10 tips from our community team for a successful Web Summit Qatar

Here’s what you need to know to ensure you have a successful first Web Summit Qatar. 

Whether you’re a seasoned Web Summit veteran or this is your first time at one of our events, this article will help you to prepare for three full days of networking, content and lots of learning! 

If you don’t know what to expect from the first ever Web Summit Qatar,  here are a few tips to help you plan your stay and make the most of your time – straight from our experienced community team. 

Our community team deals with attendees from all around the world every day of the year, so we have all the tips and tricks you’ll need to know.

1. Your journey begins with the Web Summit Qatar app

The key to unlocking any Web Summit event is our proprietary app. By building your profile, you can show other attendees who you are, connect with them to get a jump-start on networking, and plan your schedule so you don’t miss a thing.

Download – Once you’ve received your ticket, download the Web Summit Qatar app from the App Store or Google Play. Fill out your profile, making sure to include your personal information and interests. 

Connect – You can then begin browsing talks, building your event calendar and connecting with attendees. Create your network and find new people to connect with. For more information on how to navigate the Web Summit Qatar mobile app, check out this blog post. 

Plan – Our app is your passport to Web Summit Qatar. Once you arrive at the event, you’ll use the app to register and collect your accreditation. You can access your ticket from the ‘My ticket’ tab, which you will find by tapping the menu icon (≡) in the top left corner of the app. 

Explore – It’s time for Web Summit Qatar! Our app will help you navigate the event, and there’s a map of the venue that will guide you to exactly where you want to go. Take a moment to check out the event with your map open, and locate the stages to familiarise yourself. 

2. Build your schedule 

Don’t underestimate the importance of planning your days at Web Summit Qatar. Knowing what you want do and the people you want to talk to is invaluable. Once you’ve downloaded the app, your next step is the schedule. 

Decide what tracks, speakers, and topics matter to you, and add your must-see talks to your personal schedule on the app. We recommend arriving by 9am every day to make the most of your time. If you have free time, grab a coffee and network with fellow attendees.  

Don’t forget to check out the roundtables, masterclasses and exhibitors scheduled each day – the content away from the stage is a highlight for many people. 

Pro tip: Sessions on the main stages will be available on the app to stream after the event!

3. Your Web Summit Qatar essentials 

There are some essential things to plan before arriving to Web Summit Qatar, including where to stay, how to get there, and what to bring. You can find a lot of useful information on the Web Summit Qatar website under the ‘Plan your event tab’. Here, you can get advice on everything from hotels and transport to cultural recommendations and tips on what to bring.  

4. Find your community or get to know a new one

Web Summit events are defined by the diversity and inclusivity of our communities. We’re proud to team up with local partners and initiatives to contribute to our dynamic tech ecosystem. 

Women in tech: We’re committed to changing the gender ratio at our global events and empowering women through networking and mentorship opportunities. Visit the Women in Tech Lounge at the event for a coffee and a chat.

Scholars: Web Summit Qatar’s scholarship programme unites up to 300 young people — students and recent graduates alike — who demonstrate an ambition to be part of a community that’s hoping to change the future. Do you want to meet young people with fresh perspectives on the world of tech? You’ll find them in the app!

Developers: Our developer programme is all about giving back to active members of the open-source developer community. As part of the programme, you get exclusive access to our Developer Lounge.

5. Prepare your pitch – it’s not just for startups 

Elevator pitches aren’t just for startups taking part in our PITCH competition. You’ll meet a lot of people at Web Summit Qatar, and we recommend having a quick introduction of yourself ready to go.

10 seconds for a short interaction and 30 seconds for a longer one – the real conversation starts after you’ve introduced yourself. If you connect with someone in person, make sure to scan their Web Summit Qatar badge on the app so you can stay in touch after the event ends. 

6. Accessibility – everything you need to know 

At Web Summit Qatar, we strive to create an event that is accessible and enjoyable for all. There will be prayer rooms, step-free access, washrooms, fully halal catering with suitable food for dietary needs, and taxi pick-up and drop-off areas. For further information, you can view our full accessibility policy here.  

7. Night Summit 

Each night, Web Summit Qatar attendees get exclusive access to unique events, each with a different theme and atmosphere. Hosted across the city of Doha, Night Summit offers something for everyone.

This is the ultimate way to network while still soaking up Qatar’s heritage and culture. You can add it to your schedule on the app and check out all of the details so you know where and when to go. Just don’t forget to bring your accreditation, you will need it to enter the Night Summit events!

8. Spare some time to discover Doha

There’s more to Doha than Web Summit Qatar. From majestic modern skyscrapers to the winding paths of Souq Waqif, this is a city – and country – that blends tradition and innovation. Check out our selection of sightseeing, beaches, restaurants and shopping recommendations for Doha here. 

9. Keep your connections and stay in touch

The networking doesn’t stop on the last day of the event. When you meet people in person, scan their badge to stay connected via the app. Make sure to add a small note to help you remember the interaction –this may be useful when you reach out to them afterward. 

Download your connections from the app as soon as possible. Although the app is available for months after the event, people will naturally be using it more during the event and in the following days. Take advantage of the connections you make at Web Summit Qatar straight away by reaching out on the flight back! 

10. Info point 

Our team will be available to answer your questions in person at the info point, located on the event floor. We are always happy to connect!

Start planning your event by downloading the Web Summit Qatar app today. 

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