Storm Charles forces cancellation of Web Summit’s second day
The Lisbon technology conference plans to continue on Thursday as Portugal closes schools and non-essential public services nationwide.
Organisers of Lisbon’s Web Summit have called off the conference’s second day, scheduled for 11 November 2026, following government advice over Storm Charles. Portugal has declared a state of emergency because of the storm.
Attendees were notified by email that the government’s concerns included tidal flooding, major transport disruption and wind damage to external structures. Organisers said they would comply with the advice. Their plan is for the summit to continue on Thursday.
The move came after talks involving Portugal’s government, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) and the Public Security Police (PSP). Earlier, Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas had proposed cancelling the summit, while leaving the final decision to organisers and the central government.
The Minister of Internal Administration announced nationwide closures of schools and non-essential public services for 11 November. Separately, the Ministry of Internal Affairs said restrictions would remain on access to coastal and riverside locations, as well as other areas prone to flooding.
Held at FIL in Parque das Nações, Web Summit expects nearly 70,000 people to attend, with 900 speakers among them. Organisers also expect more than 2,000 startups.
