A Guide to Bitcoin Amsterdam – Bitcoin Magazine
This is an opinion editorial by Chris Smith, Head of Events Ticketing for BTC Inc. Disclaimer: BTC Inc. is the parent company of Bitcoin Magazine and Bitcoin Conference.
A lot has happened in the last three months since Bitcoin Amsterdam was announced. An orange wave has taken over the city as bitcoiners from around the world descend upon the city. With over 100 speakers confirmed and over 3,000 people expected on site, it looks like we’ll be celebrating the Bitcoin winter storm in the Venice of the Nordics.
As discussed in my previous piece, “The Bitcoin Conference And The Pursuit Of Hyperbitcoinization,” I tried to answer some questions like:
What is hyperbitcoinization? Why did we choose Amsterdam? And why go global with the Bitcoin conference?
With this piece, I aim to bring a specific focus to Bitcoin Amsterdam and highlight what I believe will be a true spark in the acceleration of hyperbitcoinization in Europe. I will cover two different topics: experiences and opportunities. Bitcoin is best in person, and Bitcoin Amsterdam aims to prove that point again.
A lineup to be excited about
With a two-day, action-packed speaker line-up, a full-fledged art gallery and the European leg of Sound Money Fest, I think there will be no shortage of experiences at Bitcoin Amsterdam. If you were in Miami, expect the same energy, but this time with a European flare. In collaboration with Amsterdam Decentralized, the Bitcoin conference has planned three days with a full agenda focusing on grassroots adoption of Bitcoin combined with the freedom first ethos for which the Benelux region is known. Here are some of my favorite agenda highlights that you won’t want to miss!
“Decentralization”
Venue: Moon Arena (Main Stage)
Guest(s): Nigel Farage and Peter McCormack
Nigel Farage will join Peter McCormack on the main stage to discuss decentralization and how to make Europe more economically competitive. “Farage” on GB News will be broadcast live on Thursday 13 October, the second GA day of the event, at 20.00 (GMT+2).
“This is an opportunity to wake people up to the fact that Bitcoin is a reality and it’s here to stay.” said Nigel Farage, when asked about his upcoming appearance at the event. “I can’t wait to come and broadcast my GB News show live from the conference in Amsterdam.”
“Free Assange”
Venue: Moon Arena (Main Stage)
Guest(s): Stella Assange
One of my most anticipated and exciting talks at the conference will be the opportunity to hear Stella Assange discuss Bitcoin, her husband’s history and how the two are connected. This is a can’t be missed discussion. Watch it at 15:15 on the first GA day of the event.
“The Struggle for Freedom”
Venue: Moon Arena (Main Stage)
Guest(s): Leopoldo López and Alex Gladstein
Another highly anticipated fireside chat is a conversation between Leopoldo López and Alex Gladstein, which will include a discussion of the fight for freedom. In particular, López and Gladstein aim to showcase how bitcoin will play a key role in establishing freedom in parts of the world where there is currently none. This chat takes place at 13:30 on GA day 2.
“The Future of Sidechains”
Venue: Moon Arena (Main Stage)
Guest(s): Adam Back, Aaron van Wirdum and Paul Sztorc
I have to admit that this is the panel I’m most looking forward to. Whenever I have the opportunity to hear brilliant minds like Adam, Aaron and Paul discuss high-level topics in Bitcoin, I always feel FOMO present. Be sure to stop by the main stage on GA day 1 at 11:55 to hear more about The future of sidechains.
“Has Bitcoin’s Inflation Hedging Narrative Failed?”
Venue: Moon Arena (Main Stage)
Guest(s): Jeff Booth, Niko Jilch, Greg Foss and Prince Philip of Serbia
At 10:10 on the first GA day, participants will be able to listen to a conversation around the highly debated topic of Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation. Jeff Booth and Greg Foss both bring incredible conversation around risk management, while Niko and Philip will bring expertise in European finance and politics. This combination is one to look forward to, and luckily it’s the first panel on the agenda.
“Why Bitcoin? Understanding the Macro Landscape”
Venue: The Deep Sessions (*Requires Whale Pass)
Guest(s): Dylan LeClair
The macro landscape has been incredibly dynamic lately, and bitcoin has experienced volatility in the midst of it. Dylan, an expert in macroeconomics and head of market research at Bitcoin Magazine Pro, will be giving a high-key discussion on this at 14:15 on the first GA day of the event. A Whale Pass is required for this fire chat – you can see all the amazing extras you get with this pass here.
“Bitcoin’s Media Problem”
Venue: Moon Arena (Main Stage)
Guests: Daniel Prince, Pete Rizzo, Joe Hall, Izabella Kaminska and Jemima Kelly
With recent controversy behind Jemima Kelly’s recent article in Forbes, Pete Rizzo’s recent article on Bitcoin Maximalism, plus the addition of some of the most respected journalists in the industry, this panel aims to face the controversy head on and put the noise aside. Bitcoin Amsterdam aims to provide a place where all opinions are welcome and discussion is encouraged, and this panel seems to embrace the concept to the fullest. Check it out at 9:55 on GA Day 2.
More than just panels
Alongside the agenda and the fantastic panels planned, there is more to the event experience than just what you will hear on stage. Here are some additional highlights of activities that you’ll want to check out when you get to the venue.
Bitcoin boat trips
I think one of the best activities to do in Amsterdam is a boat trip and it is exciting that these will be available on Bitcoin Amsterdam (sponsored by Ledn). This will be a great opportunity to network with potential clients, increase business development or get closer to your team. Make sure you check out all the information you need to know before you go.
The art gallery
Last year at Bitcoin 2022, artists from all over the world gathered to celebrate bitcoin and the opportunity it gives artists to be themselves. Bitcoin Amsterdam aims to bring this exact same energy, but with an emphasis on European bitcoin artists. A few featured artists participating are Lena, Pepenardo, Cryptograffiti, Mear One, Proof of Paint, Ryr, Zetra, Tommy Marcheschi and so many more. See more about the artists present and the gallery here.
Side events and whale night
In addition to what takes place on site, our events bring a unique aspect to the entire tour with “Bitcoin Week.” Bitcoin Week gives businesses, media and any individual an opportunity to pursue their own side event that the community can attend. This is the team’s fourth iteration of “Whale Night”, at the local “Supper Club”.
Supperclub is nothing like you’ve experienced before. Not even close. A vibrant club. A party for all your senses where you can mix, mingle and dance the night away. Supperclub is home to the brave, the wild, the young and the restless.
It’s home to unforgettable events, and we know Whale Night will be just that – unforgettable!
European networking opportunity of the year
Aside from the amazing experience you will get as a participant, there are huge opportunities for you to grow your network and get to know the Bitcoin industry better. With more than 40 companies, 50 media and 3,000 people expected to attend, this event is shaping up to be the leading event for sharing news, networking and promoting business development.
Here is a list of three “must know’s” to help you navigate networking at Bitcoin Amsterdam and be the most effective you can be.
- We have a network app!
- To learn more about the official conference app, visit our mobile app page.
- You’ll be able to reach out to clients, set up meetings and post your entire event agenda, all in our network app.
- If you are looking for a job in the bitcoin industry, this is the app for you.
- It will be an exhibition hall!
- The exhibition hall will be the best place to network at the event. Visit your favorite bitcoin companies, meet their teams and see what they’re building!
- The event is an “open campus!”
- An “open campus” means that many of the activities will flow from building to building and the entire area will be open for walking around, shooting interviews and networking with others in the industry.
Bitcoin Amsterdam is going to be the place for networking. Doing things at the last second at conferences is usually very stressful and unsuccessful. Make sure you go in with a plan. Don’t be afraid to follow up with your contacts after the conference and plan to meet them again at our Miami event in May 2023!
Pack things together
Bitcoin Amsterdam is going to be a three-day extravaganza. If it’s not on your agenda at the moment, it needs to be! If you made it through this article and want to participate, I’m happy to give a special 21% discount to all readers with the code “ARTICLE21.”
To conclude, here are some more thoughts on Bitcoin Amsterdam from David Bailey, CEO of Bitcoin Magazine:
“While Europe lags behind other regions in terms of regulatory and government acceptance, demand from mainstream investors and institutions is among the highest in the world.
What’s more, the continent’s significant Bitcoin developer and innovator community is helping to shape the future of the world’s premier digital currency – and one that continues to rise.
Europe has been at the forefront of financial and technological innovation for over 500 years, with Amsterdam playing a particularly notable role in the development of modern banking, making it the perfect choice for our first European event.
While Europe’s regulators have so far been slow to embrace the potential of Bitcoin, the combination of the continent’s history and its continued high demand for Bitcoin means that our community can provide the support, cooperation and direction that European authorities so signally fail to provide, and together pursue our common goal of Hyperbitcoinization.”
This is a guest post by Chris Smith. Opinions expressed are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc Bitcoin Magazine.
