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:
A digital transformation odyssey across PepsiCo’s end-to-end value chain
By: Athina Kanioura, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer at PepsiCo, Inc.
When: Tuesday 14 November; 11:00 - 11:20 GMT+1
Advancing equity: From protests to policy
By: Alicia Garza, Founder / Co-creator at Black Futures Lab / Black Lives Matter Global Network
When: Tuesday 14 November; 11:20 - 11:40 GMT+1
GenAI without guardrails: What could possibly go wrong?
By: Christina Cacioppo, Co-founder & CEO at Vanta
When: Tuesday 14 November; 14:30 - 14:50 GMT+1
Going beyond the ecosystem with artificial intelligence
By: Linda Yao, COO of Solutions & Services Group at Lenovo and Steve Clemons, Founding Editor-at-large at Semafor
When: Tuesday 14 November; 15:15 - 15:35 GMT+1
Navigating the tech ecosystem: A beginner's roadmap
By: Maëlle Gavet, CEO at Techstars
When: Tuesday 14 November; 15:35 - 15:55 GMT+1
How to navigate funding in the next 12 months
By: Sarah Kunst, Founder & Managing Director at Cleo Capital and Vera Baker, Venture Partner at Unconventional Ventures
When: Wednesday 15 November; 11:00 - 11:20 GMT+1
Data quality: The lifeblood of AI
By: Christina Kosmowski, CEO at LogicMonitor
When: Wednesday 15 November; 13:45 - 14:00 GMT+1
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 #WebSummit2023 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 2024. 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.
