Europe's largest tech conference begins in Dublin

DUBLIN — Europe's largest technology conference kicked off Tuesday in Ireland's capital.

The Web Summit will see more than 40,000 people from about 134 countries gather here for three days of talks, workshops and networking.

Around 1,000 speakers including the founders and chief executives of Dell, Instagram and Ford will address topics on technology, fashion, marketing, money and more.

The conference takes place this year amid ongoing acrimony between the Irish government and the forum's organizers.

After five years in Dublin, where it held its first event with just 400 people, the Web Summit is moving to Lisbon for three years beginning in 2016.

Founder Paddy Cosgrave has accused the Irish government of failing to meet the event's expanding infrastructure needs.

"Leaving international attendees stranded with no hope of public transport or taxis caused incredible frustration," Cosgrave wrote in an email in September.

The government disputes that allegation.

"I spoke to Paddy myself when he was in Portugal, saying we would offer every assistance that we can," Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said last month.

Appearing on stage Tuesday, Cosgrave said that one of Web Summit's chief attractions for attendees is that it offers networking "intimacy" despite its size.