EthCC7 in Brussels, Belgium. Sandy Carter, COO of Unstoppable, and Founder of Unstoppable Women of … [+] Web3 and AI

Sandy Carter

The Ethereum
Ethereum
Community Conference Brussels this year included a diverse lineup of speakers, an array of side events, and a sharp focus on the future of onchain activities, EthCC cemented its position as one of the world’s premier events for Ethereum enthusiasts.

The vibrant energy was evident from the moment we walked through the doors; we were greeted by an atmosphere of innovation. Participants from around the world gathered to share insights, forge new connections, and explore the cutting-edge developments in the blockchain space.

Here’s my highlights of what makes a high quality and memorable Ethereum event.

1. Organization And Atmosphere

It’s a tricky balance to blend deep technological insight and a fun, engaging atmosphere. With most events, it’s either one or the other, but EthCC 2024 pulled it off superbly. Attendees appreciated the thoughtful layout of the venue, the variety of food options, and the effective use of space, which allowed for both intimate discussions and large keynote presentations. The organizers did a commendable job of ensuring that every detail was taken care of, from efficient registration processes to smooth transitions between sessions.

As a veteran of countless industry events, I know how important it is to give speakers and attendees space to breathe, rather than rushing through the program. The energy was palpable, making it a pleasurable and highly stimulating event for all. The conference space was designed to foster networking and idea exchange, with comfortable lounges, interactive installations, and vibrant exhibitor booths that showcased the latest innovations in the blockchain industry.

Bettina Boon Falleur, EthCC

Bettina Boon Falleur

At EthCC 2024, Bettina Boon Falleur, Head of EthCC event, highlighted the significance of the event in fostering community and driving forward the Ethereum ecosystem.

“EthCC stands proudly within the Ethereum community and we are excited to return with bigger and better plans for this year,” she told me in an interview. “What began as a modest gathering has evolved into one of the largest ETH conferences, highlighting our commitment to creating and sustaining strong community bonds”​

2. Onchain Everywhere

Onchain was the buzzword of the conference, replacing older terms like Web3 and decentralization and permeating every aspect of EthCC. The shift emphasized the importance of blockchain-based activities in everyday life, signaling a future where onchain interactions become the norm. The conference highlighted numerous practical applications of onchain technology, and how it’s already beginning to revolutionize various industries – and not just the ones you’d expect.

Base Cafe, Coffee Onchain at EthCC

Sandy Carter

For example, two of my personal highlights were onchain coffee and onchain tennis shoes. If that sounds like a gimmick, you couldn’t be more wrong. Onchain coffee experience enabled participants to trace the entire supply chain of their cup of coffee, ensuring ethical sourcing and sustainability. Onchain tennis shoes provided a digital certificate of authenticity and ownership, enhancing consumer trust and reducing counterfeit products. Those are just two applications which show onchain is poised to take over the world, providing effective solutions to real problems, and transform everyday consumer experiences.

3. Vitalik Buterin: The Unassuming Keynote

Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, took the keynote stage without introduction, immediately engaging the audience with his humility and humor. He discussed Ethereum’s approach to responding to 51% attacks in a more automated manner, strategies for quantum resistance, and the simplification of protocols.

Both Vitalik and Joseph Lubin, co-founder of Ethereum, reflected on the state of Ethereum a decade after its creation, providing valuable insights into its past and future. Butrin’s candid discussion about the challenges and successes of Ethereum resonated deeply with the audience. He emphasized the importance of community involvement and collaboration in overcoming technical hurdles and driving innovation. He was funny, engaging, and knowledgeable.

The Creators of Ethereum

Sandy Carter

His vision for a more resilient and accessible Ethereum network inspired many attendees, sparking discussions about the future direction of blockchain technology. The keynote was a testament to Butrin’s continued influence and thought leadership in the crypto space. If only more tech keynotes were like this!

4. Embracing Diversity

This year’s EthCC made significant strides in promoting diversity. The conference featured more women on panels, showcased a global perspective, and embraced diversity of thought. This inclusive approach was a welcome change, highlighting the community’s commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all.

Panels and discussions included voices from underrepresented groups, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the forefront. The conference also hosted workshops and sessions focused on empowering minority communities in the blockchain space, addressing barriers to entry and promoting inclusive growth.

For example, at the Metamask Side event, the event was very well represented with diversity of all types. Sandra Fransciso, Ecosystem Engagement Manager at Consensys, and Liz Bazurto, Ecosystem Manager at Metamask, both had panels with 40% women that I watched or participated in!

Liz told me, “At the Metamask “Building” Onchain event, we worked to ensure that all our panels had diverse views and perspectives. This helped to make the entire event more valuable to our community”

Metamask “Building” Onchain event with Sandra Francisco moderating

Sandy Carter

By prioritizing diversity, EthCC demonstrated its dedication to creating a more equitable and representative industry, where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.

5. Over 500 Side Events

EthCC 2024 wasn’t just about the keynotes: it also boasted an impressive lineup of over 500 side events. From Metamask’s onchain innovations to AWS’s advancements in AGI and Somnia’s and Pudgy’s vibrant parties, there was something for everyone. These events ranged from technical workshops and hackathons that catered to every level of experience and expertise, to social gatherings and networking mixers.

Participants could explore new technologies, collaborate on projects, and build lasting relationships with peers and industry leaders. The abundance of side events ensured that attendees could tailor their conference experience to their personal and professional goals, making EthCC 2024 a truly enriching event with a true sense of community. And after all, that’s what Ethereum is.

Stacy Quackenbush, Founder and CEO, Hive3

Stacy Quackenbush

As Stacy Quackenbush commented, “Speaking at the Google side event during EthCC 2024 was an incredible opportunity to highlight the transformative power of our community platform, Hive3. Our goal is to harness the decentralization of blockchain to build a more connected and empowered community. The engagement and enthusiasm at the event were truly inspiring, reinforcing my belief that platforms like Hive3 are pivotal in driving the next wave of digital collaboration and innovation. It’s about creating a space where individuals can come together, share ideas, and build something greater than the sum of its parts.”

6. BUIDL

The mantra of ETHCC 2024 was undeniably “buidl.” This year’s conference was a testament to the thriving culture of innovation and construction within the blockchain community. The event was a hub of activity, with hackathons, showcases of new companies, and the unveiling of cutting-edge blockchains and applications. Startups and established firms alike took the stage to present their latest projects and prototypes, demonstrating the rapid pace of technological development in the industry.

The exhibit halls buzzed with excitement as entrepreneurs pitched their groundbreaking ideas, developers collaborated on code, and investors scouted for the next big opportunity. Hackathons were a highlight, providing a platform for creative minds to build, test, and launch new solutions in real-time. These competitions fostered a spirit of collaboration and pushed participants to explore the full potential of blockchain technology.

ETHCC 2024 underscored a collective drive to build a decentralized future where technology empowers individuals and transforms industries. The relentless focus on innovation and progress was palpable, with every corner of the conference echoing the ethos of “buidl.” This environment not only highlighted the current advancements but also served as a catalyst for future growth and development in the blockchain space, inspiring attendees to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

7. Games, Games, Games

Gaming was a significant focus at EthCC, with many discussions centered around designing permissionless games for the crypto space. Blockchain represent a new frontier in gaming, enabling a range of benefits from enhanced gameplay to the ability to create new communities, from decentralized governance and game development to new revenue streams for gamers, developers and platforms alike.

Panels and workshops explored the technical and economic aspects of building and sustaining blockchain games, highlighting the opportunities and challenges in this rapidly growing sector. The enthusiasm for gaming at EthCC underscored its potential to drive mainstream adoption of blockchain technology, engaging a broader audience and fostering a vibrant ecosystem of players, developers, and investors.

8. Community Over Utility

If EthCC had one theme running through it, it was the importance of community, pushing even utility into second place. The ethos of EthCC emphasized that a strong, engaged community is crucial for the success and longevity of any blockchain project. This community-first approach fostered a sense of belonging and collective purpose among attendees. Panels and discussions highlighted the role of community governance, collaboration, and support in driving innovation and overcoming challenges. The Pudgy Penguins have such an amazing community that was showcased again and again at EthCC!

Pudgy Penguin members from Europe and Luca Netz CEO from Igloo Inc.

Sandy Carter

As Lou Kerner, Founder of @CryptoOracle_, and CryptoMondays. commented, “A community is an ecosystem where everyone gets more out of it than they give.” Lou started Crypto Mondays and it has over 70K members as of today.

Attendees shared stories of grassroots initiatives, open-source projects, and community-driven development that have shaped the blockchain landscape. The emphasis on community reflected a broader trend in the industry, recognizing that technology alone is not enough to sustain growth; it must be supported by a dedicated and passionate community.

9. Highly Technical Content

While EthCC 2024 was rich in technical content, it did lack a bit in other types of materials. The focus was heavily on the technical aspects of blockchain and cryptocurrency, which was great for developers and tech enthusiasts but left some other participants wanting more varied content.

Sessions delved into complex topics such as protocol optimization, smart contract security, and scaling solutions, providing deep insights for those with a technical background. However, there was a noticeable gap in content tailored to business leaders, policymakers, and newcomers to the blockchain space. Future conferences could benefit from a more balanced agenda that includes a wider range of topics and perspectives, ensuring that all attendees find value and relevance in the content presented.

10 The Rise of AI And Blockchain Integration

Inevitably, one of the hottest topics at EthCC 2024 was the increasing integration of AI and blockchain technologies. Sessions and panels discussed how AI can enhance blockchain applications, from improving smart contract functionality to optimizing supply chain management. Companies showcased innovative solutions that combined AI’s predictive capabilities with blockchain’s transparency and security.

In chatting with Kumardev Chatterjee, CEO of Blue Hat Founders, he said “AI and Blockchain integration is inevitable and not just for operational / process aspects, but in fact, to really deliver impactful results at a lower cost of acquisition. The challenge though is that both technologies have a long way to go to win the public trust and that’s something that tech and industry need to focus on as a priority to achieve these results”

Kumardev Chatterjee, CEO, Blue Hat Founders

Blue Hat Founders

For instance, AI-driven analytics tools were presented to help predict market trends and automate trading on decentralized exchanges. This fusion of AI and blockchain opens up new possibilities for efficiency and innovation, and EthCC 2024 highlighted several groundbreaking projects leading this charge. The discussions emphasized that AI and blockchain together could revolutionize industries by providing smarter, more secure, and more efficient solutions.

11. Safety Concerns

Despite the positive atmosphere, there were safety concerns reported during the conference. Several attendees were targeted by robbers while exploring the city, prompting organizers to advise against displaying conference badges in public. These incidents highlighted the need for increased security measures at such large-scale events.

Organizers responded by enhancing security protocols, including increased visibility of security personnel, secure transportation options, and awareness campaigns to inform attendees about safety precautions. While these measures helped mitigate risks, the incidents underscored the importance of prioritizing attendee safety and security at future events. Addressing these concerns is crucial to ensuring that participants can fully engage with the conference without fear or distraction.

Final Thoughts

EthCC 2024 in Brussels was a vibrant, insightful, and community-driven event that celebrated the achievements of the Ethereum network and looked forward to its future. From thought-provoking keynotes by industry leaders to the energetic side events, the conference offered a comprehensive view of the current state and potential of blockchain technology.

The diverse lineup of speakers and the emphasis on community, innovation, and onchain activities provided a rich tapestry of experiences and knowledge. As we move towards an increasingly onchain world, the lessons and innovations from EthCC 2024 will undoubtedly shape the next wave of developments in the blockchain space.

Packed house at EthCC

Sandy Carter

The conference not only highlighted the transformative power of blockchain technology but also reinforced the importance of collaboration, diversity and, above all, community in driving the industry forward. Additionally, the growing intersection of AI and blockchain demonstrated the limitless potential for future innovations, promising even greater advancements in the years to come.

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