We’re thrilled to announce our second consecutive attendance at the Blockchain Futurist Conference. This event, held in our very own city, is a testament to the rapid evolution and potential of blockchain technology. Here’s a deep dive into what we’ve gathered from the conference and why it’s a must-attend for anyone in the industry:
1. A Stellar Line-up of Speakers
The Futurist Conference boasted an impressive array of speakers, each bringing unique insights and expertise to the table. From pioneers in the blockchain space to innovators in the NFT realm, the conference was a melting pot of ideas and innovations.
Last year, we had the pleasure of witnessing Vitalik Buterin, creator of Ethereum, and this year the conference was able to bring Charles Hoskinson, founder of the Cardano blockchain. Quick fact for those who may not know Charles was also part of the creation of the Ethereum blockchain as a cofounder, so it’s safe to say the speaker panel featured top industry experts.
We also had the opportunity to listen to speakers within the marketing space, LunaPR is a public relations firm focused on the blockchain space. There founder Nikita Sachdev spoke about her experience bootstrapping her company and growing it to a marketing powerhouse with a majority female team. We’re also a bootstrapped marketing agency with a similar story! It was great to learn from the success she and her team are having. She shared some tips on what helped accelerate the growth of Luna PR including staying bootstrapped, investing when everyone downsizes and hiring the right talent that shares a similar passion and vision as your company.
The panels also featured talks about the global disruption that blockchain technology will have on the financial system. We heard Mark Connors, Pamela Draper, David Shafrir, Robert Balazs and Sam Bourgi talk about how many things have changed in the past few years with the growth of cryptocurrency adoption. They highlighted seem key points to keep in mind for skeptics:
- JP Morgan is building financial tools on top of Ethereum
- Blockrock is launching a Bitcoin ETF and it’s a big deal
- Traditional Finance is now supporting the digital asset industry (just as SEC goes after coinbase Blackrock launched their ETF)
- Paypal has launched their own stablecoin making cryptocurrency more accessible than ever before
Modernization of banking is underway and we are just at the beginning stages of adoption. We have come full circle from a wild west ecosystem to one being built for and by institutions.
We were also front row for Charles Hoskinson’s Keynote Presentation: Governance: Building more inclusive models, which was held at the Satoshi main stage. Charles highlighted the importance of governance and set the stage for a serious conversation on how blockchain applications of the future should be making major decisions.
2. ETHToronto Hybrid Hackathon
As always, the ETHToronto Hybrid Hackathon was one of the highlights of the conference. It’s an opportunity for developers to showcase their skills, compete for prizes, and potentially catch the eye of companies looking for fresh talent.
3. ETHWomen Hackathon
It was abundantly clear that diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of the blockchain industry, and the Futurist Conference made its stance clear this year with the ETHWomen Hackathon. This event focused on bringing more women into the blockchain space, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. The hackathon welcomed everyone, irrespective of their technical background. It was also a blend of online and in-person experiences, a hybrid model that ensured that participants could connect and collaborate while also enjoying the flexibility of online participation. It was a welcomed step toward bridging the gender gap in the blockchain industry. The hackathon was backed by various Women Web3 communities, emphasizing the collective effort to support and uplift women in the blockchain space.
On top of this event, women in the industry also had the chance to attend a Women’s Breakfast that provided a space for panels and networking, and there was also a Women Founder Showcase event held at the ETH Women Hackathon stage.
We truly felt the Conference’s efforts to boost women’s participation this year while solidifying its stance in creating a supporting and diverse community.
4. NFT Galleries: The Future of Art
NFTs have taken the world by storm, and the Futurist Conference is right on trend with its NFT Galleries. Just as they did last year, the Conference once again arranged an impressive NFT gallery to showcase the impact of this technology. These galleries highlight the potential of NFTs in the art world, offering a unique blend of technology and creativity.
The main NFT event was The Future is Wild. Backstage NFT Tour. There were two other events at the Main Entrance and the Purple Room.
5. Canada Crypto Week
The Canada Crypto Week is a week-long celebration of all things crypto including the Futurist Conference, but also many other workshops, panel discussions and meetups. It was a deep dive into the world of cryptocurrencies and their potential impact on the global economy. With topics ranging across many categories it was great to see the Canadian Crypto community come together and take advantage of this week.
Reflecting on Last Year
Last year, we had the privilege of attending the Blockchain Futurist Conference 2022, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The event was hosted by Untraceable Events, one of Canada’s pioneering blockchain companies. The conference was a blend of crypto enthusiasm, with features like Crypto Helicopter Rides and crypto-enabled marketplaces. The focus on blockchain technology was evident, with dedicated spaces like the Blockchain Bootcamp and the ETHToronto Hackathon. Not to mention, the presence of blockchain giants like Vitalik Buterin and Anthony Di Lorio added immense value to the conference. The NFT galleries were a futuristic experience, showcasing the potential of virtual reality in appreciating digital art.
The Blockchain Futurist Conference is more than just an event, it’s a glimpse into the future of blockchain technology. At Nomadic Advertising, we’re proud to be a part of this journey and are excited to see where the future takes us. Whether you’re a seasoned blockchain expert or a curious enthusiast, this conference has something for everyone. We hope to see you there next year!
