Web Summit suspends Day 2 activities as Portugal declares state of alert

Web Summit, the Irish-founded technology conference currently gathering approximately 70,000 attendees in Lisbon, has canceled all events scheduled for Wednesday. The company made this determination on Tuesday evening as Portugal prepared for severe weather conditions.

The decision followed a state of alert declaration by the Portuguese government. This status mandates the suspension of outdoor events and restricts movement for 24 hours. The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere issued a red wind warning for the southern half of the country, including Lisbon. A nationwide amber warning covers rainfall. Meteorologists forecast winds reaching 120 km/h, with gusts potentially exceeding 150 km/h.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro recommended the suspension at a press conference on Tuesday. He cited the high proportion of foreign participants who might lack familiarity with local emergency procedures. "The decision rests with them," Montenegro stated. He added that common sense and responsibility would prevent unnecessary exposure to risk.

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas also indicated the event would likely not function. He noted that all evidence pointed toward the inability of the conference to operate the following day. Web Summit confirmed the cancellation via email at 7:38 p.m. on Tuesday. The message stated that Day 2 would not take place, while organizers aimed to proceed with Day 3 after Storm Charles passed.

The company emphasized that the safety of attendees, staff, and contractors is its top priority. Organizers plan to monitor conditions closely with authorities and emergency services. They will provide further updates as confirmed information becomes available. The conference had scheduled numerous high-profile speakers for Wednesday.

Former Irish President Mary Robinson was among the guests whose sessions were canceled. She is a founding member of The Elders. The event has faced local controversy, particularly regarding its location in Rossio Square. This space was the site of a recent housing rights encampment. Mayor Moedas had ordered around 200 protesters to vacate the area to make room for a Christmas market.

An anti-Web Summit protest scheduled for Wednesday evening was also called off. The demonstration was organized by a coalition of Lisbon housing activists. Protesters had previously suspended a separate action on Monday night. They stated the need to enlarge the movement and operate elsewhere. Schools across Portugal are closed for the day under the new alert status.