Navigating Innovation: My Journey at Web Summit 2023 in Lisbon
This year, I had the exciting opportunity to participate in the Web Summit alongside my Jagaad team, and it turned out to be a pleasantly surprising experience. The global reach of the summit exceeded my expectations, and I’m eager to share this enriching participatory experience with you.
What is Web Summit?
Web Summit is a globally renowned technology conference, uniting industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators worldwide. Focused on technology, business, and innovation, it offers a platform for networking, idea exchange, and insights into the latest trends shaping the digital landscape. This annual event attracts professionals, startups, and established companies, making it a key gathering for those invested in the dynamic world of technology. In 2023, Web Summit continues as a top-tier event, hosted in Lisbon, bringing together visionaries, industry leaders, and tech enthusiasts from around the globe.
What is the objective of the Jagaad team in attending the Web Summit?
The Jagaad team’s goal in attending the Web Summit as an IT company is to stay at the forefront of industry trends, foster networking opportunities, and gain valuable insights into the latest advancements in technology, business, and innovation. By participating in this global event, Jagaad aims to enhance the knowledge base, establish meaningful connections with industry leaders, and explore potential collaborations, ultimately contributing to the company’s growth and innovation in the ever-evolving IT landscape.
Getting ready for Web Summit
Jagaad team’s preparation for Web Summit
In preparation for our participation, we formed a dedicated team to set up a booth in Pavilion B during one of the days of the Web Summit, where we aimed to introduce our company to a broader audience.
The Jagaad team, comprising Davide Bernardo (CEO), Fábio Santos (Head of UI/UX), Elina Chifeac (Project Assistant), Michelle Caicedo (Project Manager), Carla Pianese (Project Manager), Ana Indoitu (Head of People), and me, Maria Golubeva (QA Engineer) meticulously prepared for the Web Summit in advance.
During the event, we showcased the innovative Jagaad Academy branch and unveiled our new scaling platform designed to facilitate Business-to-Business matching.
In anticipation of meaningful connections and networking opportunities, each team member installed the Web Summit application, logged in, and tailored their schedule to align with company and personal growth objectives. Additionally, proactive measures were taken as everyone scheduled meetings with individuals from other companies, ensuring a strategic approach to fostering collaborations and expanding our professional network.
My preparation as a QA Engineer — professional event organising
In the big world of Web Summit, where people from all around come together, I found myself going through profiles, discovering a diverse network of Quality Assurance professionals. It became clear — our QA community needed a special place for us to chat, share experiences, and have coffee together.
The idea for the QA Breakfast started right then.
In a Web Summit application, I noticed the different profiles of QA engineers from various companies and countries. But there was a gap, a place where QA professionals could meet, share experiences, and make connections.
I decided to make a plan — to find a cozy space for QA engineers to meet during the busy Web Summit, where we can:
- Network with like-minded professionals.
- Gain valuable insights, ideas, and expertise.
- Enjoy a cup of coffee.
- Connect, collaborate, and create.
- Expand our professional network.
- Find opportunities for collaboration.
What went on behind the scenes to make the QA Breakfast at Web Summit a reality.
First off, I got to work securing a cozy spot for our gathering — I went ahead and booked a restaurant that felt just right.
Next on the checklist was figuring out what we’d talk about. I didn’t want the morning to be just about food and drink but a chance for QA enthusiasts to engage in meaningful conversations. So, I prepped some interesting topics to get the discussions flowing. From industry trends to personal experiences, there’s a little bit of everything to cater to everyone’s interests.
Once the venue was set and the topics were lined up, I knew it was time to extend the invite. I reached out to QA engineers, sending out invitations with a touch of excitement. After all, what’s a breakfast without the right mix of people?
Discover the details of how it unfolded below.
Experiences of my team and me at Web Summit
Arrival and atmosphere
From the moment we touched down in Lisbon, the city had this effortlessly cool vibe. It’s like Lisbon itself was buzzing with anticipation, whispering in the air that Web Summit had officially arrived. The streets, the cafes, even the historic corners — everything exuded an energy that told us we were in for something special.
From the first minutes of us being on the venue we realised that the overall vibe at Web Summit is nothing short of electric. It’s a pulsating blend of innovation, creativity, and the shared excitement of being part of something big.
The scale of it all is jaw-dropping; this isn’t just a conference; it’s a tech universe.
Keynote speakers and sessions
Before the Web Summit officially kicked off, the organizers had this fantastic buffet of activities laid out — and trust me, it was like having a playground of possibilities! You could practically curate your own adventure with everything from workshops, meetups, roundtables, and panel discussions.
Being someone deeply engrossed in the realms of content creation, marketing, branding, social media, and storytelling, I was on a mission to craft a schedule that would ignite my passion and fuel my curiosity.
Now, let me share the real gems of inspiration — my absolute favorite events during Web Summit:
- “Social media 101: From idea to vitality” hosted by Eric Struk
- “Branding in motion” hosted by Liza Enebeis
- “How to realise your full potential as women in technology” hosted by Begonia Merayo
- “Leading the feature of women in tech hosted” by Marie Bjerre, Milena Stoycheva and Pascale Davies
- “Creativity: The driving force behind innovation, business and beyond” hosted by Veronica Fuerte
- “How to connect with your audience” hosted by Jessica Athayde and Vanessa Sanches
- “How to keep audiences engaged” hosted by Kliel Roberts and Jon Davids
- “Why meaningful content is the new tool for growth”
- “Brand transformation: Seeking the hidden dragon”
- “Media is in chaos. How can AI help bring trust back to online content?” hosted by Alexis Dufresne
- “How to build a positive corporate brand reputation” hosted by Pedro Lourenco
These events not only met but exceeded my expectations, leaving me with a notebook filled with insights, a head buzzing with ideas, and a heart full of inspiration.
Networking Opportunities
One thing that hit me hard is just how global this gathering is. People from every corner of the world, each bringing their unique perspectives and insights. It’s a true melting pot of cultures and ideas, and I’m loving every second of it.
The folks here are like a breath of fresh air. Open-minded, approachable, and so eager to connect. Striking up conversations is a breeze, and there’s an authentic willingness to share knowledge and experiences.
It’s not just the sheer number of people; it’s the diversity of interests that’s blowing my mind. From AI wizards to sustainability champions, there’s someone here for everyone. The hunger to know more and the enthusiasm to share what they know is infectious.
I’ve had the privilege of connecting with some truly incredible individuals like:
- The QA Engineers at Web Summit is nothing short of exceptional. Engaging with QA engineers from diverse backgrounds and companies has been a treasure trove of insights.
- Rubbing shoulders with marketing maestros has been an eye-opener. From dissecting the latest trends to exploring cutting-edge strategies, these encounters have broadened my perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of marketing.
- Connecting with growth specialists who are crafting success stories has been truly inspiring. Unpacking the secrets behind scaling businesses, reaching new heights, and driving innovation — it’s been a masterclass in growth hacking.
- Innovators and Startups. The heartbeat of Web Summit lies in the innovations showcased by brilliant minds. Meeting the faces behind startups that promise to improve lives has been awe-inspiring. From healthcare innovations to sustainable tech, the sheer breadth of creativity on display is staggering.
And guess what added an extra layer of fun to this experience? Amidst all the tech talk and innovation buzz, I found myself engaged in a friendly game of table tennis. A bit unconventional, perhaps, but it turned out to be a fantastic way to break the ice and bond over a shared love for both tech and a good rally.
Exhibitions and startups
One of the highlights of my Web Summit journey has been checking out the various exhibitions and startup booths that are pushing the boundaries of innovation. Here are some captivating discoveries that truly caught my attention:
- Global payment methods. A fascinating look into the world of payments across different corners of the globe. The diverse approaches to transactions and the innovative solutions on display have opened my eyes to the future of financial interactions.
- Healthcare innovations. Checking out the healthcare innovations section was like stepping into a realm of groundbreaking ideas. From cutting-edge medical technologies to solutions that aim to revolutionize patient care, it’s awe-inspiring to witness the impact of technology on the health sector.
- Tourism applications. The tourism-centric innovations have been a game-changer. Discovering applications designed to help tourists navigate a new city seamlessly — from finding the best local activities recommended by citizens to effortlessly booking flights, accommodations, and even automating road toll payments.
- Technical support engineering solutions. As someone deeply involved in technical support, stumbling upon new solutions to enhance the process of technical support engineering was a goldmine.
Each booth I explored was a window into the future, showcasing how technology is not just advancing but transforming our everyday experiences. The level of creativity and problem-solving on display is a testament to the incredible minds driving the tech industry forward.
Interactive experiences
In the mix of many interactive experiences at Web Summit, the Women in Tech section stood out as a highlight. Workshops sparked passion, networking sessions built a supportive community, and global panel discussions offered diverse perspectives. Hands-on activities made learning interactive and collaborative.
QA Breakfast
I and fellow QA engineers gathered just 15 minutes from the Web Summit venue, engaging in a fruitful 2-hour discussion on various topics:
- What drives us in the world of QA.
- Strategies to educate development and product teams about the importance of quality.
- Challenge of explaining complex features to non-technical stakeholders.
- Insights into recent projects and the challenges we overcame.
- Methods for staying on top of the latest QA trends.
- Strategies to manage stress at work.
- Things we love most about our roles.
And much more.
It was fantastic to see like-minded professionals coming together, exchanging experiences, and offering valuable insights. The QA community is a powerhouse of knowledge, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with such passionate individuals.
Night Summit
The Night Summit was a lively and unforgettable experience, spanning three nights filled with disco beats, karaoke fun, and a vibrant soundtrack of good life music. It provided the perfect backdrop for networking and unwinding after the day’s intense discussions. The electrifying atmosphere, coupled with the diverse crowd of professionals from around the world, created an ideal setting for forging connections in a more relaxed and entertaining environment. The Night Summit added an extra layer of excitement to the overall Web Summit experience, showcasing that networking and fun can seamlessly coexist, making it a standout highlight of the event.
Jagaad’s off-site activities
Beyond the hustle of the Web Summit, our Jagaad team took a refreshing break with activities that embraced the charm of Lisbon. A memorable walking tour immersed us in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. The trip to Sintra added a touch of enchantment as we explored its picturesque landscapes and historic sites. These off-site ventures not only strengthened our team bond but also allowed us to appreciate the beauty of Portugal, creating shared memories that complemented our Web Summit experience.
Conclusion
In wrapping up my reflections on the Web Summit, I must emphasize the overwhelmingly positive impact it had on me. The event not only met but exceeded my expectations, providing a wealth of knowledge, diverse perspectives, and networking opportunities. The innovative showcases and insightful discussions have contributed significantly to my professional growth, leaving me with invaluable connections that will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of my career positively. For those contemplating attending the Web Summit in the future, my advice is clear: use the opportunity for an enriching experience that goes beyond expectation and fosters both personal and professional growth.
