What happens in Lisbon shouldn't stay in Lisbon.

I’m back sat at my desk in London. I’ve cut my festival style wristbands off. Web Summit feels a long time ago all of a sudden, which frankly sucks.

I went with a totally open mind to what I might find in Lisbon. I knew the city vaguely already but I’d not been to the conference. As a former MWC attendee I figured it’d be similar. Outwardly maybe it even looks a little similar.

But Web Summit is more diverse and open than any conference I’ve been to. There was a overwhelming sense of people coming together that was hugely inspiring. CEOs, CTOs, COOs all approaching problems and sharing information and insight with peers and possible rivals, in the spirit of progress and ambition. Where other conference halls can be the home of bland marketing exercise I had a feeling constructive conversations were happening right there.

Sure there were some gripes. Some of the bigger stages had talks that descended in sales pitches that attendees didn’t find involved enough, but generally complaints were at the margins and most had a positive time.

What I really found impressive was how Sunset Summit smoothly moved talks and exhibiting to full-blooded meet and greet. People left their nerves at the door (me included) and threw themselves into conversations with anyone in earshot. Another major help in that regard – the app and Slack! I’d have been a lost soul without it!

So in the spirit of Lisbon, and not wanting to let go of the festival feeling I’m going to say thanks by sharing this to everyone I can recall talking too! Thanks for making my time there wonderful and sorry if our conversation was brief! I’ll even try to be less suspicious of everyone in London, a major change in attitude!

If you have time check out some of the conversations I captured, I hope the spirit of Web Summit comes across as you remember it.

Day 1 - https://bit.ly/2AsQ3m4

Day 2- https://bit.ly/2m9jeaU