Web Summit has announced that it will stay in Lisbon until 2028.
Founded in 2010, the Irish start-up quickly became one of the largest tech and digital conferences in the world. However, it had regular fallings out with the Irish government, and in 2016 its founder, Paddy Cosgrave, made the decision to take the summit to Lisbon instead.
Web Summit felt as though the Irish government did not provide sufficient assistance in several areas — including traffic management, public transport, hotel costs and WiFi at the RDS.
Now it is confirmed that Web Summit — which took in €300 million for the Portuguese economy last year — will not return to Irish shores for at least 10 years.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Web Summit CEO Paddy Cosgrave said:
“We’re incredibly excited to be staying in Portugal. Without a larger venue this would not be possible. Even until a few months ago, we never believed it would be possible. The plans are incredible and we’re very thankful to all those who have worked on them. We would like in particular to thank the Prime Minister of Portugal and Mayor of Lisbon.
"Web Summit would also like to thank the many incredible cities who have worked with us for more than a year. More than 20 cities bid for Web Summit. We were flattered by the offers of cities as diverse as London and Valencia, and greatly appreciate the time of Prime Ministers, Presidents and Mayors from across Europe. It’s an amazing moment for Europe’s cities. So many are thriving, with world beating startups emerging from an ever growing list of Europe’s cities and regions.
"We’ve now a long-term home for Web Summit. Our partnership with Portugal gives certainty to our many attendees from over 170 countries around the world, and our thousands of partners and exhibitors. It also gives certainty to our host country, and to our team of nearly 200 in Dublin, and in our other offices around the world. Together we’re looking forward to doing incredible things.”
Mayor of Lisbon, Fernando Medina said: "We’re looking forward sharing more in the coming weeks, in particular with regard to our expansion of our team in Dublin."
“This 10 year agreement with Web Summit will decisively make Lisboa a key capital for innovation, entrepreneurship and talent. I am confident the next few years will bring a sharp raise in IT investment and employment in Lisboa. We are thrilled to continue to write this story together with Web Summit”
