The Web Summit in Dublin 2015
The Web Summit kick off this week in Dublin for the last time before it moves to Lisbon, Portugal for 2016. A staggering 20,000 people are attending the event from over 200 countries hoping to get a glimpse of the next big thing in the internet world. Top speakers from major players such as Google, Facebook and Dell are headlining the event as well as a rare appearance from phone dating APP Tinder chief executive.
Web Summit founder Paddy Cosgrave has been busy all week hosting the event but there has been a lot speculation on next’s year event. Cosgrave has been unhappy with governments help or lack of help in organising the yearly event. Certain external factors have made the event increasingly difficult to managed. Local hospitality businesses like hotels and restaurants have been hiking prices for the event, making it harder to facilitate guests, businesses and visitors. Local issues such as transport and parking space is restricted and warehouse space is limited as the event continues to grow each year. This has held back the event to a certain extent meaning The Web Summit has out grown the venue and its locality.
Government initiative to help ease these issues would have been welcome but this did not happen, thus causing the friction and animosity with event organisers who are now moving it to Portugal for the 3 years.
Speaking at the closing down ceremony on Thursday Paddy Cosgrave has expressed sadness at leaving Dublin, the event was born in Dublin enjoying so much growth and success. Although the event is moving the company itself will remain in Dublin and continue to be Irish. Paddy is keen to once bring the event back to Dublin one day if the right conditions exist.
So Lisbon 2016 will further globalise the event. This maybe be a regular practise of visiting different parts of the globe, increasing the appeal and reinforcing the global network potential of the Web Summit. From the cold wintery temperatures in Dublin to the hot sandy beaches in Portugal the event will definitely have a very different feel in 2016. The Portuguese prime minister made a flying visit today to express his excitement and ensuring the continue success in 2016.
- Published in News