Let me preface this by stating I hold no affiliations with the organizers of BTC Prague, so the reflections I’m about to share are strictly personal, based on my experiences as a participant. Additionally, I haven’t frequented many Bitcoin conferences, so the insights from BTC Prague may seem familiar to seasoned attendees. Nevertheless, I am confident that BTC Prague served as a monumental first-time Bitcoin conference experience for numerous attendees from Central Europe and beyond. Therefore, I feel compelled to encapsulate the journey.
A Conference for All
BTC Prague’s commitment to inclusivity was evident in the remarkably affordable entry fee – a mere 9 euros (approximately $11), making this conference accessible to a wide audience. Despite certain limitations, even the lowest-priced ticket offered access to the expo area and two stages, offering great value for the cost. The organizers deserve commendation for their efforts to extend the conference’s reach beyond just the Bitcoin community.
This inclusivity was further accentuated by the “Czech Stage,” dedicated entirely to Bitcoin fundamentals. The programming encompassed an array of topics from the nature of money, introductory sessions to Bitcoin, privacy and self-custody, distinctions between Bitcoin and Ethereum, and much more. Over the course of two days, Bitcoin novices could access knowledge comparable to countless hours of study, reinforcing the critical role of in-person conferences and affordable events in mainstream cryptocurrency adoption.
The Power of Industry Day
While the main conference and beginner-oriented programming unfolded on June 9 and June 10, the events on Industry Day, June 8, served as a fertile ground for networking and fostering new connections.
Industry Day featured only two stages with talks and keynotes, allowing participants ample time to explore the meticulously planned and inspiring expo area. Over 70 stalls and booths representing mining enterprises, wallet providers, Bitcoin bookstores, educational bodies, and numerous other Bitcoin-related businesses beckoned attendees. The less crowded expo area on Industry Day made it ideal for in-depth conversations with business representatives. The first day at the expo area left me pleasantly surprised by not only the openness and cordiality of all the participants but also their readiness to engage in detailed, informative discussions.
An Exceptional Agenda
The conference’s speaker list read like a who’s who of the Bitcoin world, boasting names like Michael Saylor, Adam Back, Eric Weiss, Giacomo Zucco, Stephan Livera, Marek “Slush” Palatinus, Ben Perrin, Peter McCormack, Rockstar Dev, and countless others. They hailed from all corners of the globe to deliver remarkable keynotes, panel discussions, and talks.
As of this writing, only two presentations are available on the official YouTube channel, but both are certainly worth watching. Saylor’s “The Future Of Bitcoin” and Zucco’s “Ordinals Are Retarded” drew a packed house, with attendees eager to learn from these insightful and enlightening keynotes. The event also hosted intriguing announcements from various speakers, including those from Vexl Foundation, AmityAge, Fedimint, and Aleks Svetski.
A Multitude of Intriguing Side Events
Prior to the conference, my Bitcoin-savvy friends advised me that the expo area and side events would be the key attractions. While I could not participate in all side events, feedback suggests they offered a less formal environment for networking. Many employees from the conference stalls and booths were present at these side events, allowing attendees to engage with them in a more relaxed setting.
Scope for Enhancement
Although the conference was near flawless, some minor improvements could heighten the attendee satisfaction. One such area is food availability and payment methods. The food trucks often faced long queues and difficulties in accepting Lightning Network payments, leading to unnecessary wait times and payment hassles.
That being said, no large-scale conference can be completely perfect. Despite minor hiccups, Lightning payments were still available, and the overall conference experience was not significantly affected.
Looking Forward to BTC Prague 2024
Looking ahead, the second edition of BTC Prague is officially scheduled to take place from June 13 to June 15, 2024. If the standard set by the first event is anything to go by, attendees can look forward to another spectacular Bitcoin experience.