10 top Web Summit Rio tips from our community team

Web Summit Rio starts soon. What are the key things you need to know? 

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or this is your first time at one of our events, we’re here to help you to prepare for three full days of networking, content and learning.

If you don’t know what to expect from the second edition of Web Summit Rio, here are a few recommendations for planning your stay and making the most of your time – straight from our experienced community team. 

The community team deals with attendees from all around the world every day of the year, so they have all the tips and tricks you need to know.

Your journey begins with the Web Summit Rio app

The key to unlocking any Web Summit event is our proprietary app. By building your profile, you can show other attendees who you are, connect with them to get a jump-start on networking, and plan your schedule so you don’t miss a thing.

Download: Once you’ve received your ticket, download the Web Summit Rio app from the App Store or Google Play. Fill out your profile, making sure to include your personal information and interests. 

Plan: Our app is your passport to Web Summit Rio. Once you arrive at the event, you’ll use the app to register and collect your accreditation. You can access your ticket by tapping the menu icon (≡) in the top left corner of the app and selecting ‘My ticket’. 

Connect: You can then begin browsing talks, building out your event calendar, and connecting with attendees in order to build your network and find new people to get to know. For more information on how to navigate the Web Summit Rio mobile app check out our handy guide. 

Explore: It’s time for Web Summit Rio! Our app will help you navigate the event, as it contains a map of the venue that will take you exactly where you want to go. Take a moment to look around with your map open so you can locate the main stages and familiarize yourself with the venue layout. 

Build your schedule 

Don’t underestimate the importance of planning your days at Web Summit Rio. Knowing what you want to see and do, and who you want to talk to, is invaluable. That’s where our schedule comes in.

Decide what tracks, speakers, and topics stand out to you, and add your must-see talks to your personal schedule on the app. We recommend arriving by 9am every day to make the most of your time. Live translation from English to Portuguese, and from Portuguese to English, is available for most stage content through the Web Summit Rio app.

Don’t forget to take a look at the roundtables, workshops, and exhibitors scheduled each day – this away-from-stage content is a highlight for many of our attendees. There are limited spaces at these sessions, and they’re filled on a first come first served basis. Please note that all masterclasses and roundtables take place in English.

Pro tip? Talks on the main stages will be available on the app to stream after the event.

Your Web Summit Rio essentials 

Before Web Summit Rio, there are some essential things to plan, such as where to stay, how to get there, and what to bring.

You can find a lot of useful information on the Web Summit Rio website under the ‘Your event’ tab. That’s where you’ll get advice on everything from hotels and transport to cultural recommendations and tips on what to bring. And, speaking of transport, make sure you allow plenty of time to get to the venue, as Rio traffic can be challenging. 

There will be a variety of food and beverages available for purchase at the venue. In order to limit the handling of money during the event, reduce queuing times, and improve health and safety standards, all food and beverage catering units inside the venue will be entirely cashless. Please remember to bring your card with you, as payments in cash will not be accepted. 

For more information, you can check out our full essentials page. 

Find your community, or get to know a new one

Web Summit events are defined by the diversity and inclusivity of our communities. We’re proud to team up with local partners and initiatives to contribute to our dynamic tech ecosystem. 

Women in tech: We’re committed to changing the gender ratio at our global events, and to empowering women through networking and mentorship. Visit the Women in Tech Lounge, powered by Banco do Brasil, during the event for a coffee and a chat.

Scholars: Web Summit Rio’s scholarship program, in partnership with Stone, unites up to 300 young people – students and recent graduates – who demonstrate an ambition to be part of a community looking to change the future. Looking to meet young people with fresh perspectives on the world of tech? You’ll find them in the app.

Developers: Our developer program is all about giving back to active members of the open-source developer community.  If you’re part of the program, you will get exclusive access to our Developer Lounge.

Community partners: We partner with nonprofit organizations to bring in new ideas, ensuring each event is a diverse and equitable space for all. These partner organizations bring people together to discuss key issues in roundtables, network with like-minded peers, and learn at our masterclasses. Get to know their projects by checking out our community partner walls on the event floor.

Pro tip? To find people that are relevant to you, make use of the filters in the Explore tab on the mobile app. You can find people to connect with by filtering for industry, attendee type or location.  

Preparing your pitch isn’t just for startups 

Elevator pitches aren’t just for startups taking part in our PITCH competition.

You’ll meet a lot of people at Web Summit Rio, and we recommend having a quick introduction of yourself ready to go. About 10 seconds is enough for a short interaction, and 30 seconds would be good for a longer one. And don’t forget: the real conversation starts after you’ve introduced yourself.

If you connect with someone in person, make sure to scan their Web Summit Rio badge using the app so you can stay in touch. 

Accessibility: Everything you need to know 

At Web Summit, we strive to create events that are accessible and enjoyable for all. Check out our full accessibility policy if you have any questions.  

Opening night party and Night Summit 

On the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights of Web Summit Rio, attendees get exclusive access to unique Night Summit events, each with a different theme and atmosphere.

Hosted across the city of Rio de Janeiro, Night Summit offers something for everyone, and is the ultimate way to network while still soaking up Rio’s heritage and culture. You can add these parties to your schedule – and check out all the details so you know where (and when) to go – using the app.

Don’t forget to bring your accreditation. You’ll need it to get in!

Pro tip? Night Summit access is included in all ticket types, but capacity is limited. Make sure you get there in time to secure your spot! Food and beverages are available to purchase at the venues.

Leave time to discover Rio

There’s more to o cidade maravilhosa than Web Summit Rio. Discover Rio by checking out our recommendations for sightseeing, beaches, restaurants, shopping and more.

Keep your connections and stay in touch

The networking doesn’t stop on the last day of the event. When you meet people in person, scan their badge to stay connected via the app. Make sure to add a small note to help you remember the interaction – this may be useful when you reach out to them. 

Make sure to download your connections from the app as soon as possible. Although the app is available for months after the event is over, people will be using it more during the event and the days immediately after it – use this to your advantage and start reaching out to your connections on your flight home. 

Info point 

Our team will be available to answer your questions in person at the event. Just look for us at the info point in Pavilion 3, which you can find on the venue map in your app. We’re always happy to connect!

Get your event planning started today. Download the Web Summit Rio app.