WebSummit Rio's Guide for Startups: Networking, Side Events and Carioca Tips

Participate in Web Summit Rio can be as exciting as it is challenging — especially for startups looking for connections and opportunities. But calm down: we have prepared a light, useful and direct guide (inspired by the famous “Guide to Hacking Web Summit” from June.so) for you, startup or Nuvia customer, hack that experience to the fullest. Let's go! 🚀

Networking: Connect and Make an Impact

One of the main objectives of the Web Summit is Do quality networking. Here's how to prepare and stand out when meeting new people:

• Use the event app to your advantage: Before arriving, download the official app Web Summit Rio and create a neat profile. List your interests and search beforehand who you want to meet — investors, potential customers, partners. Send messages custom through the app introducing you/ your startup and proposing a quick chat; this approach yielded about 50% of positive answers to the people at June.so. Extra tip: If someone doesn't respond in the app, try a tap via LinkedIn or email — it may increase by 20% your chances.
  
  
• Schedule meetings and meet key people: In the app, use the “request a meeting” function on the profiles of those you want to meet. Also take advantage of search filters (by sector, position, country, etc.) to find relevant participants. Plan a meeting schedule, but with flexibility - after all, informal opportunities appear all the time in the corridors.
  
  
• Genuinely address: Remember that everybody will be trying to “sell your fish” at the event, so avoid the obvious to avoid superficial conversations. Focus on listen and offer help or insights first, instead of already pitching. Break the climate of mistrust by sharing value authentically — many of the best conversations happen when you Deliver something useful without asking for anything in return. It makes people think “Wow, I liked the candor and the help”, opening doors to true relationships.
  
  
• Have your pitch on the tip of your tongue: Be ready to introduce yourself in 30 seconds — who you are, what your startup does, and what you're looking for at the Summit. Summary of the opera: Train an engaging mini-pitch about you and your company. So when you paint that chance encounter with a coffee investor, you're not going to stutter. 😉
  
  
• Be memorable (without being inconvenient): Think of creative (and pleasant) ways to stay etched in the memory of contacts. A “golden tip” is to offer some Useful or fun toast connected to your business. The June.so team, for example, distributed boxes of “Growth Pills” to some big names — it brought smiles and made the company remembered. It's worth one emoji or sticker flashy on the credential, a different business card, or even a T-shirts with a clever slogan. The important thing is to demonstrate personality. 💡 Golden tip: be original and positive — creating real connections is worth more than pushing sales at all costs.
  
  

Preparation: from planning to what to take

Good pre-event preparation makes all the difference to enjoy the Web Summit hassle-free. Keep an eye out for these points:

• Set up your schedule in advance: The Summit schedule is intense. There will be several stages, thematic tracks, workshops and thousands of people in the pavilion. Use the app to mark “unmissable” lectures on your personal calendar. Balance your daily schedule between content, exhibition and networking — for example: set aside mornings to watch talks on a specific stage, and afternoons to tour the booths or schedule meetings. By type: Arrive around 9 in the morning at Riocentro to avoid traffic and queues, and get that coffee before the buzz starts.
  
  
• Remove credentials and avoid queues: If possible, register As soon as possible. At Web Summit Rio 2023, the first day had long lines at the opening and many people were left out of the initial ceremony. The organization allowed the badge to be removed the day before, in the afternoon - take advantage of this. Arriving now with your bracelet and badge in hand will save you precious time and stress on the official opening day.
  
  
• What to wear and bring: Prioritize comforts. You will walk kilometers in the three Riocentro pavilions - then, wear very comfortable shoes (sneakers are your best friends). Light clothing (Rio is warm and the convention center is large), but bring a jacket if you feel cold in the air conditioning. Avoid bulky backpacks or purses: security at the event is strict and bags are X-rayed and reviewed, which throws you into a long line just to get in. Prefer a small bag or use the pockets. Essential items for the participant's backpack:
  
  
  
  • Portable charger (power bank) — Wi-Fi, 4G, photos and check-ins drain the battery;
    
    
  • Socket adapter, if you come from outside Brazil;
    
    
  • Business card (yes, it's still useful) or prepare a QR Code from your Linkedin/site to share quickly;
    
    
  • Notebook or note app to annotate insights and contacts (it's also worth recording audio or using apps like Otter.ai for real-time transcription of lectures);
    
    
  • Reusable water bottle — you can come in with you and there are drinking fountains for refills;
    
    
  • Cereal/chocolate bar for hunger emergencies (lunch lines can be long).
    
    
• Logistics and communication: Plan how it will go Get around. Riocentro is located in Barra da Tijuca, somewhat remote from Rio's South Zone. Staying nearby is ideal, but if not, consider leaving the hotel in advance — traffic in Rio can be unpredictable. Transportation apps work well; the organization even offered buses on some Night Summit routes in 2023. Communicate your presence: Notify your network that you are going to the Summit. Make posts on LinkedIn saying that you'll be there and available to connect, tag potential stakeholders. This can yield spontaneous encounters. And of course, Prepare your speech (as mentioned before) — align with your team what key startup message you want to convey to different audiences (investor, press, client...). Consistency is important so as not to create confusion.
  
  
• Take care of your health: Big tired event. Sleep well the night before, stay hydrated, and eat (don't skip meals and faint in the middle of networking! 😅). Bring alcohol gel and masks if necessary - although in 2023 there was no requirement for masks or proof of vaccination, it is good to carry in the suitcase as a precaution.
  
  

⭐ Golden tip: Take everything you need, but Travel lightly inside the event. Less junk to carry means more mobility to move around and enjoy. A small purse, loaded phone, card and documents are enough. This will save you time on safety X-rays and save your back throughout the day!

Side Events and Night Summit: networking beyond the stage

The Web Summit It doesn't end when it gets dark — a lot of quality networking really works it's us side events And in the legendary Night Summit (the official post-conference parties). Some tips for navigating that “off-duty” side:

• Official Night Summit: In all the first three days of the event, there are official festivities called Night Summit, open to participants (just show your badge and bracelet). Stay tuned for the schedule — in 2023, for example, the Night Summit took place outside Riocentro after the lectures, and then spread to other iconic locations in Rio, such as Lapa (with samba at the Rio Scenarium) and even parties in Barra da Tijuca. These parties are golden opportunities to talk in a relaxed way with investors, speakers and other founders, with music and background drinks. Arrive early: admission is first-come, first-served and can fill up quickly - no one wants to be left out watching the line go by.
  
  
• Side events from the community: In addition to the official ones, several companies and communities take advantage of the Summit week to organize happy hours, themed meetups and exclusive parties around the city. Keep an eye on social networks and message groups:
  
  
  
  • Staff usually create groups of Whatsapp/Telegram for Web Summit attendees. In 2023, there were dedicated groups where lists of side events and invitations circulated. Enter them to discover “secret” events.
    
    
  • Check LinkedIn for posts from startups or investors announcing cocktails and open meetings. Real example: a “Portugal Digital Nation” meetup to connect Brazilian and Portuguese entrepreneurs took place at a college in the Center, and a Happy Hour get-together Summit week ended with samba at the Jockey Club (Botanical Garden).
    
    
  • Last year, the Appmasters website released a collaborative list with everyone the well-known side events — from Web3 parties at Recreio Beach to blockchain gaming events and business lunches. In other words, there is no shortage of options!
    
    
• Which one is worth it? Prioritize events where you can Talk calmly. Sometimes, that super cool party with an open bar and 500 people can be fun, but it doesn't yield deep contacts. A smaller meeting, such as a happy hour with 50-100 selected participants, allows for more substantial conversations. The motto of the founder of June.so was: “Only go to satellite events with <100 people” — of course you're not going to tell it one by one 😜, but understand the spirit: smaller environments facilitate real connections. Therefore, consider participating in thematic meetups of your sector (fintech, AI, crypto, etc.), intimate dinners or guided networking rounds. You will be able to speak and listen better on those occasions.
  
  
• Networking at the club, but professionally: Remember that, even in a party atmosphere, you continue to represent your startup. So short, but With common sense. Have that craft beer at Brewteco or a passion fruit caipirinha, but avoid exaggeration if you want to make business contacts there. The ideal is a middle ground between diversion and opportunity: you can exchange cards while holding a drink, yes! Often the informal conversations (“What a cool DJ sound!” , “I enjoyed that local vibe...”) evolve to “... and after all, what do you do?” — and voila, there's a chance for a casual pitch. Hint: At events with loud music, try to take the person to a quieter corner or schedule to continue the conversation the next day, so as not to shout in their ear 😉.
  
  
• Transportation and safety: If the side event is far from your hotel, plan your return. Barra da Tijuca and the South Zone have considerable distances; in 2023, many complained about the Riocentro → Lapa route, which took 1 hour (plus the time to leave the place). See if the organization offers shuttles (at the opening there were buses from Riocentro to Av. Olegário Maciel, in Barra). Otherwise, combine an Uber with colleagues — Go to class it's always safer and more fun. Lapa and other bohemian areas are great, but be on the lookout for belongings; use app transportation for extra security late at night.
  
  

🎉 Golden tip: Good networking also happens outside the pavilion! Set aside evenings to socialize — often those investors who are inaccessible during the day will be more relaxed with a glass in their hand at night. Side events are fertile ground for unexpected connections. And if you're shy, remember: everyone there wants meet new people too. Then take a deep breath and chat — it could yield future collaboration or, at the very least, good stories! 🥂

Where to eat and go out: enjoying Rio beyond Riocentro

Human beings don't live on tech alone — you'll want to eat well and maybe discover the nightlife of Rio while you're in town. Here they go gastronomic and leisure tips:

• Within the event: Riocentro will have several food options (food trucks, snack bars, etc.) distributed in themed areas with names of neighborhoods in Rio — Copacabana, Lapa, Barra da Tijuca, etc. Everything inside is Cashless, that is, they only accept credit cards or payment by approximation (no carrying cash waiting to be used). The queues at peak time (13:00) get long, so if you can, eat a little earlier or later to avoid wasting time. Another veterans' strategy: carry a light snack in your backpack so as not to depend 100% on the queues.
  
  
• In Barra da Tijuca (next to the event): Riocentro is in a more secluded area, so there aren't many restaurants within walking distance. But just a few kilometers away you can find great options:
  
  
  
  • Av. Olegário Maciel (Bar) — it's the small “Baixo Barra”, filled with bars and informal restaurants, perfect for the post-event. The Summit organization itself recommended going there after the Night Summit. twos Classic bars They are the Brewteco And the Your Bar, famous for their iced beer and relaxed atmosphere — choose a table on the sidewalk and relax like a Carioca. There are also hamburgers, pizzerias, and cafés on this street.
    
    
  • Restaurants in Barra — Many of Barra's best restaurants are inside malls. If you want one more dinner upscale to impress an investor, for example, you can go to Your Home (in the Vogue Square condominium) — a renowned Italian, ideal for formal meetings, with top service. Next to it is the casual version, Casa Tua Trattoria, with pizzas and a youthful atmosphere. At the Village Mall shopping mall, the highlight is Yūsha, modern Asian cuisine with great sushi and cocktails — it's close to Riocentro, so it can be a good stop to wait for the traffic to calm down while dining in a cool place. Another hidden gem It's the Loire Bistro (also at Vogue Square), French bistro with happy hour (double drinks) and even an open french fry bar for executive lunch 😋.
    
    
  • Samba bar in Barra — Do you want to enjoy a Samba de Raiz without going far? Visit the Zeca Pagodinho's Bar (Shopping Vogue Square, Barra) — by the famous samba singer, it's a themed bar where live sambinha and iced beer are always held. So you can experience the Rio vibe without leaving the neighborhood.
    
    
• South Zone (Ipanema, Leblon and surrounding areas): If it's your first time in Rio, you'll probably want to visit the South Zone, which is home to beaches and a vibrant nightlife.
  
  
  
  • Ipanema/Leblon — bars and bars: These areas range from beach bars to traditional bars. A very cool spot is the sunset at Arpoador (rock between Ipanema and Copacabana) followed by a draft beer or caipirinha at the Astor bar, facing the sea. At Leblon, try the traditional Jobi (clean bar famous for its snacks and which becomes a meeting point at night) — it's practically a Rio heritage.
    
    
  • To sample Rio's cuisine: A good tip is to ask for one Feijoada (black bean dish with meat, typical of Saturday meetings). At Leblon, the bar/restaurant Academia da Cachaça Serve feijoada Every day and specializes in cachaça drinks (don't go out without a caipirinha!). In fact, they also have a branch in Barra. Another traditional house is the Bar Urca, a little further away (in the Urca neighborhood, South Zone) — famous for shrimp and caipirinhas pastries that you enjoy sitting on the wall, admiring Guanabara Bay. It's a very Carioca program, ideal in the late afternoon.
    
    
  • Sophisticated dining: If you want something refined, both Ipanema and Leblon offer award-winning restaurants. In Ipanema, for example, Yes Sir (Mexican), Zaza Bistro (Asian-Brazilian fusion) or the classic Girl from Ipanema (where the eponymous song was composed) are options. But remember reserve if it's a trendy place — during Summit week, the city is filled with visitors.
    
    
  • Lapa and surroundings: We'll talk more about Lapa below in the tours, but I'll tell you more about it here: if you enjoy the night, it's very worth taking a trip to Lapa on a night off. There are the pubs and more famous samba clubs. O Scenarium River, for example, is a Mandatory point — a large three-story house decorated with antiques, where live samba and gafieira plays, and everyone (tourists and locals) risks a few steps. Want something more underground? In and around Rua do Lavradio there are several little bars with music, and on Friday nights the streets of Lapa saw an open-air party. Go by taxi/app and take only the essentials, as it's a popular thing.
    
    

🍽️ Golden tip: Take the opportunity to get to know Rio's local flavors. Order a fruit caipirinha (passion fruit, cajá, or even açaí!) , try a breakfast with cheese bread, and if you're not sure what to have for dinner, a steakhouse or a well-prepared feijoada There's no mistake. Places like the Academia da Cachaça in Leblon combine the useful with the pleasant: typical food (feijoada, hidden) and typical Brazilian drinks, in a relaxed atmosphere. Networking also happens at the table — have you ever considered inviting that contact to a conversation at a bar? Many partnerships have already been born at bar tables in Rio! 🍻

Tourism in Rio: from classic to authentic

Of course, travelers don't live on work alone. Being in Marvelous City, it's very worth taking the time to Touristar and discover places that live up to the nickname. Here are some must-see tours (from postcards to cultural finds) to include in your schedule if possible:

O Christ the Redeemer At the top of Corcovado it is one of the most emblematic tourist spots in Rio — considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world, climbing to it is a unique and unmissable experience for any visitor.

• Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado): The Christ with Open Arms needs no introduction. An icon of Rio, it offers a breathtaking 360º view from the top of Corcovado Hill. You can take an official van or train from Corcovado to the top. Arrive early or close to closing time to avoid crowds. Fun fact: Christ the Redeemer is considered one of 7 Wonders of the Modern World, so be sure to visit — the energy of the place is incredible.
  
  
• Sugarloaf: It rivals the Christ when it comes to spectacular views. The tour of Cable car to the top of Urca Hill and then to Sugarloaf Mountain is classic. From the top you will see Guanabara Bay, the Christ in the background and the entire waterfront. If you take the sunsets, you will understand why so many fall in love with Rio. And in detail: it's easy to reconcile Christ and Sugarloaf Mountain in the same shift (morning or afternoon), if you plan well.
  
  
• Copacabana and Ipanema beaches: Even if your schedule is full, try to stop by Copacabana (even if it's to walk on the Portuguese wave promenade) and Ipanema. Both are world famous. In Ipanema, go to Pedra do Arpoador in the late afternoon — the tradition is to applaud the setting sun on the sea. Copacabana, on the other hand, has the Copacabana Fort in a corner (where you can have breakfast while looking at the sea) and many lively kiosks at night. Hint: Use sunscreen and watch out for bags in the sand if you're going for a swim.
  
  
• Santa Teresa and Escadaria Selarón: For something with more local vibes, visit the charming neighborhood of Santa Teresa. With its cobblestone streets, circling old cable cars and art studios, the place seems to stand still in time and is a haven of authentic Rio culture. Take the Santa Teresa cable car that leaves the Center (near Arcos da Lapa) — the yellow cable car goes up the hills and offers beautiful views and vintage photos. Upstairs, explore the cafés, craft stores, and the Ruins Park (cultural center with free viewpoint). On the way down, stop at Escadaria Selarón, in Lapa — that famous colorful staircase, the work of the artist Jorge Selarón, filled with tiles from all over the world. It's super Instagrammable!
  
  
• Lapa and Samba: We talk about Lapa in the bars, but reinforcing it as a “cultural tour”: Lapa It is the birthplace of samba and bohemia. Visit the Arcos da Lapa (the aqueduct) and, if you have a free night, go to a traditional Roda de Samba. On Mondays, for example, the Samba do Trabalhador at Clube Renascença (North Zone) — it's in the afternoon, it brings together local samba players and is very roots. In Lapa itself, Friday nights are more crowded, with live music at the bars. Even if you're not a party, it's worth taking a taxi to see the scene.
  
  
• Other tours: If you have extra time or stay the weekend after the event, Rio offers much more:
  
  
  
  • Rio Botanical Garden: a quiet stroll amidst nature, imperial palm groves and beautiful gardens. It is located in the South Zone, next to Leblon. Great for a relaxing post-conference morning.
    
    
  • Museum of Tomorrow and Olympic Boulevard: in the central region (Porto Maravilha), a science museum with futuristic architecture, great for those who like innovation — it has everything to do with the spirit of the Summit. Nearby is the Kobra Mural (huge colorful graffiti) and the Rio Art Museum.
    
    
  • Wild trail or beach: Do you want to extend your trip to the weekend? Rio's surroundings have incredible natural beauty. Ex: trail to Pedra da Gávea or Pedra Bonita (panoramic views, and at Pedra Bonita you can even hang glider). Or take an Uber to Prainha or Grumari, semi-wild beaches in the west, off the beaten tourist itinerary — true paradises for surfing or barbecue on the beach.
    
    

🌟 Golden tip: Mix in your itinerary a bit of Classic tourist river and of Rio de Verdade. Go to Christ the Redeemer and take that photo with open arms, but also sit at a bar in Santa Teresa and talk to the waiter about soccer. Go to the Summit party on samba night and risk a few steps with the Cariocas. These experiences will give you incredible stories to tell (and post 😜) and make any business trip worthwhile. The Web Summit brings you to Rio; it's up to you to take advantage of what the city has to offer besides the convention center!

Ready! With this guide in hand, you have everything to Hack Web Summit Rio like a true insider. Whether making strategic connections on the app, impressing a future investor at the Night Summit, or recharging with an açaí in Ipanema, the key is poise: absorb knowledge, do business, but also enjoy the journey. As one veteran said, the Web Summit is intense — but in Rio de Janeiro, in addition to leaving with a mind full of ideas, you can leave with good memories of the beach, samba and caipirinha 🍹.

Good luck and see you at Web Summit Rio! 🌴👋

‍