At least 66 blockchain conferences, summits, and meetings have been held around the world in the first two months of 2019. About 400 events of this kind are held annually, and each is simply unreal to visit if you don’t have a flywheel-time. How, then, from such a large number of events can you choose the one that will be worth the money spent on flights, accommodation, and the conference?
First of all, you should define the purpose of your visit to the blockchain conference. Most likely, the answer is the word “networking” – contacting the right people. Who are these right people? It is important to clarify whether you need investors, partners or journalists. Or you are a journalist wishing to get exclusive comments from the opinion leaders, who haven’t responded to your email for several months. Every scenario is different; therefore, a clear definition of your goals will significantly narrow the list of relevant crypto conferences.
Choosing the right conferences is not an easy task, very similar to mining. To find a suitable option, you have to review dozens of events. But no matter what conference you like, you should take the time to carefully study the list of participants and speakers. You may be able to contact some of them on social networks and emerge from the shadows.
It is also important to study the latest industry news including materials related to the issues that will be discussed during a particular conference. So that you can easily join the conversation at the conference, showing off for the people around, because participation is investment, and each conference should result in getting new customers, investors, partners or employees.
In fact, the list of topics discussed at various conferences often overlap by almost 100%. For example, in 2018 most conferences centered around the interaction between blockchain and AI, the impact of the Chinese crypto ban on the Asian crypto economy, and the millennials stance on cryptocurrencies. Thus, many summits were fully dedicated to a debate over the role of government in blockchain development, crypto trading, and adoption of blockchain technology by businesses.
The biggest interest in the blockchain conferences last year was caused by reports on working with financial instruments and services (hedge funds and cryptocurrency exchanges) and discussions on legislation. And judging by the official websites of many upcoming conferences, these topics will be included in their program this year as well as such themes as the benefits and risks of blockchain, the further development of smart contracts, and blockchain-backed apps.
It is interesting to note that Asia occupies an ever more serious position in the cryptocurrency market. Moreover, Asia is the place where the most large-scale conferences are held this year. For example, the second edition of Token2049 will take place in Hong Kong on March 13-14 in a fairly unique format. This is the only conference entirely dedicated to the token industry and its capabilities, with such a large number of attendees (more than 2,000 participants from around the world and more than 100 speakers).
An equally popular conference venue in Asia – Singapore. So, the next Blockchain Life forum will be held on April 23-24, and unlike the conference discussed above, this one covers a very large list of topics for discussion. Crypto experts will debate the possible ways of attracting funds and investors, and getting listed on crypto exchanges, and discuss whether 2019 is the new era of mining or not.
By the way, mining isn’t a topic that is widely discussed at all blockchain conferences. At Blockchain Life, mining is one of four key sessions (the remaining are startups, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain). This is not the first Blockchain Life forum, and judging by its scale, participants will need to spend some time on getting acquainted with all the speakers and projects, which total more than 200.
The advantage of such conferences is the tremendous experience. It’s not only about the skill of building communication, but also highlighting key information at a fairly fast speed.
While many people may be hearing about the Blockchain Life for the first time, as the conference is only gaining momentum, even those who are far removed from the industry know about the next event. This is not surprising since the organizers pay great attention to covering the Blockshow in top media all over the world: more than 200 journalists come to each event looking for some fresh material and exclusive comments from experts for a couple of articles that will definitely hit the top and will stay on the main page of publications for a while.
A distinctive feature of the event is Blockshow Oscar – a battle of 10 startups for a place in the sun, where each of them has a chance to win the desired investment. Another such battle will take place in November.
For those who don’t want and cannot wait till November (or simply prefer Europe to Asia), there are a number of attractive alternatives. One of them, the next Blockchain Cruise by Coinsbank, will take place in June. The cruise is already famous for its scale and top speakers: in over three years it has been visited by more than 5,500 attendees, and this is quite a lot, considering the limited size of the vessel.
During the previous event, the whole cruise vessel was booked for the Blockchain Cruise participants only, providing them with the necessary networking conditions – no random people, only productive communication. As a pleasant addition, all attendees experience the beautiful landscapes of three countries at once – Spain, France, and Italy.
Whatever conference you choose, wherever it is, in Asia or not, you should never forget about thorough preparation. This is 90% of success. ?onfidence in yourself and your product, along with the goals you present, will bear good fruit and maximize the benefits of participating in blockchain and cryptocurrency conferences.
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