The Web Summit, one of the most anticipated tech conferences globally, is just around the corner! It's not just an opportunity to witness the future of technology but actively participate in shaping it. This gathering offers a rich mix of innovation, ideas, and networking. To guide our fellow women in tech through this vast event, here are some practical tips to help you capitalize on every opportunity.
1. Spotlight on Leading Women in Tech
The Web Summit is a testament to the indomitable spirit of women leading the tech frontier. While the event encompasses a wide array of subjects, this year, it's impossible not to notice the impressive line-up of female tech leaders who are steering transformative changes in the industry. Immerse yourself in their thought-provoking sessions, gleaning insights from their experiences and visionary outlook.
Here are some of the sessions by these trailblazing women that we highly recommend:
Connected in a disconnected world: Tech’s role in tackling loneliness
By: Lidiane Jones, CEO at Bumble and Claire Hodgson, Editor-in-Chief at Cosmopolitan UK
When: 13 November; 12.15PM - 12.35PM
So you’re the new CEO?
By: Sarah Franklin, CEO at Lattice; Lidiane Jones, CEO at Bumble and Danielle Belton, Editor-in-Chief at The Huffington Post
When: November 13, 10:40AM - 11:00AM
AI is transforming the media
By: Jessica Sibley, CEO at TIME; Nicholas Thompson, CEO at The Atlantic and Christian Broughton, CEO at The Independent
When:
Making shit that people love
By: Linda Yao, Global Vice President, AI Solutions and Services at Lenovo; Tom Hale, CEO at Oura; Magnus Östberg, Chief Software Officer at Mercedes-Benz and Dan Milmo, Global Technology Editor at The Guardian
When:
The sustainability trends shaping corporate priorities
By: Rika Nakazawa, Chief Commercial Innovation Officer at NTT; Menaka Gopinat, Chief Marketing Officer at Project Management Institute and Steve Malony, CEO at Belkin International
When:
How AI is impacting the advertising creative process
By: Jacky Wright, CTPO at McKinsey & Company; Kate Brady, Global Head of Creative & Content Transformation at PepsiCo, Inc.; Wilfrid Obeng, Co-founder & CTO at Audiomob and Luiz Gustavo Pacete de Lima, Tech Editor at Forbes Brasil
When:
Why trust will anchor the workplace of the future
By: Anne Raimondi, Chief Operating Officer at Asana and Steven Greenberg, Host at CBS radio news
When:
2. Network with Intent
Networking at the Web Summit is about more than exchanging business cards. Dive into meaningful dialogues that lay the foundation for lasting professional bonds. Remember, it's about forging impactful connections, not just expanding your contact list. Utilize the event's app to identify potential mentors, collaborators, and influential figures across the tech landscape.
3. Attend the Women in Tech Lounge
The Women in Tech Lounge is your dedicated sanctuary to connect with peers, share stories, and gain insights from seasoned pros. Amidst the summit's buzz, it's the key spot for women in tech to regroup, converse, and inspire.
4. Plan Ahead Your Side Events
The main conference is just the tip of the iceberg. Delve deeper at side events like the "Chief in Tech Executive Networking Dinner" for specialized interactions. Keep an eye out for informal meetups, too. Some pop up on Eventbrite or Facebook as the Summit nears, offering goldmines of unexpected insights and connections.
5. Stay Updated & Engage on Social Media
Stay in the loop with real-time updates and trending topics by following the Web Summit's official channels and hashtags. Boost your online presence and engage in broader tech discussions on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and more. Share your summit highlights using #WebSummit and #WebSummit2024 for increased visibility and interaction.
6. Take Breaks & Reflect
Amidst the whirlwind of information and activity, find moments to pause. Whether you're jotting down thoughts in a pocket notebook or capturing voice memos, these moments of reflection can crystallize ideas and aid in strategizing your next steps.
7. Follow-up
Time is of the essence. Aim to reconnect within a week after the Summit to keep the momentum alive. Personalize your LinkedIn messages or emails, review your notes, set actionable goals based on your learnings, and share insights with your team or ERG.
The Web Summit isn't just a conference; it's a springboard for growth, connections, and inclusivity in tech. Engage wholeheartedly, and every dialogue, panel, and session can propel you toward a luminous and inclusive future in the tech realm. Dive in with enthusiasm, and make a lasting impression!
As you look beyond the Web Summit, mark your calendars for another landmark event: the Women in Tech Global Conference 2025. This is a golden opportunity to continue the dialogue, expand your networks, and keep the momentum alive both virtually and in-person across various locations with the global community of leading women in tech.
