This week, I had the honor to go to Singapore to participate in the Token2049 event. This is also my first time to set foot in Singapore and participate in such a global Web3 event. As the event progressed, I saw an upsurge in discussions about Token2049 on social platforms, which made me want to share my personal experience and insights, and summarize why I think Token2049 can be so successful and become the leader of many Web3 enthusiasts and professionals. preferred activity.
Activity background and purpose of participation
The main purpose of participating in Token2049 this time is to understand the local Web3 development environment, find potential Alpha projects, and take this opportunity to expand our horizons combined with tourism. In the past, I have also participated in Hong Kong’s Fintech Week, ETH HK, and Taiwan’s Blockchain Week. In contrast, Token2049 brought me unprecedented shock and inspiration. This event left a deep impression on me in terms of scale, atmosphere and quality.
Benefits and Highlights
1. Web3 has a strong atmosphere
When attending Token2049 in Singapore, I deeply felt that the entire city was full of Web3 atmosphere. People wearing various cryptocurrency projects or Bitcoin T-shirts can be seen everywhere on the streets. Whether in public places or around conference venues, Web3 posters and promotions are everywhere. This made me feel the strong resonance of the entire Web3 community gathered here. This atmosphere is something I have never experienced at events in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Not only on the street or even opening Twitter, you can also see everyone gathering with Singapore Token2049.
Here, I don’t need to explain to anyone why I love Web3 so much, because people who will come to Token2049 are believed to be enthusiastic about Web3 and even interested in this industry.
2. Rich Side Events
In addition to the main event of Token2049, there are various Side Events all over Singapore, non-stop from morning to night. Basically, if you want, you can find Web3 related activities to participate in at any time. You can attend breakfast meetings, running meetings, lunch meetings, cocktail parties, and even after parties in the evening. In each event, you have the opportunity to have in-depth communication with KOLs, project parties, BDs and technical staff. Such an intensive arrangement of activities allows you to participate at all times and expand your network at any time.
3. Diverse event themes
Token2049’s home exhibition covers multiple fields, including DePin, Market Maker, large centralized exchanges, etc. In addition to the main event of Token2049, you can even participate in Side Events without narrative categories. No matter which field you are interested in, you can almost find corresponding activities here for learning and communication. This feeling of a hundred flowers blooming is extremely rare.
I have also participated in Hong Kong FinTech Week and Taiwan's Blockchain Week several times. Hong Kong Fintech Week has greatly reduced its Web3 project booths in recent years, perhaps due to regulatory issues. In the past, in addition to centralized exchanges, many projects also went to Hong Kong to set up stalls. However, as various centralized exchanges have also given up their Hong Kong licenses, I personally believe that the number of Web3 projects will gradually decrease during the Fintech week in October.
Compared with Hong Kong, I have also participated in the BlockChain Week held in Taiwan. Personally, I think the Taiwan exhibition has fewer booths and the main event theme is relatively simple. I went to Taiwan to participate in Taiwan BlockChain Week in 2023. Ordinal was a very hot topic at that time, and basically nearly 70-80% of the confluence was centered around the narrative of Ordinals. Compared with Token2049, different Side Events also revolve around different narratives, and you can feel the feeling of a hundred flowers blooming on each track.
4. Complete urban supporting facilities
For exhibitors from other places, Singapore’s urban facilities are very friendly. I almost didn’t use cash during this event. Whether for payment, transportation or food, I can use electronic payment tools such as Apple Pay.
In addition, the distance between event venues is also very close and can be reached by walking in 10-15 minutes, making participation in the event more convenient. Food and drinks are provided at each event, and sometimes you can even get free merchandise from Side Events, which makes the experience for exhibitors more comfortable and there are not too many opportunities for you to spend money.
In addition, I think Singapore's greening is better compared to other places. Even in different high-rise buildings, you can see greening, which makes people feel relaxed and happy.
Disadvantages and areas for improvement
1. hot weather
The weather in Singapore can really be a challenge for first-time visitors. Even after dark, the temperature is high. Due to the road closures of F1 events, walking to certain event venues may take longer, and every move will make people feel hotter.
2. Taxis are expensive and difficult to hail
Taxis in Singapore are relatively expensive compared to other areas. Especially after attending a side event near Marina Bay Sands at night, it becomes quite difficult to take a taxi regardless of the platform used. In addition, Singapore is prone to traffic jams during morning and evening peak hours, so you need to make arrangements in advance when planning your trip so that you can arrive at the event on time.
3. Unclear information on bus pick-up and drop-off services
It is said that Token2049 provides bus pick-up and drop-off services, but I did not find the relevant information and was unable to use it. With so many events, it would further enhance the exhibitor experience if bus pick-up information was provided more clearly. In addition, I think it will be even better if each side event can arrange transportation for the next event.
Summarize
To sum up, Token2049 has created a perfect communication platform for Web3 enthusiasts around the world with its unique atmosphere, rich activities, and complete supporting facilities. Whether you are a novice or an experienced practitioner, you can find activities of interest and build connections here. Compared to other Web3 events I've attended in the past, the diversity and scale of Token2049 was more engaging.
I think such a successful model is worth learning from event organizers in other parts of the world to push the influence of Web3 to every corner of the world. If you love Web3 and are looking for a global exchange opportunity, Token2049 is undoubtedly an experience not to be missed.
