Apple’s Craig Federighi will speak at Web Summit ’21

Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering Craig Federighi speaks during the keynote address at the 2020 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. (Photo by Brooks Kraft/Apple Inc.)

I’m quite jealous to learn that Apple’s SVP Software Engineering, Craig Federighi will visit Lisbon, truly one of the world’s most fantastic cities, to speak at Web Summit 2021. He’s a lucky guy.

Federighi flies in

Web Summit, sometimes called “Glastonbury for Geeks”, is one of the world’s biggest tech events. It attracts business, thought and industry leaders from across the planet, and is often a launch pad for new ideas that define the future of tech.

Federighi will appear on Wednesday November 3, according to the event schedule. Other speakers at Web Summit this year include Portugal’s president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and prime minister, Antonio Costa, Facebook whistle-blower, Frances Haugen, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Microsoft’s Brad Smith, ACLU president Deborah Archer, analyst Benedict Evans – even Thierry Henry will be at the show.

Web Summit sets the tone for this year’s event: “At a time of great uncertainty for many industries and, indeed, the world itself, we gather the founders and CEOs of technology companies, fast-growing start-ups, policymakers, and heads of state to ask a simple question: Where to next?”

Over 30 big topics will be discussed, from AI and machine learning to SaaS, retail, politics, mobile, privacy, data science and beyond.

All these people will meet in what is arguably the best city in the world. Though it lacks one thing: I remain astonished that Apple doesn’t yet have an Apple retail store in the country, or proper Portuguese language support. The beautiful buildings are crying out for an Apple design touch. Perhaps Mr Federighi can make that change?

The wonderful LX Factory library in Lisbon, Portugal

What to do in Lisbon

In ordinary COVID-free times, I’d recommend taking a day or two out to visit some of Lisbon’s fantastic places — take in the view from any of the city’s hills, or from the Elevador de Santa Justa or Arco da Rua Augusta. Try Café O Corvo for a nice drink in a beautiful square at a quiet but classy bar, eat authentic and highly affordable Mozambique food at Cantinho do Aziz, or even enjoy one of the regular fado night’s with my chums at Duque Da Rua.

While you’re doing those things, perhaps see if you can spot the Camilla Watson pictures on the city walls, before traipsing up to the bar (I see a theme here) at Castelo de Sao Jorge for another glorious view of the river and the city below. I would be proud to live in Lisbon.

I’ll be glued to news from the show this year.

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