Exploration Journey @ Web Summit Lisbon
About this event
A curated experience for female founders, entrepreneurs, executives and leaders who want to experience Web Summit beyond the conference.
EXPLORATION JOURNEY @ WEB SUMMIT LISBON 2026
November 9–12, 2026 | Lisbon
Same City. More Opportunities.
Web Summit brings thousands of people, ideas and opportunities to Lisbon. But being there is not the same as accessing the right conversations, people and ecosystems.
The Exploration Journey @ Web Summit Lisbon 2026, hosted by Why Consult and powered by the net4tec community, creates a curated experience around one of the world’s leading technology conferences.
We bring together a selected group of female founders, entrepreneurs, executives and experts to explore Lisbon’s innovation ecosystem, navigate Web Summit with purpose and build connections that can continue far beyond these four days.
Connect. Explore. Learn. Grow. Create Impact.
CONTEXT
Technology, AI and new business models are changing how we work, lead and build companies. At the same time, access to the right ecosystems, networks and decision-makers is becoming increasingly important.
For women in technology, entrepreneurship and leadership, being part of these ecosystems matters.
Our Exploration Journey creates a bridge between the DACH community and Lisbon’s international technology and innovation ecosystem.
Rather than simply attending Web Summit, we want to understand what is happening around it: Who is shaping the ecosystem? Where are new ideas emerging? Which conversations matter? And where can new collaborations and business opportunities begin?
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Exploration Journey combines the scale and international reach of Web Summit with the quality of a small, curated community.
Together, we will:
- explore Lisbon’s innovation and startup ecosystem
- connect with founders, executives, experts and ecosystem players
- experience selected Web Summit sessions and side events
- exchange perspectives on technology, AI, entrepreneurship and leadership
- create space for meaningful peer-to-peer conversations
- connect our DACH community with international networks and opportunities
The journey starts before we enter the conference halls and continues through curated encounters, conversations and shared experiences throughout our time in Lisbon.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
You will leave Lisbon with more than conference impressions.
Expect to take home:
New Connections
Relationships with women and allies from entrepreneurship, technology and leadership.
Ecosystem Access
A better understanding of Lisbon’s innovation ecosystem and relevant entry points into the international tech community.
New Perspectives
Insights into emerging technologies, business models, leadership challenges and international developments.
Business Opportunities
Potential connections to partners, customers, founders, corporates and other ecosystem players.
A Community Beyond Lisbon
Connections within the net4tec ecosystem that continue after Web Summit.
KEY LEARNING
The Exploration Journey is designed around learning through access, exchange and experience.
We will explore questions such as:
How is AI changing entrepreneurship, organizations and leadership?
Which technologies and business models are shaping the next generation of companies?
What can established companies learn from founders — and what can founders learn from corporate leaders?
How do successful innovation ecosystems connect talent, capital, companies and ideas?
And how can we make sure that women are not only participating in the technological transformation, but actively shaping it?
ABOUT THE HOST
Why Consult | Powering net4tec
Why Consult is a transformation consultancy working at the intersection of leadership, organizational transformation, diversity, innovation and community building.
Through net4tec | 4 WoMen in Technology, Why Consult has built a professional community connecting women in technology, digitalization, entrepreneurship and leadership with companies, experts and allies.
Our work is based on a simple principle:
Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.
We create access to networks, knowledge, visibility and opportunities — connecting people who might otherwise never meet.
Begonia Vazquez Merayo
The Exploration Journey is initiated and hosted by Begonia Vazquez Merayo, Managing Director of Why Consult and Founder of net4tec | 4 WoMen in Technology.
With more than 25 years of international management and transformation experience, Begonia works with organizations, executives and communities on leadership, transformation, innovation and diversity.
As a Women in Tech Ambassador for Web Summit 2026, she connects the international Web Summit ecosystem with the net4tec community and women in technology, entrepreneurship and leadership from the DACH region.
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
Sunday, November 9 | ARRIVE & CONNECT
Get-Together, Wine Discovery & Networking Dinner
We start the journey together in Lisbon. Meet the group, exchange first perspectives and create the connections that will accompany us throughout the week.
Monday, November 10 | EXPLORE THE ECOSYSTEM
Understanding Lisbon’s Innovation Ecosystem
Meet and learn from selected players from Lisbon’s technology, startup and innovation ecosystem.
The program includes a joint lunch followed by participation in the Web Summit Opening.
During Web Summit | CONNECT & EXCHANGE
Exclusive Community Session
A dedicated community format bringing our group together with selected voices from technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership.
Exact day, time and partners will be announced as the Web Summit agenda develops.
Tuesday | EXPERIENCE WEB SUMMIT
Web Summit Congress & Curated Agenda
Explore selected sessions, speakers and topics relevant to our community.
The day continues with selected side events and the German Startup Night.
PARTICIPATION & PRICES
The Exploration Journey is designed for a selected group of female founders, entrepreneurs, executives and experts, as well as allies committed to creating more opportunities for women in technology and innovation.
Executive & Entrepreneur Rate
€950 per person
Special Female Founder Rate
€450 per person
A limited number of places at the Founder Rate are available for selected young female-led startups.
Included
- Web Summit Women in Tech Ticket
- Sunday Get-Together & Networking Dinner
- Introduction to Lisbon’s innovation ecosystem
- Curated ecosystem activities
- Exclusive Community Session during Web Summit
- Curated recommendations for relevant Web Summit sessions and side events
- Community hosting and networking throughout the Exploration Journey
Not included
Flights, accommodation, local transportation and meals not explicitly included in the program are organized and covered individually by participants.
WHY CONSULT | POWERING NET4TEC
Same City. More Opportunities.
Connecting women. Exploring ecosystems. Creating opportunities.
++ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝟰𝘁𝗲𝗰 ++
net4tec is the global network for female careers in STEM.
We are a relevant, powerful and engaged network of women and men from the STEM world with a bold mission: To close the gender gap in the technology world by lifting female careers with the power of the community.
We connect female talents with executives and companies and support careers across all stages of life. More women at all management levels means greater innovative power and higher competitiveness in the company. Because together matters.
net4tec is part of the Why Consult global ecosystem including networks, intiatives, business schools, companies, institutions and experts with competences in the fields of Diversity&Inclusion, Innovation, Business Transformation, Agility and People&Culture.
Find out more on our website: www.net4tec.com
Your net4etc team
Begonia Merayo, Founder & Managing Director Why Consult powering net4tec
Source: eventbrite