The roar of a thousand conversations, the electrifying buzz of new ideas, the clinking of glasses raised in celebration—this is the symphony of a crypto convention. These gatherings, once niche meetups for the tech-savvy few, now pulse with the energy of a global movement reshaping the very fabric of finance and technology. From the bustling exhibition halls to the intimate breakout sessions, crypto conventions are where the future is forged, one connection, one idea, one partnership at a time.
To understand the transformative potential of crypto conventions, we gathered insights from leading voices in the blockchain space: Anndy Lian, intergovernmental blockchain expert, investor, and author; Shibtoshi, the pseudonymous CEO and founder of the SquidGrow ecosystem; Tracy Laparulo, CEO of Untraceable, a crypto and blockchain event and marketing firm; and Stacie Meng, co-founder of the NEXSTOX Exchange and executive director at RIO TECHNOLOGIES.
Navigating the Crypto Convention Maze: Strategies for Effective Networking
Successfully navigating the bustling environment of a crypto convention requires a strategic approach.
Lian emphasized the importance of proactive engagement, advising attendees to “initiate conversations” and come prepared with concise and engaging talking points. He also suggested leveraging QR codes linked to online portfolios as a modern networking tool.
Laparulo, meanwhile, highlighted the unique value of face-to-face interactions in the crypto space. She explained that these in-person encounters were crucial “because you come to the conference, you say this is a real project, I met the CEO, I met the developer team, I could see they’re a strong company and then you can make better decisions whether to work with them or invest in them.” Building trust and assessing the legitimacy of projects, she argued, are best achieved through direct interaction.
Building on this, Meng pointed out that side events, often held in a more relaxed atmosphere than formal conference sessions, could be particularly valuable for networking. The executive noted that these informal gatherings provided “a unique opportunity to interact with founders, key executives, and investors in a less structured setting,” which can “facilitate more organic and meaningful connections.”
Shibtoshi emphasized the importance of preparation and proactive engagement. “Begin by researching the speakers, exhibitors, and key attendees before the event,” he advised, “identifying individuals or companies that align with your goals.” He also stressed the value of attending side events and informal gatherings, where “relaxed environments often lead to more genuine, meaningful conversations.”
A concise elevator pitch is essential, he added, but building trust and rapport should be the primary focus. Shibtoshi suggests exchanging contact information on platforms like Telegram and taking selfies to create memorable connections. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of prompt follow-up after the convention to solidify relationships.
From Chance Encounters to Transformative Partnerships: Success Stories
The power of networking at crypto conventions is perhaps best illustrated by the numerous success stories that have emerged from these gatherings.
Lian recounted how early Bitcoin meetups fostered a sense of community and paved the way for important collaborations that shaped the industry. He also noted that developers formed successful teams at hackathons, and startups secured funding from investors they met at conferences, highlighting the tangible impact of these events.
Reinforcing this point, Meng agreed that informal gatherings were often where the most impactful connections were made. She stated, “Good projects do not need to put up a booth to seek investments… However, you do meet these good projects’ founders and key executives at side events.” She suggested that attendees seeking business opportunities should prioritize side events where they could interact with influential figures more easily.
Shibtoshi shared a success story from Consensus in Texas, where a side event hosted by SquidGrow led to a strategic partnership between SilentSwap and Zeebu, a Web3 payments platform. “This collaboration, born from a casual introduction,” Shibtoshi explained, “has since evolved into a game-changing alliance” integrating SilentSwap’s privacy-focused technology into Zeebu’s systems. He noted that SquidGrow has also “built key relationships with other founders and figures of influence,” expanding their network and impact through strategic connections made at crypto conventions.
Laparulo provided a concrete example of the positive outcomes that could result from attending crypto conventions, sharing that many developers have found employment opportunities through connections made at her company’s events. “We find so many people get jobs after our conference, specifically hiring developers, people within the space,” she said. These success stories underscore the potential for crypto conventions to not only drive innovation but also create tangible career opportunities.
Staying Ahead of the Curve: The Value of Educational Opportunities
Beyond networking, crypto conventions offer invaluable educational opportunities for attendees to stay informed in a rapidly evolving field.
Lian highlighted the value of expert-led talks that provided deep dives into specific technologies, workshops that offered hands-on learning experiences, and panel discussions that fostered critical thinking. These educational components ensured that attendees left the events with a deeper understanding of the latest trends and advancements in the crypto space.
Expanding on the educational aspect, Laparulo emphasized the role of conventions in educating newcomers to the crypto space, citing the blockchain bootcamps offered at her company’s events as a prime example. “Every event that we do, we do a blockchain bootcamp that brings new people into the space,” she explained. These bootcamps provided a structured introduction to the fundamental concepts of blockchain technology, making the complex world of crypto more accessible to a wider audience.
Attending talks, workshops, and panel discussions provides invaluable insights from industry leaders, according to Shibtoshi. He highlighted the importance of gaining “real-time updates on the latest trends and innovations” in a rapidly evolving space. “These events,” he explained, “offer a rare opportunity to have all the experts in one room,” facilitating direct learning from those at the forefront of the industry. He also noted that panels offer “multiple perspectives on key issues,” making them crucial for staying informed and competitive.
Navigating the Information Deluge: Strategies for Staying Updated
Given the constant influx of new information in the crypto space, staying updated can be a challenge.
Lian advised attendees to adopt a focused approach, suggesting they concentrate on specific areas of interest, follow thought leaders and projects on social media, engage in online communities, and take advantage of post-event access to recordings of talks and presentations. This targeted approach allowed attendees to filter the noise and concentrate on the information most relevant to their individual needs and goals.
Complementing Lian’s advice, Meng observed that conferences offered valuable exposure to industry trends and insights, even for those who might not be directly involved in deal-making. She stated, “Most VC firms send their junior executives to conferences for exposure to the industry.” This broader perspective helped attendees understand the larger context in which the crypto industry was evolving.
Laparulo underscored the importance of conventions as platforms for launching new projects and showcasing innovation, noting that these events played a critical role in shaping the industry’s timeline. She argued that “these big events are so critical to the timelines of our whole industry because we were able to launch all these different projects.” By attending conventions, individuals could gain firsthand knowledge of the latest projects and innovations, keeping their fingers on the pulse of the crypto world.
Shibtoshi, meanwhile, recommended a multi-pronged approach to staying informed in the crypto space. He suggested following key influencers and project teams on social media platforms like X, participating in online forums like Reddit and Discord, and attending virtual events and webinars. Subscribing to industry newsletters, podcasts, and YouTube channels is also recommended, as is using dedicated apps to track market movements. He emphasized that “networking with peers and experts at crypto events is a direct way to gather information and stay ahead” in this fast-paced industry.
Building Bridges: Fostering a Thriving Crypto Community
Crypto conventions are not simply about individual advancement; they are also about fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
Lian encouraged attendees to actively participate in community-building activities, including informal gatherings, workshops, and networking events. He suggested sharing insights and experiences during Q&A sessions and being open to collaborations, emphasizing the power of collective knowledge and shared learning.
Shibtoshi advocated for a hands-on approach to community building, suggesting attendees host small gatherings, post-event X Spaces, and utilize event apps to maximize networking opportunities. He recommended engaging in interactive activities organized by companies or the event itself. “Creating group chats with individuals you meet,” he advised, “is an excellent method for maintaining connections” and nurturing relationships beyond the convention.
Laparulo viewed crypto conventions as the bedrock of the crypto community, noting, “Crypto was built on events. You can see because we all travel to the same ones all around the world.” These shared experiences created lasting bonds and a sense of belonging within a global community united by a passion for blockchain technology.
Meng believes that attending informal gatherings and side events was crucial for building meaningful relationships within the crypto community. These less formal settings allowed for more authentic interactions and fostered deeper connections among attendees. She pointed out in a YouTube interview how startups and new investors can forge connections in these settings.
Building a Decentralized Future: Challenges and Opportunities
Building a thriving crypto community presents both exciting opportunities and unique challenges.
Lian acknowledged the challenges of keeping pace with rapid innovation and combating misinformation, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning and promoting transparency and responsible education. These efforts are essential for ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the crypto ecosystem.
Meng pointed out that attracting established VCs to conferences could be a challenge. She said, “Only newly established VCs and new crypto investors attend conferences as they need to find deals.” However, she noted that this created opportunities for startups and new investors to connect and explore deals. This dynamic created a more level playing field and allowed for greater participation from newer players in the crypto space.
Shibtoshi acknowledged the challenges of building a strong crypto community, particularly in earning trust. He stressed the importance of transparency and consistent communication in decentralized environments. However, he saw the global nature of crypto as a “tremendous opportunity to unite a diverse, international audience.” Creating inclusive experiences that cater to both newcomers and seasoned members is crucial, he argues. Shibtoshi highlighted the importance of empowering the community through local meetups, online engagement, and active listening. “By paying attention to what your members are already doing,” he explained, “you can amplify their ideas and support their initiatives,” fostering a sustainable ecosystem that evolves in alignment with Web3 innovations.
Laparulo highlighted the challenge of ensuring inclusivity and accessibility, emphasizing her commitment to making conventions welcoming to a broad range of participants. She argued, “We’re here to grow the community, not just to service the people who can maybe afford a ticket.” This commitment to inclusivity was vital for creating a diverse and representative crypto community that reflected the global nature of the blockchain revolution.
The Evolution of Crypto Conventions
The crypto convention landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade, mirroring the meteoric rise of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. The early days were marked by small, informal gatherings of Bitcoin enthusiasts and developers, eager to explore the potential of this revolutionary technology. These early meetups, often held in unassuming venues, laid the foundation for the vibrant and diverse community that exists today.
As blockchain technology gained wider recognition, conferences like DevCon emerged, attracting a new wave of developers and technologists. The 2017 ICO boom further propelled the industry forward, transforming crypto conventions into bustling hubs for entrepreneurship and investment, drawing a wider range of participants into the crypto ecosystem. Events like Consensus by CoinDesk, founded in 2015, became major draws, attracting thousands of attendees and investors.
With the maturation of the industry, crypto conventions evolved to encompass a broader range of topics, including regulation, institutional adoption, and practical applications of blockchain technology. The emergence of Web3, DeFi, NFTs, and the metaverse further expanded the scope of these gatherings, attracting a diverse and growing audience from various industries and backgrounds. Specialized events like NFT.NYC and Web3 Summit started gaining prominence, reflecting the expanding interests within the blockchain space.
The Legacy of Connection: Shaping a Decentralized Future Together
Crypto conventions have served as catalysts for innovation, forging connections, sparking ideas, and nurturing a sense of shared purpose within a global community. Despite facing challenges, including regulatory hurdles and market volatility, the industry demonstrated resilience and a commitment to building a decentralized future.
The legacy of these gatherings will continue to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators and changemakers in the blockchain space and beyond. The connections forged, the knowledge shared, and the collaborations initiated at crypto conventions will continue to shape the decentralized future, driving innovation and creating a more inclusive and equitable financial system for all.
For more in-depth insights into the future of finance at crypto conventions, read the full interviews at the links below.
Exclusive Interview with Anndy Lian: The Power of Crypto Conventions
Exclusive Interview: Shibtoshi on Crypto Conventions, Community Building, and the Future of Web3
