With a diverse speaker line-up, a host of side events, and a strong focus on the future of on-chain activity, this year’s Ethereum Community Conference in Brussels cemented its position as one of the premier global events for Ethereum enthusiasts.
From the moment we walked through the door, we felt the energy and excitement; we felt the vibe of innovation. Participants from all over the world came together to share insights, make new connections, and explore cutting-edge developments in the blockchain space.
Here are my thoughts on what it takes to host a high-quality, memorable Ethereum event.
1. Organization and atmosphere
Blending deep technical insights with a fun, engaging atmosphere is a delicate balance. Most events are either/or, but EthCC 2024 pulled it off brilliantly. Attendees praised the venue’s thoughtful layout, the variety of food options, and the efficient use of space, which enabled both intimate discussions and large keynotes. The organizers did an excellent job making sure every detail was taken care of, from an efficient registration process to smooth transitions between sessions.
As a veteran of countless industry events, I know how important it is to allow speakers and attendees room to breathe, rather than rushing through the conference agenda. The energy of the conference was palpable, keeping everyone entertained and excited. Designed to foster networking and the exchange of ideas, the conference space featured comfortable lounges, interactive amenities, and vibrant exhibitor booths showcasing the latest innovations in the blockchain industry.
At EthCC 2024, EthCC Event Lead Bettina Boon Falleur emphasized the importance of the event in fostering the community and advancing the Ethereum ecosystem.
“EthCC is a source of pride for the Ethereum community, and we’re excited to be back this year with bigger and better plans,” she told me in an interview. “What started as a small gathering has grown into one of the largest ETH conferences, highlighting our commitment to building and maintaining strong community bonds.”
2. On-chain is everywhere
Onchain was the buzzword of the conference, replacing old terms like Web3 and decentralization, and permeating every aspect of EthCC. This shift emphasizes the importance of blockchain-based activities in daily life, foreshadowing a future where onchain interactions will become the norm. The conference highlighted the many real-world applications of onchain technology and how it is beginning to revolutionize various industries - and not just the ones you expect.
For example, two areas that I personally focus on the most are on-chain coffee and on-chain tennis shoes. If this sounds like a gimmick, you are very wrong. The on-chain coffee experience enables participants to track the entire supply chain of their cup of coffee, ensuring ethical sourcing and sustainability. On-chain tennis shoes provide digital certificates of authenticity and ownership, enhancing consumer trust and reducing counterfeit products. These two applications show that chains are about to take over the world, provide effective solutions to real problems, and transform everyday consumer experiences.
3. Vitalik Buterin: Low-key keynote
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin took the keynote stage without an introduction, and immediately captured the audience’s attention with his humility and humor. He discussed Ethereum’s approach to responding to 51% attacks in a more automated manner, quantum resistance strategies, and protocol simplification.
Vitalik and Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin both reflected on Ethereum a decade after its creation, providing valuable insights into its past and future. Butrin’s candid discussion of Ethereum’s challenges and successes resonated deeply with the audience. He stressed the importance of community engagement and collaboration to overcome technical barriers and drive innovation. He was funny, engaging, and knowledgeable.
His vision for a more resilient and accessible Ethereum network inspired many attendees and sparked discussion 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 there were more technical keynotes like this one!
4. Embrace diversity
This year’s EthCC made significant progress in promoting diversity. The conference invited more women to participate in panel discussions, demonstrated global perspectives, and embraced diversity of thought. This inclusive approach is a welcome change and highlights the community’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.
Panel discussions and discussions included voices from underrepresented groups, bringing new perspectives and innovative ideas to the forefront. The conference also hosted workshops and sessions focused on empowering minorities in the blockchain space, addressing barriers to entry, and promoting inclusive growth.
For example, at the Metamask Side event, the event was fantastic and all kinds of people participated. Sandra Fransciso, Ecosystem Engagement Manager at Consensys, and Liz Bazurto, Ecosystem Manager at Metamask, both held panels that were 40% women, and I watched or attended those discussions!
Liz told me: “During the Metamask ‘Build’ Onchain event, we worked hard to ensure that all groups had diverse viewpoints and perspectives. This helped make the entire event more valuable to our community.”
By prioritizing diversity, EthCC demonstrates its commitment to creating a more equitable and representative industry where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
5. More than 500 sideline meetings
EthCC 2024 is not only about keynotes, but also about over 500 impressive side events. From on-chain innovations from Metamask to AWS’s progress in AGI to lively parties at Somnia and Pudgy, there is something for everyone. These events include technical workshops and hackathons for all experience and expertise levels, as well as social gatherings and networking events.
Participants can explore new technologies, collaborate on projects, and build lasting relationships with peers and industry leaders. A rich sideline program ensures attendees can tailor their conference experience to their personal and professional goals, making EthCC 2024 a truly community-rich event. After all, this is Ethereum.
As Stacy Quackenbush said, “Speaking at the Google side event during EthCC 2024 was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the transformative power of our community platform, Hive3. Our goal is to leverage the decentralization of blockchain to build a more connected, stronger community. The engagement and enthusiasm at the event was truly inspiring, and it reinforced my belief that platforms like Hive3 are essential to driving the next wave of digital collaboration and innovation. It’s about creating a space where people can come together, share ideas, and build something greater than the sum of its parts.”
6. Build
The slogan of ETHCC 2024 is undoubtedly "Build". This year's conference proved 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 unveilings of cutting-edge blockchains and applications. Both startups and established companies took to the stage to present their latest projects and prototypes, demonstrating the rapid pace of technological development in the industry.
The exhibition hall was filled with excitement as entrepreneurs pitched their breakthrough ideas, developers collaborated on code, and investors looked 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 highlighted working together to build a decentralized future where technology empowers individuals and transforms industries. The conference’s relentless focus on innovation and advancement was evident, with the spirit of “building” echoing in every corner of the conference. This environment not only highlighted 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 big focus at EthCC, with many discussions centered around designing permissionless games for the crypto space. Blockchain represents a new frontier in gaming, bringing 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.
Panel discussions and workshops explored the technical and economic aspects of building and sustaining blockchain games, highlighting the opportunities and challenges of this rapidly growing sector. EthCC’s passion for gaming highlights its potential to drive mainstream adoption of blockchain technology, attract a wider audience, and foster a vibrant ecosystem of players, developers, and investors.
8. Community over practicality
If there was one theme running through EthCC, it was the importance of community, to the point where even practicality took a back seat. The ethos of EthCC emphasized that a strong, engaged community is critical to 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. Pudgy Penguins has such an amazing community, and it was on display time and time again at EthCC!
As Lou Kerner, @CryptoOracle_ and founder of CryptoMondays, said, “A community is an ecosystem where everyone gets more out of it than they give into.” Lou started Crypto Mondays, which has over 70,000 members as of today.
Attendees shared stories of grassroots initiatives, open source projects, and community-driven development that are shaping the blockchain landscape. The emphasis on community reflects a broader trend in the industry, which recognizes that technology alone is not enough to sustain growth; it must be supported by a dedicated and passionate community.
9. High technical content
While EthCC 2024 was rich in technical content, other types of material were indeed somewhat lacking. The focus was primarily on the technical aspects of blockchain and cryptocurrency, which was great for developers and tech enthusiasts, but some other attendees were left wanting for more diverse content.
The conference 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 clear gap in content targeting business leaders, policymakers, and those new 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 growing convergence of AI and blockchain technology. 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 combine the predictive power of AI with the transparency and security of blockchain.
While speaking to Kumardev Chatterjee, CEO of Blue Hat Founders, he said, “The integration of AI and blockchain is inevitable, not just for the operational/process aspects, but in fact, it can really deliver impactful results at a lower acquisition cost. However, the challenge is that both technologies have a long way to go to gain public trust, which is something that the technology and industry need to prioritize to achieve these results”
For example, the conference introduced AI-driven analytical tools to help predict market trends and automate trading on decentralized exchanges. The fusion of AI and blockchain opens up new possibilities for efficiency and innovation, and EthCC 2024 highlighted several groundbreaking projects leading the way. The discussion emphasized that together, AI and blockchain can revolutionize industries by providing smarter, safer, and more efficient solutions.
11. Security Issues
Despite the positive atmosphere at the conference, there were also reports of security concerns during the event. Several attendees were attacked by robbers while touring the city, prompting organizers to recommend against displaying conference badges in public. These incidents highlighted the need for increased security measures at such a large-scale event.
Organizers responded by strengthening safety protocols, including increasing visibility of security personnel, providing safe transportation options, and conducting outreach activities to inform attendees of safety precautions. While these measures helped reduce risk, these incidents highlight the importance of prioritizing attendee safety at future events. Addressing these issues is critical to ensuring attendees can fully engage in the conference without fear or distraction.
Final Thoughts
EthCC 2024 in Brussels was a vibrant, insightful, and community-driven event celebrating the achievements of the Ethereum network and looking ahead to its future. From thought-provoking keynotes by industry leaders to a vibrant side event, the conference provided a comprehensive look at the state and potential of blockchain technology.
The diverse speaker lineup, with a focus on community, innovation, and on-chain activities, provided attendees with a rich experience and knowledge. As we gradually move towards an on-chain world, the experience and innovation of EthCC 2024 will undoubtedly shape the next wave of development in the blockchain space.
The conference not only highlighted the transformative power of blockchain technology, but also emphasized the importance of collaboration, diversity, and community in driving industry development. In addition, the growing integration of artificial intelligence and blockchain demonstrated unlimited potential for future innovation and is expected to achieve greater progress in the coming years.
