8 of the most anticipated talks at Web Summit 2023

From erasing the stigma around psychedelics to AI regulation, our most anticipated talks are sure to pique your interest.

As Web Summit 2023 gets ready to open its doors, we’ve put together a list of some of the top talks as chosen by you, our attendees, through the app.

Haven’t planned your personal schedule yet? Fear not – we’ve got you covered. Here are eight highly anticipated talks you won’t want to miss.

Opening Night

Monday, 13 November

Our event kicks off with Opening Night on Centre Stage, where Web Summit CEO Katherine Maher, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and some of the biggest stars in Portuguese tech will revel in the excitement of what lies ahead in the coming days.

The Mayor of Lisbon Carlos Moedas will also be here to welcome attendees to the Portuguese capital.

How do we regulate AI?

Tuesday, 14 November

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate the tech sphere, as uncertainty emerges about the ethics of its use. Companies and administrations are working towards establishing their own rules, but few organisations agree on legislation.

With the risks associated with AI – including misinformation, bias and copyright – regulation has never been more crucial.

MIT research scientist Andrew McAfee discusses how AI can – and should – be regulated, and the impact it may have on the tech industry.

How to create great content

Tuesday, 14 November

With the media age upon us – content is king. And with a steady stream of content, it’s difficult to distinguish between the bad, the good and the great.

Join professional footballer and investor Patrice Evra, social media personality and songwriter Loren Gray, and CNN international correspondent Larry Madowo as they discuss fame, going viral and creating a mega-audience.

How to connect with your audience

Wednesday, 15 November

The omnipresence of social media has certainly made it easier to self-broadcast. But it’s now a lot more difficult to forge long-lasting and enduring connections between content makers and consumers.

Learn from actress, blogger and activist Jessica Athayde about how to connect with people online in a meaningful way.

Is AI the real deal or all hype?

Tuesday, 14 November

Throughout the past year, AI has become one of the most talked about emerging technologies, with a raft of companies promoting open-source AI models.

But are these models really all they’re cracked up to be?

Signal President Meredith Whittaker takes to the stage to discuss AI – and the truth about its effect on humanity.

Breaking the taboo around psychedelics

Thursday, 16 November

From naturally-produced psilocybin to synthesised anaesthetics, psychedelics are having a moment in medicine. However, there is still a huge societal stigma around these treatments.

Join this session to explore what’s holding psychedelics back from mainstream acceptance, the root of this taboo, and what’s next in this space.

A digital transformation odyssey across PepsiCo’s end-to-end value chain

Tuesday, 14 November

The digital era demands that organisations implement cutting-edge technology while maintaining the ability to adapt to what’s next.

However, implementing and scaling such a transformation across a global organisation presents complex challenges.

Join this session as PepsiCo’s first-ever chief strategy and transformation officer Athina Kanioura outlines the transformation strategy enabling PepsiCo to successfully reinvent its complex end-to-end value chain.

The hitchhiker’s guide to great storytelling

Thursday, 16 November

Aspiring writer? Avid reader? Simply curious about the magic behind storytelling? This talk is for you.

Let this illuminating discussion inspire you and leave you eager to explore the world of storytelling in all its forms.

A panel of writers, professors and columnists gather to discuss how to engage audiences with gripping narration. Grab your backpack, stick your thumb out and hop in for a great adventure.

To access the full event lineup, check out the schedule and get inspired.