Guides

Web Summit Rio Guide for Startups: Networking, Side Events and Insider Tips

· Arthur Sorelli

Attending Web Summit Rio can be as thrilling as it is challenging – especially for startups seeking connections and opportunities. But don’t worry: we’ve prepared a light, useful and straight-to-the-point guide (inspired by June.so’s famous “Guide to Hacking Web Summit”) so you, as a startup or Nuvia client, can hack this experience to the max. Let’s go! 🚀

Networking: Connect and Make an Impact

One of the main goals at Web Summit is quality networking. Here’s how to prepare and stand out when meeting new people:

  • Use the event’s app to your advantage: Before you arrive, download the official Web Summit Rio app and create a well-crafted profile. List your interests and search in advance for those you want to meet—investors, potential clients, partners. Send personalized messages via the app introducing yourself/your startup and suggesting a quick chat; this approach yielded about 50% positive responses for the June.so team. Extra tip: if someone doesn’t answer on the app, try a touch via LinkedIn or email—it can increase your chances by 20%.
  • Schedule meetings and find key people: In the app, use the “request a meeting” feature on profiles you want to connect with. Also, use the search filters (by sector, role, country, etc.) to find relevant participants. Plan a schedule of meetings, but stay flexible—after all, informal opportunities pop up all the time in the corridors.
  • Be genuine in your approach: Remember that everyone will be trying to “sell their fish” at the event, so go beyond the obvious to avoid superficial conversations. Focus on listening and offering help or insights first, instead of pitching right away. Break the ice by sharing authentic value—many of the best conversations happen when you give something useful without asking for anything in return. This makes people think, “Wow, I liked the honesty and the help.” and opens doors for real relationships.
  • Have your pitch at the tip of your tongue: Be ready to present yourself in 30 seconds—who you are, what your startup does, and what you’re looking for at the Summit. Bottom line: practice an engaging mini-pitch about you and your company. So, when you run into a potential investor at the coffee stand, you won’t be tongue-tied. 😉
  • Be memorable (without being annoying): Think of creative (and enjoyable) ways to stand out in your contacts’ memory. A “golden tip” is to offer a useful or fun giveaway related to your business. The June.so team, for example, handed out “Growth Pills” boxes to some big names—it brought smiles and made their company memorable. A flashy emoji or sticker on your badge, a unique business card, or even a t-shirt with a smart slogan works. The important thing is to show personality. 💡 Golden tip: be original and positive—building real connections is worth more than pushing sales at all costs.

Preparation: From Planning to Essentials

Solid pre-event preparation makes all the difference to smoothly enjoying Web Summit. Keep an eye on these points:

  • Set up your agenda in advance: The Summit schedule is intense. There will be multiple stages, thematic tracks, workshops, and thousands in the pavilion. Use the app to mark “unmissable” talks on your personal calendar. Balance your daily agenda between content, expo, and networking—e.g., reserve mornings for talks on a specific stage and afternoons for visiting booths or meetings. Pro tip: Arrive around 9 AM at Riocentro to beat traffic and lines, and grab a coffee before the hustle starts.
  • Collect your badge to avoid lines: If possible, do your registration as early as you can. At Web Summit Rio 2023, the first day had long lines at registration with many missing the opening ceremony. Badge pickup was available an afternoon before—take advantage of that. Getting your wristband and badge before saves precious time and stress on the main day.
  • What to wear and bring: Prioritize comfort. You’ll walk kilometers across the three Riocentro pavilions—so wear very comfortable shoes (sneakers are your best friend). Light clothes (Rio is hot and the venue is big), but bring a jacket if you get cold in AC. Avoid bulky backpacks or purses: event security is strict, with bag checks and X-ray—leading to long entrance lines. Opt for a small bag or use your pockets. Participant backpack essentials:

    • Portable charger (power bank) – Wi-Fi, 4G, photos and check-ins drain batteries;
    • Plug adapter if you’re from outside Brazil;
    • Business cards (yes, still useful) or prep a QR Code for your LinkedIn/website;
    • Notebook or notes app for insights and contacts (audio recording or apps like Otter.ai for real-time talk transcription work too);
    • Reusable water bottle – you can bring it in and there are refill fountains;
    • Cereal/granola/chocolate bar for hunger emergencies (lunch lines can get long).
  • Logistics and communication: Plan how you will get around. Riocentro is in Barra da Tijuca, a bit far from Rio’s South Zone. Staying nearby is ideal, otherwise, leave your hotel early—Rio traffic can be unpredictable. Ride-hailing apps work well; in 2023 organizers offered shuttle buses on some Night Summit routes. Announce your presence: let your network know you’ll attend. Post on LinkedIn that you’ll be there and open to meeting, tag people. This can spark spontaneous meetups. And of course, prep your speech (as above)—align your team’s key message for investors, press, clients, etc. Consistency is key to avoid confusion.
  • Look after your health: Big events are tiring. Sleep well the night before, stay hydrated and eat properly (don’t skip meals just to pass out during networking! 😅). Bring hand sanitizer and masks if you prefer—even though masks or vaccine proof weren’t required in 2023, it’s smart to have them for safety.

⭐ Golden tip: Take what you need, but travel light at the event. Fewer things means more mobility and freedom. A small bag, phone, card and ID are enough. Saves time at security and saves your back during the day!

Side Events and Night Summit: Networking Beyond the Main Stage

Web Summit doesn’t end when it gets dark—tons of valuable networking actually happens at parallel events and the legendary Night Summit (the official afterparties). Some tips for navigating the “after hours” scene:

  • Official Night Summit: All three main nights feature official Night Summit parties open to attendees (just show your badge and wristband). Stay tuned to the schedule—in 2023, Night Summit took place in Riocentro’s outdoor area after talks, and then spread to iconic Rio spots like Lapa (with samba at Rio Scenarium) and parties in Barra. Perfect opportunities to chat casually with investors, speakers and founders with music and drinks. Arrive early: it’s first-come, first-served and fills up quickly—you don’t want to be stuck outside watching the line move.
  • Community Parallel Events (side events): Besides the official ones, many companies and communities organize happy hours, themed meetups, and exclusive gatherings citywide during Summit week. Watch for them on social media and in messaging groups:

    • People often create WhatsApp/Telegram groups specifically for Web Summit participants. In 2023, there were dedicated groups sharing event lists and invites. Join to discover “secret” happenings.
    • Check LinkedIn for posts from startups or investors announcing open cocktails or get-togethers. Real example: a “Portugal Digital Nation” meetup brought together Brazilian-Portuguese entrepreneurs at a local university, and a samba happy hour at the Jockey Club (Botanical Garden) closed out Summit week.
    • Last year, Appmasters website published a collaborative list of all known side events—from Web3 beach parties in Recreio to blockchain gaming events and business lunches. There’s no shortage of options!
  • Which are worth it? Prioritize events where you can actually have conversations. Sometimes the big hyped party with open bar and 500 people is fun but not great for deep contacts. A smaller happy hour (50–100 handpicked people) allows for better chats. The June.so founder’s rule was: “Only go to satellite events with <100 people”—of course, you won’t actually count heads 😜 but get the idea: smaller settings foster genuine connections. So consider themed meetups in your field (fintech, AI, crypto, etc.), intimate dinners, or guided networking rounds. You’ll be able to talk and listen better.
  • Networking at parties—professionally: Remember, you’re still representing your startup, even during parties. Have fun, but keep it sensible. Have that craft beer at Brewteco or a passion fruit caipirinha, but don’t overdo it if you’re networking. Strike a balance between fun and opportunity: you can exchange business cards while holding a drink! Often casual convos (“Cool DJ!” “Love this vibe…”) turn into “So, what do you do?”—and, voilà, a pitch opportunity. Tip: If music’s loud, take the person aside or arrange to continue the chat the next day, instead of shouting 😉.
  • Transport and safety: If the side event is far from your hotel, plan your return. Barra and Zona Sul are far apart; in 2023 many complained about the Riocentro → Lapa trip—it took around an hour. Sometimes the organizers offer shuttles (at the opening, there were buses from Riocentro to Av. Olegário Maciel, Barra). Otherwise, share a ride-share with colleagues—going in a group is safer and more fun. Lapa and bohemian areas are great, but watch your stuff; use ride-hailing late at night for extra safety.

🎉 Golden tip: Great networking also happens outside the venue! Save your evenings for socializing—often that top investor impossible to reach by day will be more relaxed at night, drink in hand. Side events are fertile ground for unexpected connections. And if you’re shy, remember: everyone wants to meet new people there! So take a breath and start chatting—it could spark future collaborations or, at least, good stories! 🥂

Where to Eat and Go Out: Enjoying Rio Beyond Riocentro

Life isn’t all tech—you’ll want to eat well and maybe enjoy Rio’s nightlife while in town. Here are some gastronomic and leisure tips:

  • Inside the venue: Riocentro will have several food options (food trucks, snack bars, etc.) themed after Rio neighborhoods—Copacabana, Lapa, Barra da Tijuca, etc. Everything is cashless—cards or tap-to-pay only, so don’t bring cash expecting to use it. Lunch hour (1pm) lines are long; eat earlier or later to save time. Another veteran strategy: pack a light snack so you’re not 100% dependent on food lines.
  • In Barra da Tijuca (near the event): Riocentro is fairly isolated—few walkable restaurants close by. But a few kilometers away, you’ll find great options:

    • Av. Olegário Maciel (Barra) – considered “Baixo Barra,” full of relaxed bars and restaurants, ideal for the post-event wind-down. Organizers even recommended it after the Night Summit. Two classic bars are Brewteco and Seu Bar, famous for cold beer and relaxed vibe—grab a sidewalk table and chill. There are also burger joints, pizzerias, and cafes along this street.
    • Restaurants in Barra – Many of Barra’s best eateries are in malls. For a fancier meal to impress an investor, try Casa Tua (in Vogue Square)—a renowned Italian, perfect for formal meetings, top service. Next door is the casual version, Casa Tua Trattoria, with pizzas and a young vibe. Village Mall’s highlight is Yūsha, a trendy Asian spot with great sushi/cocktails—close to Riocentro and a good spot to wait out traffic over dinner. Another hidden gem is Loire Bistrô (Vogue Square), a French bistro with happy hour (2-for-1 drinks) and even open bar French fries at the executive lunch 😋.
    • Samba bar in Barra – Want genuine samba without going too far? Visit Bar do Zeca Pagodinho (Vogue Square, Barra)—from the famous samba artist, it’s themed with live samba and cold beer. Perfect for getting Rio’s vibe without leaving the district.
  • Zona Sul (Ipanema, Leblon, and surrounds): If it’s your first time in Rio, you’ll likely want to see Zona Sul—the beaches and vibrant nightlife.

    • Ipanema/Leblon—bars and pubs: These areas have everything from beach bars to traditional “botecos.” A top tip is sunset at Arpoador (the stone between Ipanema and Copacabana) followed by a beer or caipirinha at Astor bar, right on the beach. In Leblon, try the classic Jobi (a famous late-night boteco seen as a local landmark).
    • To try Rio cuisine: A sure tip is to try feijoada (black bean stew with meats—a Saturday classic). In Leblon, Academia da Cachaça serves feijoada daily and specializes in cachaça (don’t leave without a caipirinha!). They also have a branch in Barra. Another old-school spot is Bar Urca, further away (in Urca, Zona Sul)—famous for shrimp pastries and caipirinhas enjoyed on the seawall, overlooking Guanabara Bay. Real Rio vibe, especially at dusk.
    • Fine dining: For something upscale, both Ipanema and Leblon offer award-winning restaurants. In Ipanema, try Si Señor (Mexican), Zaza Bistro (Asian-Brazilian fusion) or the classic Garota de Ipanema (where the song was written). Book ahead—during Summit week, Rio fills up with visitors.
    • Lapa & surrounds: More on Lapa’s buzz below, but in short: if you like nightlife, check out Lapa on a free evening. That’s where Rio’s most famous samba bars and clubs are. Rio Scenarium is a must-visit—a three-floor house decorated with antiques, live samba and dance, welcoming tourists and locals alike. For something edgier, Rua do Lavradio and surrounds host bars with live music, and Fridays see Lapa’s streets turn into a street party. Go by cab/app, pack light—it gets very lively!

🍽️ Golden tip: Take time to sample Rio’s local flavors. Try a fruit caipirinha (passion fruit, cajá or even açaí!), have a breakfast with pão de queijo, and if in doubt over dinner, steakhouse or well-made feijoada never fail. Places like Academia da Cachaça in Leblon mix good food and drinks in a relaxed environment. Networking happens at the table too—imagine inviting your contact for a chat in a “boteco”? Many partnerships in Rio started over a bar table! 🍻

Tourism in Rio: From Classic to Authentic

Of course, all work and no play isn’t the way. While you’re in the Marvelous City, it’s well worth carving out some time to explore and see why the city got its nickname. Here are a few must-see sights (from postcards to cultural gems) to squeeze into your schedule if possible:

The Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado is one of Rio’s most iconic tourist spots—a modern wonder of the world, going up there is a unique must for all visitors.

  • Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado): The open-armed Christ needs no introduction. Rio’s icon, it offers a breathtaking 360º view from the top of Corcovado. Go up by official van or train. Arrive early or near closing to avoid crowds. Fun fact: Christ the Redeemer is one of the 7 Modern Wonders of the World, so don’t skip it—the place’s vibe is something else.
  • Sugarloaf Mountain: Rivals Christ for stunning views. The trip by cable car to Morro da Urca and then Sugarloaf is classic. From the top, you see Guanabara Bay, Christ in the distance and the coastline. Catching sunset here shows why so many fall for Rio. By the way, you can fit Christ and Sugarloaf into a single morning or afternoon if you plan it right.
  • Copacabana and Ipanema beaches: Even with a tight schedule, try to stroll down Copacabana’s Portuguese-tiled promenade or Ipanema. Both are world-renowned. In Ipanema, go to Pedra do Arpoador at dusk—the tradition is to applaud the sun as it sets. Copacabana has the Forte de Copacabana at one end (perfect for breakfast with a sea view) and plenty of lively kiosks at night. Tip: Use sunscreen and keep an eye on your stuff if you go swimming.
  • Santa Teresa and Selarón Steps: For a local vibe, visit the charming Santa Teresa neighborhood. Cobbled streets, vintage trolleys and art studios make it a slice of genuine Rio culture. Take the Santa Teresa tram from downtown (near Lapa Arches)—the yellow tram climbs the hills with lovely views and vintage photo ops. At the top, explore cafes, craft shops, and Parque das Ruínas (cultural center/free viewpoint). On your way down, stop at the Selarón Steps in Lapa—the famed colorful staircase by artist Jorge Selarón, adorned with tiles from around the world; super Instagrammable!
  • Lapa and Samba: Lapa is the samba and nightlife cradle. Visit the Lapa Arches (the aqueduct), and if you have an evening free, go to a traditional samba circle. On Mondays, for example, there’s Samba do Trabalhador at Clube Renascença (North Zone)—in the afternoon, with local musicians—a true roots vibe. Friday nights in Lapa are busier, with live music in bars. Even if you’re not a party animal, drive by taxi to see the scene.
  • Other excursions: With extra time or a post-event weekend, Rio has plenty more:

    • Rio’s Botanical Garden: a nature-filled walk with imperial palm avenues and beautiful gardens. In Zona Sul, near Leblon. Perfect for a relaxing post-conference morning.
    • Museum of Tomorrow & Olympic Boulevard: In central Porto Maravilha, this science museum’s futuristic architecture fits the Summit’s innovative spirit. Close by is Kobra’s mural (huge street art) and the Rio Art Museum.
    • Hiking or wild beaches: Extending your trip? Rio’s surroundings are full of natural beauty. Hike up Pedra da Gávea or Pedra Bonita for panoramic views (and you can even hang-glide off Pedra Bonita). Or Uber to Prainha or Grumari, semi-wild beaches in the West Zone—paradises for surfing or beachfront BBQs.

🌟 Golden tip: Mix a little of classic tourist Rio and real Rio into your itinerary. Go to Christ and take that wide-armed photo, but also grab a seat in a Santa Teresa boteco and chat football with the waiter. Attend a Summit samba night and try a few steps with locals. These experiences will give you the best stories to tell (and post 😜) and make any business trip worth it. Web Summit brings you to Rio—it’s up to you to make the most of the city beyond the convention center!

All set! With this guide in hand, you’re ready to hack Web Summit Rio like a true insider. Whether making strategic connections through the app, impressing a future investor at Night Summit, or recharging with açaí in Ipanema, the key is balance: gain knowledge, do business, but also enjoy the ride. As a veteran put it, Web Summit is intense—but in Rio de Janeiro, you’ll leave not just with your head full of ideas, but with great beach, samba and caipirinha memories too🍹.

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

‍

dicaseventosnetworkingstartupwebsummit