Bom dia! This is CityNomix. While I usually spend my days wrestling with digital marketing metrics, right now, I’m feeling the Atlantic breeze in Lisbon, Portugal. It’s that time of year again. The world’s largest technology conference, Web Summit 2025, has officially kicked off.
For these few days, the entire city of Lisbon transforms into a tech hub. Walking down the cobblestone streets, you pass entrepreneurs and investors with conference badges around their necks. In cafes, you hear pitches in English, French, German, and Japanese. This unique “festival” atmosphere is one of the reasons I find myself drawn back to Web Summit year after year.
In this article, I’ll be reporting on the Opening Night directly from the ground. I want to convey the electrifying atmosphere of the MEO Arena, the insights from the star-studded sessions, and the practical tips I picked up along the way. Whether you’re planning to attend in the future or just want to feel the vibe from afar, let me be your guide.
Heading to the Web Summit 2025 Venue
It’s the afternoon of November 10th. The sky over Lisbon is clear. Although the wind from the ocean is a bit chilly, the excitement of the crowd heading to the venue keeps us warm.
Before anything else, you need to complete the check-in process. I’ve written a separate guide on this, so if you haven’t read it yet, please check it out here: Web Summit Check-in Guide Lisbon.
Once you have your wristband and badge, it’s time to head to the venue at Parque das Nações.
Navigating the Entrance and Security
As you approach the venue, the massive Web Summit gate comes into view.
At the entrance, staff will visually check your name badge and wristband. It’s crucial to have your wristband properly fastened on your wrist; holding it in your hand won’t get you through. This is a strict rule to prevent scalping and unauthorized entry.
After the initial check comes the bag check. This is the first hurdle, and here is a pro-tip from CityNomix.
Pro-Tip: Travel Light
Security at Web Summit is airport-level strict. Especially on Opening Night, with many VIPs in attendance, inspections are thorough. Bringing large backpacks or suitcases will not only slow you down but might also lead to entry refusal.
You might be tempted to bring your luggage if you’re heading straight to the airport afterwards, but cloakrooms are often crowded and expensive. Moreover, dragging a suitcase through the vast venue is exhausting. To avoid trouble and save energy, I strongly recommend leaving your bags at your hotel.
Once you clear security, a volunteer will greet you and ask to scan your QR code. Flash your app, and you’re officially in.
Exploring the Grounds: Food and Photo Ops
Walking past the security area, the saucer-shaped MEO Arena dominates the skyline.
Originally built for the Lisbon World Expo, its futuristic design fits perfectly with the tech vibe of Web Summit. Seeing it against the blue sky always brings a sense of arrival.
The Food Summit
On the way to the arena, the smell of food is irresistible. This is the “Food Summit,” the event’s outdoor food court.
The food trucks start serving from the evening of Opening Night. Attendees are already lining up for Portuguese local dishes, burgers, and beer. While fueling up here is a good strategy, popular stalls have long lines. I decided to prioritize securing a seat inside the arena first.
Capturing the Moment
In front of the MEO Arena stands the massive Web Summit logo monument. This is the most popular photo spot during the event.
Everyone stops here to take a proof-of-life photo to post on social media. It’s a scene that reminds you this is as much a festival as it is a conference.
Opposite the MEO Arena, you can see the pavilion stages.
Starting tomorrow, these areas will be buzzing with sessions, but tonight, all eyes are on the Center Stage inside the MEO Arena.
Inside the MEO Arena: The Scramble for Seats
Now, it’s time to enter the MEO Arena.
There is an important rule to remember: seating for the Opening Night is essentially first-come, first-served. Unless you have a VIP ticket or media pass, you have to find your own spot.
The arena holds over 15,000 people, but it fills up quickly. To get a good seat with a clear view and good sound, you need to act fast. If you’re too laid back, you might end up in the nosebleed section or standing.
Fueling Up
Once I secured a seat, I could finally relax. There are concession stands inside the arena selling beer and snacks.
I grabbed a beer to start. Food and drink are allowed in the stands. Looking around, I saw attendees with a beer in one hand and a smartphone in the other, passionately discussing tech with their neighbors.
“Where are you from?” “What’s your startup about?”
These conversations happen naturally. Drinking a beer while talking about cutting-edge technology—this blend of casual vibes and serious business is the essence of Web Summit.
The Opening Night Ceremony Begins
The lights dimmed, the music swelled, and the Center Stage began to glow in its signature blue. Web Summit 2025 had officially begun.
The CEO of Web Summit took the stage first. Marking the 10th anniversary, he delivered a powerful message looking ahead to the “next ten years.” Following him, the Mayor of Lisbon and Portuguese government officials welcomed the crowd, showcasing the city’s commitment to technology and innovation.
Star-Studded Sessions and Key Insights
The highlight of Opening Night is always the speaker sessions. This year’s lineup reflected the current zeitgeist of the tech world perfectly.
Maria Sharapova and AI
First up was tennis legend Maria Sharapova. However, she wasn’t there just as an athlete, but as a savvy businesswoman.
In her session with IBM, they discussed AI-driven fan engagement and data visualization. Seeing her discuss how technology transforms the sports business—not just as a figurehead but as an active participant—was impressive. It symbolized how deeply AI has integrated into modern society, reaching even into the physical realm of sports.
Khaby Lame and Creativity
Next, the crowd went wild for the world’s most-followed TikToker, Khaby Lame.
His session focused on the importance of human imagination in the age of AI. Much like his silent videos, his message was simple yet profound. In an era where AI can mass-produce content, human nuances, timing, and creativity become even more valuable. Coming from the king of digital natives, these words carried significant weight.
Spotlight on Startups: Lovable
Then came a session with the Swedish startup, Lovable.
After hearing about enterprise AI and mega-influencers, listening to a pure startup story felt grounding. Their passion for their product and ambition to change the world reminded me that, despite the AI hype, Web Summit is still fundamentally a festival for startups.
Reflections on Day 1
As the Opening Night wrapped up, I finished my beer and pondered the theme of this year’s summit.
Sharapova showed us AI’s penetration into existing industries. Khaby Lame highlighted the restoration of humanity in tech. And Lovable represented the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship.
Web Summit’s next decade seems to be about how we, as humans, coexist with the technology that has become not just a tool, but a culture.
Tomorrow, the real work begins. Thousands of startups will pitch, and investors will be on the hunt. I’ll be there—walking, snapping photos, and writing—to bring you the full experience.
See you in tomorrow’s report. Boa noite!
