2 weeks Ago By Monica Younsoo Chung
Vancouver - In a bold move that solidifies its position as a burgeoning tech hub, Vancouver is gearing up to host the globally acclaimed Web Summit from May 27 to 30, 2025. This prestigious event, which has grown from humble beginnings in Dublin to become a cornerstone of the technology sector, promises to bring a surge of innovation and economic vitality to British Columbia's largest city. The journey of Web Summit mirrors the explosive growth of the tech industry itself.
What began as a gathering of 150 participants in 2009 has evolved into a must-attend event for industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries. The success of its offshoot, the Collision conference in Toronto, which drew over 36,000 attendees in 2023, set the stage for Web Summit's expansion to the West Coast. Recognizing the immense potential of hosting such a high-profile event, various levels of government have rallied behind Web Summit Vancouver, committing $14.
8 million in funding over three years. This investment is expected to yield significant returns, with Destination Vancouver projecting approximately $57 million in direct tourism spending and a total economic impact of around $93 million in 2025 alone. The conference will feature a star-studded lineup of speakers, including tech luminaries like Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, and Tim Berners-Lee.
Attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights from these industry titans across a range of cutting-edge topics, from artificial intelligence and space exploration to the future of the internet and digital transformation. Vancouver's selection as the host city for Web Summit 2025 is no coincidence. The region has emerged as a powerhouse in the global technology sector, with Metro Vancouver attracting US$31 billion in tech investments between 2018 and 2023.
The city's vibrant startup ecosystem was further highlighted by Burnaby-based Clio's record-breaking $1.24 billion financing round in 2024 – the largest venture capital investment in Canadian history. This surge in investment and innovation has positioned British Columbia at the forefront of the tech industry.
In the first nine months of 2024 alone, BC companies raised approximately $2.1 billion across 64 deals, with nearly half involving information and communications technology firms. As Vancouver prepares to welcome thousands of attendees from around the world, the city is offering a range of ticket options to suit different needs and budgets.
From the $415 General Attendee pass to the exclusive $7,870 Chairperson Ticket, the conference aims to create an inclusive environment for networking, learning, and collaboration. The arrival of Web Summit in Vancouver marks a pivotal moment for the city and the province, cementing their status as key players in the global technology landscape. As the countdown to May 2025 begins, anticipation builds for an event that promises to shape the future of tech and showcase Vancouver's innovative spirit to the world.
.
