Conference Prepping for Web Summit as a Founder (and First-Time Alpha Startup)

The closer we get to Web Summit Conference in Lisbon, the more my calendar fills with things like “pitch practice,” “side event RSVP,” and “order backup chargers.” And the more I realize… this isn’t just about our startup showing up strong.

It’s about me showing up strong.

This is my first time attending Web Summit as the founder of an Alpha Startup. ZillyPlanet, our adaptive STEM learning platform, is in the mix this year as part of the Impact Startups group. Which means yes, it’s exciting. But also, no pressure or anything… we’re literally on the radar now.

And here’s what I’ve been doing, and learning, to get ready for it.

I’ve Been to Web Summit Before. But This Time, It’s Different.

Toronto and Vancouver? Those trips felt like dipping a toe in the startup ocean. I wandered, absorbed, had some fun chats, and maybe made a few connections but did not do much conference prep. But Lisbon is big. It’s global. And this time, we’ve got something real to show.

This isn’t just about catching a trend talk or bumping into a cool founder over espresso. This time, I have goals:

• Connect with education partners who actually care about personalized learning.

• Have real funding conversations.

• Get a feel for where AI in learning is really going, beyond the hype decks.

  
  

What I've Learned from Other Founders

The best advice hasn’t come from playbooks, it’s come from friends in the grind:

• “Know your why before you walk in.” It’s easy to get distracted. If you’re clear on your purpose, you’ll filter better.

• “Say yes to the side events.” Big panels are inspiring. Small rooms are where the good stuff happens.

• “Pack like you’re working a 12-hour shift.” Because you kind of are. Startups are a hustle, but conferences? They’re full-court press.

That mental prep has helped more than any checklist (although yes, I made a checklist too, scroll down).

Rehearsing Without Losing the Human

We’ve been running pitch drills for weeks. Tweaking, simplifying, tossing in a joke that doesn’t feel too rehearsed. But I keep reminding myself: People want real. Not perfect.

If I mess up a word or fumble a phrase? Fine. If I connect with someone about why this kind of learning matters for kids? That’s the win.

I’m walking in with confidence, not because I’ve memorized everything, but because I believe in what we’re building.

My Mental Conference Prep (A Work in Progress)

This part’s personal. I’ve been prepping for early mornings, packed venues, late nights, and social batteries running on fumes by Day 2. So I’m trying to:

• Build in quiet time (even if it’s 15 minutes between events)

• Not chase every opportunity, just the right ones

• Remind myself that “no” isn’t failure, it’s filtering

• Celebrate small wins, like having a good conversation, even if it doesn't lead anywhere (yet)

Also: I’m bringing protein bars (my favorite is powercrunch). Rookie mistake last time? Skipping meals. Not again.

My Daily Startup Survival Checklist

What’s in my bag each day:

• Portable charger (x2)

• Printed one-liner pitch cards

• Branded stickers (kids love them, so do curious VCs)

• Water bottle + snacks

• Mints (self-explanatory)

• Comfy, conference-proof shoes

• Notebook + pen (for thoughts that don’t belong in Notes app)

• Business cards (old school still works sometimes)

Conversation Starters I’m Actually Planning to Use

I’m not great with small talk. So I’m bringing a few go-tos that feel natural:

• “What brought you to Web Summit this year?”

• “Seen anything that genuinely surprised you?”

• “If you weren’t working on this startup, what would you be doing instead?”

• “What’s the most exciting non-tech thing you’ve learned this week?”

These open the door to real talk, not just “What do you do?” on repeat.

So here we go. ZillyPlanet is heading to Web Summit Lisbon. We’re ready to meet collaborators, funders, and other humans building good things with tech.

I’m not aiming for perfect. I’m aiming to show up fully, as a founder, a storyteller, and someone who really believes that math should feel like play, not punishment.

If you’re there, find me at booth A7-19 on Wednesday, Nov 12th. I’ll be the one asking about your startup’s theme song.