Web Summit cancels Wednesday programme over storm

Web Summit will not run its Wednesday programme in Lisbon after organisers decided to cancel the second day of the technology conference because of severe weather warnings issued by Portuguese authorities, a move that affects an event expected to draw about 70,000 people from 160 countries.

In a message to participants, the organisation said it would “respect the Government’s indication” and that “Day 2 (Wednesday, November 11) will not take place”. It said the decision followed discussions with the Portuguese government, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority and the public security police.

Organisers said they still intend to hold the third day of the event on Thursday, November 12, as planned, after storm Charles passes through the country. They added that they would continue to work with the authorities and emergency services and provide further updates when confirmed information becomes available.

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said the government had recommended suspending the event on Wednesday. Lisbon mayor Carlos Moedas had also said earlier in the day that closing Web Summit would be “the most sensible decision”, while noting that the final call rested with the government and the organisers.

Originally published at Eco.pt