Entering the main auditorium of the BTC Prague conference for the first time was an exhilarating experience: a peculiar scent reminiscent of fresh rubber filled the air while massive screens interspersed the darkness, with neon lights intricately illuminating the ceiling. One’s attention was invariably drawn to the inviting white VIP sofas up front, under a spellbinding purple glow, making the additional cost for VIP tickets worth it.
The main stage, with its large BTC emblem and gently swaying lights, exuded an almost surreal aura, reminding me of my teenage techno raves. However, the initial sessions of the three-day conference saw sparse attendance, and a peculiar silence filled the enormous hall. I couldn’t help but wonder – where was everyone?
Venturing Further: A Vibrant Expo Hall
Most of the conference attendees gravitated towards the expo hall, the conference’s social epicenter. The two-story central booth owned by SatoshiLabs, the conference’s organizer, seemed to draw the crowd. The hall was a labyrinth of booths and exhibitions, many hidden from initial view, presenting the latest innovations from the Bitcoin landscape.
Broken English with a European twist was the de facto language at the conference, a refreshing departure from the usual American-centric Bitcoin narrative. The attendees, predominantly young, fit men, some with their families, added a dash of familial flavor to the event.
The Journey to a Bitcoin World
The transition from the traditional fiat world to the Bitcoin universe was evident as I approached the conference venue daily, signaled by the increasingly visible Bitcoin paraphernalia. Inside the venue, my Google Pay was replaced by a Lightning wallet app as everyone embraced Bitcoin transactions, symbolizing the stark contrast between the two worlds.
Noteworthy Moments and Reconnections
Unanticipated encounters, along with cherished reunions, painted the picture of the conference’s social scene. A notable surprise was an old university friend who had recently discovered Bitcoin and won his conference ticket at his first Bitcoin event.
The Rockstar Impact of Michael Saylor
The conference reached its zenith with Michael Saylor’s electrifying keynote speech and fireside chat. His belief in Bitcoin as a moral imperative resonated with the attendees, and his perspectives on the U.S. dollar’s decline against hard assets left a profound impact.
Saylor argued that one’s hard work is overshadowed by government policies and technology advancements, emphasizing the need for a monetary exit. In line with this, many Europeans are considering moving their “FU money” away from the overregulated and overburdened public systems.
Yet, Prague, with its thriving Bitcoin ecosystem, offers a glimmer of hope for a vibrant Bitcoin hub in Europe. The city, home to SatoshiLabs, Braiins, and several Bitcoin ATMs, might just be the next big thing brewing in the European Bitcoin landscape.