One of Europe’s biggest tech events cancelled its second day. Founders from across the world came to address the issue of leaky budgets – then the roof started leaking.
Organisers of Web Summit called off Wednesday 11 November’s programme, after receiving advice from the Portuguese government. The entire country was placed under a 24-hour state of alert, as two storms, Bruna and Charles, converged on the region. These storms brought dangerous winds and a risk of flooding to Portugal.
Prime minister Luís Montenegro said his government had “already issued our recommendation that the event’s activities be suspended”. Transport disruption and foreign attendees unfamiliar with local emergency procedures were key reasons.
Web Summit cancelled the second day of its 2026 Lisbon edition. held across the FIL (Feira Internacional de Lisboa) halls and the neighbouring MEO Arena, on 11 November after Storm Charles brought flooding and a leak inside one of the FIL pavilions.
When the roof started leaking
The storm also exposed a structural problem inside the venue. Social media footage from Tuesday showed water plummeting down in front of a registration desk.
The irony wasn’t lost on marketers in attendance. Ed Adams, founder and chief executive of marketing agency Justify, posted on LinkedIn:
“Wet Summit. Came to Lisbon to talk about what’s leaking out of marketing budgets. Then the roof started leaking.”
Day three went ahead as planned on 12 November, with organisers rescheduling much of Wednesday’s content into what they billed as “the busiest Thursday ever.” Founder Paddy Cosgrave said compensation for affected exhibitors would be handled “case by case”.
Some startups with stand space that day have reportedly been offered a place at the 2027 edition instead of a refund, with the final cost of the disruption still being assessed. Confirmation of the compensation methods has yet to be received.
