Shifts to Machine-Versus-Machine Defence at Global Scale
Cyber threats are becoming automated, adaptive, and AI-driven. The next generation of cybersecurity is defined by real-time machine versus machine defence at global scale. Traditional security frameworks are failing as bad actors weaponise generative AI to deploy deepfakes, automated phishing, and highly sophisticated financial crime. The consensus is clear: you need AI to fight AI. Post-quantum encryption, sovereign AI platforms, and SaaS security are emerging priority areas.
SourceSaaS Rebuilds Around AI-First Workflows and Outcome-Based Pricing
SaaS just went through its reckoning and came out rebuilding. Software is becoming a worker, pricing is being rewritten, trust is the new currency, and moats are being tested for real. Subscription models now tie price to real outcomes, and niche vertical SaaS wins by solving specific problems. A shift toward pay-for-utility and pay-for-performance models over seat-based pricing is underway as agents replace software tools.
SourceVenture Capital Barbell Squeezes Generalist Firms
The venture bell curve has collapsed into a barbell. Generalist VCs are getting squeezed by mega-funds and specialists. The AI era has pushed growth investing and early-stage investing further apart, making it harder for large multi-stage firms to credibly do both well. Smaller rounds allow for flexibility and agility, while specialist seed firms and large growth platforms serve different ends of the market. Deep tech is returning as a primary investment focus.
SourceChinese AI and Robotics Companies Take Centre Stage at Global Tech Events
Chinese AI models have moved from a small share to majority usage on developer platforms. Web Summit 2026 announced 30 Chinese speakers in AI and robotics, including executives from Zhipu AI (GLM), Xiaomi (MiMo), Tencent (Hy4), Manus AI, ModelBest, Pony.ai, and Hisense. Humanoid robots Agibot A3, Galbot G1, PrimeBOT Q1, and Galbot ET1 are listed on the event's speaker page, signalling a new wave of Chinese participation in global tech conferences.
SourceLatest updates from across the market.
Web Summit 2026 Announces 30 Chinese AI and Robotics Speakers
Web Summit 2026 announced its first batch of 30 Chinese speakers in AI and robotics, including executives from Zhipu AI, Xiaomi, Tencent, Manus AI, ModelBest, Pony.ai, and Hisense. Humanoid robots from Agibot and Galbot are also confirmed. CEO Paddy Cosgrave described this as the first of several waves of Chinese AI, robotics, and quantum computing announcements for the Lisbon edition.
Cura Climate Wins PITCH at Web Summit Vancouver 2026
Canada-based Cura Climate, a deep tech startup helping cement producers slash emissions by up to 85%, won the PITCH competition at Web Summit Vancouver 2026 in partnership with KPMG. The second edition of Web Summit's North America event welcomed 20,235 attendees, 1,197 startups, and 768 investors from over 100 countries to the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Brazil's Dalton Lab Wins PITCH at Web Summit Rio 2026 with Agentic AI
Brazil-based agentic AI startup Dalton Lab won the top prize at Web Summit Rio 2026 PITCH, sponsored by Finep, FNDCT, and MCTI. Dalton Lab helps companies build AI-first workplaces by mapping business processes, deploying agents, scaling with governance, and training teams. Web Summit Rio 2026 welcomed 40,287 attendees, 1,572 startups, and 688 investors from over 100 countries.
Canada Announces AI Compute Investments at Web Summit Vancouver
The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, made an important announcement in support of Canadian artificial intelligence funding at Web Summit Vancouver on May 12, 2026. The announcement underscores government engagement with the Web Summit platform as a venue for major technology policy and investment news.
QNB and Dibsy Sign Strategic Partnership at Web Summit Qatar 2026
QNB Group, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, signed a strategic partnership agreement with Dibsy at an official ceremony during Web Summit Qatar 2026. The partnership highlights Web Summit's role as a deal-making platform for fintech and digital payments in the MENA region.
The technology conference circuit in late 2026 spans Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, with Web Summit Lisbon serving as the flagship European anchor in November. The circuit moves from founder-focused festivals in September (Bits & Pretzels in Munich, coinciding with Oktoberfest) to SaaS-specific gatherings in Dublin in October, then to Web Summit Lisbon in November, and closes the year with GITEX Global in Dubai in December. Slush in Helsinki runs immediately after Web Summit Lisbon, creating a natural Nordic follow-on for venture capital-focused attendees. In early 2027, Web Summit Qatar opens the calendar in Doha, followed by Web Summit Vancouver in May and Web Summit Rio in June. This geographic and thematic spread allows exhibitors and sponsors to plan a multi-event strategy targeting different regions and audience segments, from deep-tech founders in Munich to enterprise SaaS leaders in Dublin and global tech policy-makers in Lisbon and Dubai.
Bits & Pretzels 2026
Munich, Germany
7,500 founders, 1,700+ investors, and 600+ enterprise decision-makers. Three-day format combining learning, networking, and Oktoberfest. Strong deep-tech and startup focus.
websiteSaaStock Europe 2026
Dublin, Ireland
2,000+ senior leaders from AI and B2B software companies. Every attendee can plan meetings before arrival. Held at Royal Dublin Society.
websiteWeb Summit 2026
Lisbon, Portugal
70,000+ attendees, 3,000+ exhibiting companies, 1,857+ investors. 17 content tracks across AI, fintech, SaaS, health, climate, and more. Held at MEO Arena and FIL.
websiteSlush 2026
Helsinki, Finland
Nov 17 is official Day 0, featuring Investor Day and Day 0 for Founders. Strong Nordic and venture capital focus.
websiteGITEX Global 2026
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
First time at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City. Transforms into a year-end innovation destination blending business with Dubai's lifestyle appeal.
websiteWeb Summit Qatar 2027
Doha, Qatar
Fourth edition. Held at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. Over 70 global partners already confirmed. Strategic tool for sustainable development and economic diversification.
websiteWeb Summit Vancouver 2027
Vancouver, Canada
Held at Vancouver Convention Centre. Described by Politico as 'the world's premier tech conference.' 2026 edition drew 20,235 attendees and 1,197 startups.
websiteWeb Summit Rio 2027
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Held at Riocentro exhibition and convention centre. 2026 edition drew 40,287 attendees, 1,572 startups, and 688 investors. 14 content tracks.
websiteAutumn European Tech Circuit
A concentrated September–November window covering founder festivals, SaaS-specific gatherings, the flagship Web Summit, and venture capital-focused Slush. Maximizes European coverage with minimal transatlantic travel.
Middle East to Americas Bridge
A December–June window connecting the Middle East's largest tech show with Web Summit's Qatar, Vancouver, and Rio editions. Suitable for exhibitors targeting MENA, North American, and Latin American markets in sequence.
Event dates sourced from official event websites and organiser communications: Bits & Pretzels (bitsandpretzels.com), SaaStock Europe (saastock-europe.com), Web Summit Lisbon (websummit.com), Slush (slush.org), GITEX Global (gitex.com), Web Summit Qatar (qatar.websummit.com), Web Summit Vancouver (vancouver.websummit.com), Web Summit Rio (rio.websummit.com).
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Humberto Delgado Airport
Lisbon's primary international airport. Connected to Oriente station (near the venue) via Metro Red Line in approximately 6-10 minutes. Direct flights from major European hubs and US East Coast cities.
4 km
to venue
10-15 minutes
by car
Cascais Airport
Alternative airport for business aviation and private jets, recommended during Web Summit when Lisbon Airport faces slot shortages for nonscheduled flights.
~25 km
to venue
25-35 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 80–150 / night
Estimated. Lisbon has only ~25,000 hotel rooms versus 70,000+ attendees, so budget rooms near the venue sell out first. Alameda and Areeiro offer cheaper alternatives with direct Metro Red Line access to Oriente (10–15 min). Apartments and aparthotels can be found at €60–€80/night in these districts.
USD 250–520 / night
Estimated. Web Summit week rates roughly double compared to normal November. 4-star hotels in Parque das Nações (5–15 min walk to venue) typically range €230–€380/night. Central 4-star rates on Avenida da Liberdade reach €280–€480/night. Examples: Tivoli Oriente, Olissippo Oriente, VIP Executive Arts, TRYP Lisboa Oriente, Moxy Lisboa Oriente.
USD 400–700 / night
Estimated. Premium properties near the venue include Myriad by SANA (riverside tower, ~€260/night baseline) and Meliá Lisboa Oriente (steps from FIL and MEO Arena). Central luxury options include Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, Tivoli Avenida Liberdade, InterContinental Lisbon, Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade, and Pestana Palace Lisboa. Rates surge significantly during Web Summit week.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Metro (Red Line)
The fastest and cheapest airport-to-venue option, roughly 10 minutes on the Red Line. Oriente Station is the closest metro stop to the venue. Runs daily from 06:30 to 01:00.
Metro (from city centre)
Take the Blue Line from Baixa-Chiado to São Sebastião, transfer to Red Line to Oriente. Alternatively, Green Line to Alameda, transfer to Red Line. Journey takes 15–25 minutes plus a 5–10 minute walk.
Web Summit Transport Pass
Available for purchase online at metrolisboa.pt and redeemable at Metro vending machines. Pass stands also operate at Lisbon Airport and Oriente Station. Not valid on tourist routes or airport shuttle services.
Shuttle (CARRIS Shuttle Web Summit)
Runs in both directions during event days. Morning departures from Sul e Sueste roughly 08:00–11:00; afternoon returns from Oriente roughly 15:52–20:00. Average interval approximately 22 minutes.
Taxi / Ride-hail (Uber, Bolt)
Ride-hailing apps are widely used but surge pricing applies during Web Summit. Traffic bottlenecks are severe between 08:30 and 10:00 — avoid taxis during this window. Dedicated drop-off and collection points operate at the venue on all event days (2025 edition).
Bus (Carris)
Multiple bus routes serve Oriente Station, which is a 5–10 minute walk from the venue. Routes 705 and 744 connect the airport to Oriente. Routes 708, 728, 744, 759, 782, and 794 serve the city centre to Oriente corridor.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen Visa (Type C – Short Stay) | Nationals of countries not covered by the visa-free list, travelling for tourism, business meetings, conferences, or family visits for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. | $80.00 | 15 calendar days; can be extended to 45 days in individual cases. | |
| Schengen Visa for Business/Conference | Business travellers attending conferences, trade fairs, or professional meetings in Portugal for up to 90 days. | $80.00 | 15 calendar days. | |
| National Visa (Temporary Stay / Residence) | Individuals intending to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days for work, study, residency, or other long-term purposes. | $110.00 | 60–90 days at the consulate; additional time for AIMA residence permit processing after arrival. |
Citizens of 59 countries, including all EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates, can enter Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. A valid biometric passport is required for all visa-free travellers. Citizens of most African nations, including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Egypt, require a Schengen visa.
Portugal accepts ATA Carnets for temporary admission of goods for trade shows, exhibitions, and professional equipment. From 1 June 2026, all EU countries including Portugal will only accept the digital ATA Carnet (eATA). Customs offices at land frontiers, ports, and airports are authorised to process ATA Carnets.
Official visa pageWeather
Lisbon in November has mild, cool weather with average daytime highs around 17-18°C (63-64°F) and nighttime lows around 12°C (53°F). November is the wettest month of the year, with an average of 120mm of rainfall and roughly a 30% chance of rain on any given day. Humidity averages around 77%.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
MEO Arena is located 4 km from Lisbon Airport (LIS), about 10 km from the city center, and 300-400 meters from Oriente Station, which is served by Metro Red Line, national and international trains, and buses. The airport connects directly to Oriente via the Metro Red Line in roughly 6-10 minutes. Over 2,000 hotel rooms are within walking distance of the venue. CARRIS bus routes 705, 744, 708, 728, 759, 782, and 794 serve the venue area. A dedicated Web Summit shuttle operates between Estação Sul e Sueste and Oriente station. Rideshare services (Uber, Bolt) are widely available, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Relationship-first business culture
Portuguese business culture values warm, relationship-driven interactions. Invest in lunch and dinner meetings, keep a professional but genuinely warm tone, and value local partners. Being overly transactional or rushing the relationship phase can be counterproductive.
Language
Portuguese is the official language, though English is widely spoken in Lisbon's tech and business circles. Learning a few basic phrases (Olá, Obrigado/Obrigada) is appreciated.
Punctuality and scheduling
While Portuguese business culture is generally relaxed, Web Summit sessions and meetings run on schedule. Allow buffer time for transit, as traffic in Lisbon can be unpredictable during the event.
Dining etiquette
Lunch is typically from 12:30-14:30 and dinner from 20:00-22:30. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is customary for good service.
Accessibility and inclusion
Web Summit has an accessibility policy and the venue provides step-free routes, sensory-friendly spaces, and accessible facilities. Requests for adjustments should be made in advance via the official accessibility policy page.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: LIS
Lisbon Airport (LIS) receives direct flights from major European hubs, US East Coast cities (JFK/EWR), and other international destinations. Book flights early as Web Summit week sees high demand. The Metro Red Line connects the airport to the venue area in approximately 10 minutes.
Visa requirements for Web Summit 2026 in Lisbon depend on nationality. Citizens of EU/EEA/Swiss countries and 59 other visa-free nations can attend without a visa for up to 90 days. All other nationalities must obtain a Schengen Type C short-stay visa before travelling.
Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed
Processing: 15 calendar days (standard); up to 45 days in individual cases.
After purchasing a Web Summit 2026 ticket, attendees can request a visa confirmation letter through their ticket dashboard at https://attend.websummit.com/lis26 by clicking the Documents tab. Web Summit does not participate in the visa application process; securing a visa is the attendee's sole responsibility. Apply between 6 months and 15 days before travel. ETIAS is expected to be required for visa-free travellers once the system launches, currently anticipated around Q4 2026, but is not yet mandatory as of the event date.
OfficialPartnerFind a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Check-in (recommended)
2026-11-08
Check-out (recommended)
2026-11-13
Areas to stay
Parque das Nações — closest to venue, 5–15 min walk to MEO Arena and FIL, best for exhibitors and startups seeking to bypass morning transit congestion · Avenida da Liberdade — central business district with restaurant density, 12–22 min direct ride on Metro Red Line to Oriente, preferred by corporate executives and VCs · Chiado / Baixa — historic centre, approximately 25 min by metro to venue, good for late-night networking in Alfama and Cais do Sodré · Alameda / Areeiro — budget-friendly residential districts with direct Metro Red Line access to Oriente, apartments available at lower rates than traditional hotels
Budget
$80–$150/night (estimated)
Mid-range
$250–$520/night (estimated)
Premium
$400–$700/night (estimated)
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Lisbon Airport (LIS) to MEO Arena is 4 km. Metro Red Line to Oriente Station then 5–10 min walk — approximately 10–15 minutes total. Taxi or ride-hail takes 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Bus routes 705 and 744 connect the airport to Oriente Station. The venue is one of the easiest conference transfers in Europe due to the direct Red Line connection.
Hotel → venue: Downtown Atlanta and convention-center hotels are typically within walking distance or a short ride-hail/MARTA trip to the venue.
Ride-hail: Uber and Bolt are widely available throughout Lisbon. Expect surge pricing during Web Summit peak hours. Traffic bottlenecks are severe between 08:30 and 10:00 AM — avoid ride-hail during this window. Dedicated taxi and rideshare drop-off/collection points operate at the venue on all event days (2025 edition).
Public transit: The Metro Red Line is the primary transit artery, connecting the airport, city centre (via transfers), and Oriente Station directly. Single Carris/Metro ticket costs €1.90 (2026). The Web Summit Transport Pass offers unlimited travel on Metro, Carris buses, trams, funiculars, and CP urban trains for 1, 3, or 5 days with pre-sale discounts up to 52%. Multiple bus routes (210, 705, 708, 725, 728, 744, 759, 782, 794) serve Oriente Station. CP trains from Sete Rios and Entrecampos stations also stop at Oriente.
Parking: Underground parking is available at FIL (830 spaces) and the Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre. On-site parking at MEO Arena offers approximately 500 spaces with prices ranging from €5–€10 depending on the event. Accessible parking for disabled visitors is available. Parking is limited and fills quickly during Web Summit — public transit is strongly recommended.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November
Temperature: 12°C to 18°C (53°F to 64°F)
Seasonality: November is the wettest month of the year in Lisbon, with an average rainfall of 120mm and about a 30% chance of rain on any given day. Humidity averages around 77%.
Packing: Bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella, comfortable walking shoes, and layered clothing. November evenings can be cool and breezy, so a light sweater or jacket is recommended for outdoor evening events like Night Summit.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Nov 10 is the first full conference day after the Nov 9 badge pickup and opening night. The live 2026 programme schedules the First timers meetup and AI Summit sessions that morning, exhibitors and attendees are fresh, and meetings booked for day one leave Nov 11-12 for follow-ups. If you can only add one more day, Nov 11 carries several Centre Stage AI sessions.
Buy the ticket on websummit.com and check group pricing — General attendee tiers were shown at EUR 630 / 775 / 1,595 excl. tax as of mid-2026; group discounts of 10% (5-9), 15% (10-14) and 20% (15+) tickets reported. Prices rise in stages, so buy as early as possible. Verify current tier on the official ticket page.
Confirm Schengen entry eligibility and passport validity — Portugal is in Schengen; US citizens need no visa for business stays up to 90 days. Passport should be valid at least 3 months beyond departure. Other nationalities: check visa requirements now, as appointment lead times can exceed the remaining runway.
Book hotel and flights — Guidance: 2025-week data showed median nightly rates of about USD 404 when booked 1-2 months out vs USD 502 when booked 1-2 weeks out near the venue. Parque das Nacoes is walkable; Chiado/Baixa and Avenida da Liberdade are about 15-20 min by Metro Red Line. Arrive Nov 7 or 8.
Download the Web Summit app and complete your profile — The app is the event ticket and is required for entry; it is also the meeting, attendee-directory and connection tool. A complete profile improves meetup matching.
Build a target list of 10-15 people and send meeting requests — Guidance: outreach at T-14, confirmation at T-7, logistics nudge at T-1 via the app or LinkedIn. Prioritise investors, buyers and partners in your track.
Shortlist sessions, meetups and side events — The 2026 schedule is live. Plan 3-4 sessions per day, plus one Night Summit or side event per evening. 264+ side events were listed on Luma/SideSummit-type platforms. Workshops and roundtables fill fast.
Book client dinners and plan venue transit — Restaurants within walking distance of the venue are hard to get as walk-ins during the week. Metro Aeroporto to Oriente is about 10 minutes for EUR 1.90; daily Viva Viagem pass about EUR 6.80.
Pick up badge early and attend opening night — Nov 9 is the pre-conference day with badge pickup and opening night at MEO Arena; collecting the badge then avoids first-morning queues. Main conference runs Nov 10-12.
Send personalised follow-ups — Guidance: follow up within 48 hours of the Nov 12 close while conversations are fresh.
Badge pickup and pre-conference sessions
Web Summit venue, Parque das NacoesOpening night
MEO Arena, Centre StageKeynote or priority session, then a booked coffee meeting
MEO Arena / FILFirst timers at Web Summit meetup
Meetup 4AI Summit: AI sovereignty starts with infrastructure
Stage 13Expo floor: startup demos and partner stands (visit during Centre Stage keynotes when booths are quieter)
FIL exhibition hallsCentre Stage: Can Europe win the AI chip war?
Centre Stage, MEO ArenaDeveloper Summit: Should we build AGI?
Stage 10Night Summit: speed networking, meetup spaces, Networking Garden
Pavilion 5 (onsite)Final meetings, last expo walk, log leads and book follow-ups
MEO Arena / FILOceanario de Lisboa
Aquarium (recommendation)
One of Europe's largest aquariums, easy to fit into a gap between sessions or before a flight.
Walking distance within Parque das Nacoes
Vasco da Gama Tower and riverfront
Landmark and Dining (recommendation)
Tagus River views; the tower houses Fifty Seconds, a two-Michelin-star restaurant suited to high-value client dinners (book 3-4 weeks ahead).
Walking distance within Parque das Nacoes
Baixa and Chiado
Historic Centre (recommendation)
Restaurants, squares and many partner-hosted dinners and demo nights during the week.
About 20 minutes by Metro
Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodre
Nightlife District (recommendation)
Common setting for side events and after-hours meetups during Web Summit week.
About 20-25 minutes by Metro or rideshare
Belem (Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower)
Heritage Site (recommendation)
Lisbon's best-known monuments; good half-day before or after the event.
About 35-45 minutes by public transport
Sintra
Day Trip (recommendation)
Palaces and hill gardens for a post-event day off on Nov 13.
About 40-60 minutes by train
Night Summit at Pavilion 5
Official Event-Hosted
Onsite evening programme with speed networking, dedicated meetup spaces, the Networking Garden, Pink Street games and a Social Club.
Official meetups
Official Event-Hosted
Topic-based meetups scheduled in the 2026 programme (e.g. First timers, Product people, Traveltech); book via the app.
Web Summit app meeting scheduler
Official Digital
Browse the attendee directory and request 15-minute meetings before arrival; the app is also your ticket.
Side events listed on Luma and SideSummit
Recommendation (not Event-Affiliated)
264+ independent side events reported for the week; filter by your sector and RSVP early.
Cantinho do Avillez, Parque das Nacoes
Recommendation (restaurant)
Contemporary Portuguese with river views near the venue; suited to team or partner meals. Book 2-3 weeks ahead.
Fifty Seconds, Vasco da Gama Tower
Recommendation (restaurant)
Two-Michelin-star tasting menu (about EUR 200 per person) for top-tier client dinners; book 3-4 weeks ahead.
Budget
Shell scheme
EUR 120–250 / m²
Raw space
Not yet confirmed
Standard booth
16 m²
Web Summit does not publish official exhibitor pricing publicly; partnership pricing is provided on request after downloading the Partnership overview. Third-party stand builders list modular stand pricing from €120/m² and custom stands from €350–800/m². Pre-built stand packages referenced at €22,000 for a 16 sqm exhibition partner package and €30,000 for a networking partner package (2026 Lisbon edition, non-official source). ALPHA/BETA startup participation fees reported at €930 and €1,250 respectively (2026 Lisbon edition, non-official source).
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
ticket_general_attendee
visitor · General attendee (tiered; lowest to highest tier shown mid-2026)
EUR 630–1595 / per person, excl. tax
hotel_near_venue
both · Median nightly rate by booking window [2025 edition data]
USD 404–502 / per night
per_diem_lodging
both · US State Department Lisbon lodging allowance, Nov 2026
USD 249 / per night
per_diem_meals_incidentals
both · US State Department Lisbon M&IE, Nov 2026
USD 101 / per day
local_transport_airport_metro
both · Metro Red Line Aeroporto to Oriente
EUR 1.9 / per ride
local_transport_rideshare
both · Uber/Bolt airport to Parque das Nacoes
EUR 6–10 / per ride
local_transport_day_pass
both · Viva Viagem 24h pass (Metro, bus, tram)
EUR 6.8 / per day
client_dinner
both · Business-calibre Lisbon restaurant
EUR 60–200 / per person
startup_package_alpha
exhibitor · ALPHA startup participation via regional delegation
EUR 930 / per company
startup_package_beta
exhibitor · BETA startup participation via regional delegation
EUR 1250 / per company
partner_package_exhibition
exhibitor · Exhibition partner package, 16 sqm
EUR 22000 / per booth
partner_package_networking
exhibitor · Networking partner package
EUR 30000 / per package
stand_build_modular
exhibitor · Third-party modular stand build
EUR 120–250 / per sqm
delegation_package
both · Dutch delegation (RVO), first participant incl. Web Summit access
EUR 650 / per company excl. VAT
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ticket_general_attendee | visitor | General attendee (tiered; lowest to highest tier shown mid-2026) | EUR 630–1595 / per person, excl. tax | estimate | 2026-07-28 |
| hotel_near_venue | both | Median nightly rate by booking window [2025 edition data] | USD 404–502 / per night | estimate | 2026-07-28 |
| per_diem_lodging | both | US State Department Lisbon lodging allowance, Nov 2026 | USD 249 / per night | official | 2026-07-28 |
| per_diem_meals_incidentals | both | US State Department Lisbon M&IE, Nov 2026 | USD 101 / per day | official | 2026-07-28 |
| local_transport_airport_metro | both | Metro Red Line Aeroporto to Oriente | EUR 1.9 / per ride | estimate | 2026-07-28 |
| local_transport_rideshare | both | Uber/Bolt airport to Parque das Nacoes | EUR 6–10 / per ride | estimate | 2026-07-28 |
| local_transport_day_pass | both | Viva Viagem 24h pass (Metro, bus, tram) | EUR 6.8 / per day | estimate | 2026-07-28 |
| client_dinner | both | Business-calibre Lisbon restaurant | EUR 60–200 / per person | estimate | 2026-07-28 |
| startup_package_alpha | exhibitor | ALPHA startup participation via regional delegation | EUR 930 / per company | estimate | 2026-10-08 |
| startup_package_beta | exhibitor | BETA startup participation via regional delegation | EUR 1250 / per company | estimate | 2026-10-08 |
| partner_package_exhibition | exhibitor | Exhibition partner package, 16 sqm | EUR 22000 / per booth | estimate | 2026-10-08 |
| partner_package_networking | exhibitor | Networking partner package | EUR 30000 / per package | estimate | 2026-10-08 |
| stand_build_modular | exhibitor | Third-party modular stand build | EUR 120–250 / per sqm | estimate | 2026-10-08 |
| delegation_package | both | Dutch delegation (RVO), first participant incl. Web Summit access | EUR 650 / per company excl. VAT | official | 2026-06-25 |
Decision
Answer 8 quick questions about your goals, budget and readiness for Web Summit 2026 (Lisbon, Nov 9-12). Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 8
Who are you mainly trying to reach in Lisbon?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your buyers, investors or partners are tech-native, you can pre-book at least 8-10 meetings through the app, and you want to scout the market before committing to a stand.
Best for
Founders, investors, BD and partnership leads, and product or marketing teams who want concentrated access to 70,000+ tech attendees, 3,000+ exhibiting companies and 17-20 content tracks without the cost of a stand.
Min. budget
$3,500.00
Timeline
About 4-6 weeks: ticket, hotel 1-2 months out for best rates, app setup and meeting outreach from T-14.
Risks
Ticket price escalates by tier closer to the event (up to about EUR 1,595)
Conference-week hotel rates near the venue run well above normal and above the US State Department lodging allowance
Crowd size dilutes unplanned networking; value depends on pre-booked meetings
Schengen visa lead time for non-exempt nationalities
exhibit
You already hold a slot (or a delegation place), have 3+ staff for Nov 10-12, a demo that lands in under 3 minutes, and a follow-up process that can act within 48 hours.
Best for
Startups raising capital or seeking media visibility (via startup programmes or national pavilions) and scale-ups or corporates with brand budgets targeting a global, multi-sector tech audience.
Min. budget
$7,000.00
Timeline
Space for 2026 is sold out; realistically 6-12 months for a partner package, or immediate only if a delegation or pavilion slot is still open.
Risks
Exhibition space sold out for 2026
No public exhibitor manual, freight handler or stand rules; terms come only via partner manager
Leads require attendee approval in the app, so scan volume may exceed approved contacts
Partner packages reportedly start around EUR 22,000 for 16 sqm before build, travel and staffing
skip
Your target buyers are not tech-native, your track fit is weak, travel or visa friction is high with about a month to go, or you cannot staff meetings and follow-up.
Best for
Companies selling to non-tech, industrial or single-country buyers, or teams without budget or staff for a long-haul trip this November.
Min. budget
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
No action; revisit for the next edition when partnership sales reopen.
Risks
Missing a dense investor and media week (1,857 investors attended in 2025)
Competitors use the week for visibility and partner deals
Book with
Merkur Logistics Experts
Sole Official Freight Forwarder and Exclusive On-Site Logistics Operator for Web Summit Vancouver 2026 (May 11–14), with strategic Canadian partner NALSI.
LinkedIn post by Merkur Logistics Experts, May 2026
Showforce
Provided crew and on-site production support for Web Summit 2026 in Qatar, including stage preparation, layout checks, and show flow support.
Showforce news article, February 16, 2026
Muller Expo
Offers custom and rental trade show booths for Web Summit in Lisbon, with warehouse storage and full logistics management including freight, drayage, and on-site supervision.
Muller Expo website, August 13, 2026
Recommended providers
VFS Global is the official external service provider for Portuguese visa applications in many countries, including China. Applicants submit documents and biometrics at VFS centres; final decisions are made by Portuguese consulates.
Official hotel booking platform for Web Summit. Contact: wshotels@bnetwork.com. Accommodation team available for group bookings.
Web Summit app (official event app)
Official app used for entry, meetings and badge QR connections; see Stage 1 for scanning and consent details.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Trust footer
40
References
24
Publishers
0
Date checked
Web Summit
StartUP in Georgia
Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Egypt
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