'No FOMO': How to win Web Summit Vancouver

Web Summit is almost here—and with it comes the pressure to show up, stand out, and soak up every ounce of opportunity. But with thousands of people, dozens of stages, and a calendar that’s somehow simultaneously empty and full, how do you make the most of it?

We asked some of Vancouver’s most experienced operators, investors, and startup execs for their advice on navigating the conference chaos. Whether you're a founder pitching for the first time, a marketer looking to grow your network, or just someone trying to survive 12-hour days in shoes that weren't made for walking, there's something here for you.

Start with a plan—then leave room for magic

Brendan Cooper, a partner at Deloitte, was blunt: “The Web Summit will be of a size and scale unlike anything we've seen in the BC tech community.” His advice? Identify three or four outcomes you want from the event—and be deliberate in how you chase them.

Michelle Sklar, head of marketing and communications at Innovation UBC, agrees. She recommends using the conference app to map out your “do-not-miss” sessions and side events. “You can’t do it all,” she said. “So plan your time accordingly and avoid burnout.”

That said, several leaders pointed out that the best moments might not be on the official schedule.

Ada Slivinski, VP at Talk Shop, said the best connections often come when you're not hunting for them. “Forget about the lists and targets for a minute,” she said. “Make connections with people you’re genuinely curious about. The best things can happen in those moments of serendipity.”

Conference stamina is real—respect it

April Hicke, CEO of Toast, reminded us of the obvious but overlooked: “Build in breaks so you don’t burn yourself out.” Whether that means ducking out for solo time before evening events or sneaking in a nap, pace yourself. “All day meetings and then events in the evenings? Go have an hour by yourself to recharge from 4–5pm.”

Sklar echoed the same, albeit more tactically: “Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes. Nothing brings conference fun to a screeching halt like exhaustion and blisters.”

And if you’re an introvert, you’re not alone. Anastasia Hambali, senior director of partnerships at Boast, suggests taking a “people break”—a few quiet minutes on a balcony or a walk outside. “Sometimes, you may randomly (actually) run into the person you want to connect with as well.”

Master the art of the non-pitch

Web Summit is a chance to spread the word about your startup—but don’t mistake it for a Dragon’s Den audition.

“Resist the urge to go full pitch mode at a party,” Hambali said. “It’s a networking event, not Shark Tank.” Her advice: learn to talk about your company without launching into a deck.

Paulina Cameron, COO at Flytographer, went a step further. She laid out a full follow-up system that starts during the event. Step one? After every chat, write a few quick notes. Bonus points if you remember something personal—like a trip or weekend plan—they mention. “Reference that in your follow-up,” she said. “It makes your message stand out.”

Her later steps include scheduling your emails to go out about a week after the event (to avoid the post-conference inbox tsunami), tagging contacts in your CRM by interest or location, and—if the connection was meaningful—a handwritten thank-you note. “A handwritten mailed note always hits the mark.”

Chris Hobbs, president at TTT Studios, keeps it simple: “Follow up with anyone you didn’t already connect with on LinkedIn — just a quick note saying it was great meeting them.”

Go where the people are (and create your own moment)

From side events to early morning runs, the real action is often outside the main halls.

Joel Hansen, head of marketing at LOI Venture, suggested skipping the formalities and hosting something yourself. “Few take the initiative to create events,” he said. “Stand out by organizing a mini gathering for about 8 people.” He’s also hosting the LOI Founders/VC Run at 7:00 a.m. on May 28, which he says is a “refreshing way to network outside the usual settings.”

Sklar recommends chatting with whoever’s next to you in the coffee line. Hansen says ditch the business cards and aim to make one lifelong friend a day. Hobbs suggests you do bring cards—because some people still prefer them.

Meanwhile, Hambali offered this sly tip for those without a badge: “No ticket? No worries—plenty of folks just ‘happen’ to be grabbing coffee nearby for some well-timed networking.”

And for creators, Hansen suggests turning chance meetings into collaborations: “If you run a podcast, newsletter, or social channel, propose a joint project. It can be more impactful than a casual coffee chat.”

Be bold. Be kind. Be yourself.

“Dress for authenticity,” Hansen added. “A relaxed outfit can foster more genuine interactions than a formal suit.”

“I’ve been going to Web Summit since 2016,” said Ilya Brotzky, CEO of Vanhack. His advice? “No idea is too silly, just go for it!”

And finally, Hambali reminds us that not every connection needs to be transactional. “Some of my best event connections were the most low-key,” she said. “Be kind and open.”

Or, as Cameron put it: “No FOMO. Trust that the people you do meet are the right ones for right now.”

Bonus: Want to meet great people? Start with this list.

If you see any of these local leaders around the Summit, say hi. They’ve been there, they get it—and they just gave you their playbook.