In the world of ever-changing technology, keeping up with the latest information is not just an advantage but a necessity. Over the past year, spearheading a communications and media firm has led my company to participate in over 35 conferences worldwide, allowing me to recognize the profound impact these events have on fostering innovation and shaping the narrative of our industry.
So what sets an outstanding conference apart? From my experience, three pivotal factors stand out: the calibre of speakers, a tech-savvy environment, and a vibrant atmosphere.
In light of these considerations, I present a curated list of the most impactful global events and conferences I've participated in.
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Paris Blockchain Week: March 20-24, 2023
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Upcoming: April 2024 in Paris, France
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This event managed to draw over 10,000 attendees and showcased industry leaders like Changpeng Zhao and Joseph Lupin. Paris is now a leading crypto hub in Europe, attracting major players due to its progressive regulations and government support for innovation.
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Consensus 2023: April 26-28
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Upcoming: May 2024 in Austin, Texas, USA
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Consensus, a trailblazer in the realm of crypto conferences, has been a staple in the industry. There's no denying the unparalleled networking quality in the U.S, home to several web3 unicorns like Yuga Labs, Fireblocks, ConsenSys, and Coinbase. The event features diverse panels, workshops, and keynote speeches with prominent figures in crypto, finance, and policymaking. Noteworthy speakers included Edward Snowden, Brad Garlinghouse, and Brian Armstrong.
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Korea Blockchain Week: September 4-10, 2023
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Upcoming: September 2024 in Seoul, South Korea
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South Korea proudly hosts web3 unicorns like WeMade, Upbit, Bithumb, and Klayten. Moreover, the nation's significant crypto trading interest is evident, with nearly 7 million users, particularly concentrated in Seoul. The conference gave us a valuable peek into the vibrant world of Asia, truly standing out as one of the must-attend gatherings in the region.
Permissionless: September 9-11, 2023Upcoming: October 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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The 2023 edition in Austin, Texas, featured keynote speakers such as Vitalik Buterin and Anatoly Yakovenko, Co-Founder of Solana. Despite coinciding with Token2049 in Singapore, the conference stood out for its quality and insights into web3 trends. Looking ahead, the 2024 edition is set for Salt Lake City, Utah.
Token 2049: September 13-14, 2023
Upcoming: April 2024 in Dubai, UAE
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In the past 5 years, this conference has transformed into a bustling (albeit slightly over-crowded) event, featuring notable speakers like Balaji Srinivasan, Sam Altman, and Jenny Johnson. Looking ahead, the next edition is taking centre stage in Dubai.
Blockchain Life: October 24-25, 2023
Upcoming: April 2024 in Dubai, UAE
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Traditionally held in Russia, recent geopolitical issues steered Blockchain Life to Dubai. While the event had a mining focus in the past, BL2023 in Dubai expanded to include a diverse array of industry leaders and dynamic startups. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, hosting over 4,000 attendees.
Binance Blockchain Week Istanbul: November 8 & 9, 2023
Upcoming: April 2024 in Istanbul
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Istanbul stands out as one of the global leaders in cryptocurrency adoption, driven by its volatile lira and high inflation rates. The country boasts an estimated 8 million individuals actively participating in the crypto space. The event emphasizing the city's pivotal role in the crypto landscape and was especially beneficial for projects targeting the Turkish market and seeking a B2C audience.
ADFW - Abu Dhabi Finance Week: Nov 27-30, 2023
Upcoming: TBC in Abu Dhabi
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The UAE is what we proudly call our headquarters for the same reason over 1,800 web3-focused organizations do too. The nation boasts a crypto-friendly jurisdiction, thriving ecosystem, and strategically advantageous geographical position.
ADFW's second edition highlighted Abu Dhabi’s economic growth and commitment to establish new operations in the nation The combined assets under management of major financial institutions reached USD 452 billion, with renowned entities like Rothschild & Co, J.P. Morgan, and Brevan Howard.
Milken Middle East & Africa Summit: Dec 7 & 8, 2023
Upcoming: TBC
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The Milken Institute is an nonprofit economic think tank that quenches the mind with knowledge and insight from global leaders. This conference specifically focused on the Middle East, Aligned with COP28 in Dubai, and tackled global challenges, including sustainable investing and climate-smart agriculture.
Agora Congress: Dec 11 & 12, 2023
Upcoming: February 2024 in Dubai & Saudi Arabia, May 2024 in Dubai, UAE
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Since 2017, I've been actively engaged in this curated event, which consistently stands out for its exceptional networking opportunities. The 12th edition set itself apart with its intimate and exclusive atmosphere, drawing over 100 investors, 15 projects, 40 A-list speakers, and 30 additional media partners.
Given the substantial costs and time commitment associated with participation in each event, I aimed to curate a list that could set expectations and facilitate the selection process for others among the plethora of web3 conferences. Below are a few conferences which narrowly missed my top 10 list.
Crypto Valley Conference: June 1-2
Upcoming: June 2024 in Zug, Switzerland
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This 500-person event had a boutique feel and certainly focused on quality over quantity, with renowned blockchain companies supported by Switzerland's friendly regulatory environment and financial ecosystem.
Edge Summit: Sep 26-27, 2023
Upcoming: TBC
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With over 8,000 attendees, the summit assembled distinguished experts in Web3. Despite China's crypto ban in 2019, the nation seems to be the perfect gateway for Chinese nationals who have faced challenges learning and networking within the industry.
WOW Summit: October 8-9, 2023
Upcoming: March 2024 in Hong Kong
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With over 1,500 attendees and 100 investors,. the event, graced by luminaries renowned in the Middle East including Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, Talal Tabbaa and Mohammad AlBlooshi.
NBX: Dec 4-5, 2023
Upcoming: May 2024 in Warsaw, Poland
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NBX took place in Warsaw and Berlin in 2023. The conference seamlessly facilitated over 1500 business meetings through its app, attracting industry giants such as Coinbase, Google, Binance, Animoca Brands, and Polygon.
These conferences serve as incubators for innovation and are often underestimated in their role of fostering significant connections. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or industry enthusiast, Web3 conferences are essential for staying at the forefront of the ever-evolving landscape, so be sure to mark these events in your 2024 calendar!
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
