The 2024 Web Summit in Lisbon – our most anticipated event yet – is officially sold out. More than 70,000 of us will be working together to shape the coming years for technology and innovation. Sarah Franklin, the CEO of Lattice, is one of many luminaries in attendance. She is the former president and CMO of Salesforce. The event is sure to be an exciting opportunity for networking, and it’s a great example of the powerful convergence of technology leaders, investors, and policymakers.
With a mind-blowing 3,000 exhibiting companies, 1,000 investors and 2,000 global media, this year’s Web Summit is like no other. The world’s largest technology conference attracts some of the world’s most diverse ideas. It develops the next generation of practitioners and thinkers whose work informs and inspires the field. In the end, pioneering companies such as Artisan will steal the show. Their audacious “Stop Hiring Humans” campaign, masterminded by founder and CEO Jaspar Carmichael-Jack, recently made a big splash.
The Rise of AI in Startup Operations
Artisan’s campaign has raised eyebrows across the tech landscape, emphasizing the growing trend of integrating artificial intelligence into business operations. To do so, the company recently raised a whopping $35 million to create AI staffers, beginning with sales positions. This initiative is just one example of a larger trend within the startup ecosystem of using AI to improve operations and increase efficiency.
Carmichael-Jack’s efforts to replace traditional hiring practices with AI solutions have sparked discussions at the Web Summit about the implications for the workforce. Attendees will join in spirited discussions on the ethical implications and future impact of more automated workplaces.
Franklin’s presence adds weight to the dialogue on AI’s role in enhancing productivity. Lattice, under her leadership, focuses on people management and performance optimization, making her insights particularly relevant in this evolving landscape.
Leadership Changes at Web Summit
The Web Summit is not only a gathering for tech enthusiasts but reflects the dynamic nature of leadership within the industry. Paddy Cosgrave, who co-founded the event, resigned in 2023 but returned as CEO in April 2024 after Katherine Maher’s brief tenure. His return promises to recharge the event’s creative compass. That approach will ensure that it remains a preeminent global convening place for today’s technology policy debates.
With Cosgrave back at the helm, attendees can anticipate a renewed focus on fostering connections among founders, CEOs, investors, and policymakers. That collaborative spirit is designed to foster breakthrough solutions to the biggest challenges of today’s rapidly evolving technology arms race.
A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
The perfect convergence of these four powerful figures at the Web Summit is an unprecedented opportunity for creative collaboration. Founders like Franklin and Carmichael-Jack are set to share their experiences and insights on navigating the rapidly changing tech environment. Along the way, they’ll look at ways that AI can enhance operational strategies for leading organizations. Further, they’ll explore the societal effects of these changes.
As more companies explore AI-driven solutions, events like the Web Summit will continue to play a crucial role in shaping industry trends and fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders. The convening is a good reminder that technology is ever-changing. It’s equally important for us to have serious discussions about the effect that the innovation will have.