This is opinion editor Jessica Hodler, CEO of Plan B Passport and host of The Bittersweet Podcast.
Disclaimer: BTC Inc. It is the parent company of Bitcoin Magazine and Bitcoin Conference.
It’s been two weeks since Bitcoin Amsterdam and it’s been an experience I’ll never forget.
Not only did I get to meet the amazing European Bitcoin community, but I got to see how people from all over the world can come together – even if it’s a 14-hour journey – to celebrate something we all love. – freedom money.
The first day we were there was the prequel to the event and wow, it was mind blowing to see everything set up and all the work everyone put into making it the biggest Bitcoin event in Europe. The lights, the stage, the crew – it all felt so surreal, and I couldn’t believe that I was joining all these people in Amsterdam discussing one of the topics I care about the most. You can tell that everyone on the Bitcoin Magazine team is doing their best to make this a memorable event for every attendee.
First day: October 12
Honestly, one of the highlights of this event for me was the amount of effort that could be put into the intro video to start the day. It brought chills and really reminded everyone why we’re here – freedom.
Central banks; There are billions of people in invisible chains who are hungry for power. We are here to protect ourselves with the undisputed technology and property that is bitcoin. What a way to start the day. You had incredible speakers like Matt Odell, Adam Back, Knut Svanholm and many others. Katie Ananina (@KatieTheRussian) and I had the honor of hosting a panel at the Whale Lounge to talk about all jurisdictional arbitration and flag theory.
Not only did you have brilliant speakers to listen to, but mouth-watering food trucks to entertain, an exhibition hall to spend the day in, and an art gallery to keep you entertained.
The first day was rounded off with a Whale Night event featuring incredible entertainment at the world famous Supperclub!
To be honest, a conference is a skill that requires a fine balance between relaxation and activity, and Amsterdam was no different. Not only did you have everything happening at the conference, but you got to explore all of Amsterdam! There were canal boat rides, gourmet cuisine, coffee shops (wink wink) and more.
Second day: October 13
Still, the second day was filled with some fire content. And I mean that literally, because some “like” fiery words were said. As we were about to go on, we started hearing commotion from the stage. “Bitcoin’s Media Challenge” was the panel before us, and it was quite a topic. Not only did he create entertaining content from the conference, but he created some of the most fiery memes I’ve ever seen on Twitter. And I can add that the journalist commenting on the number of women at this conference, saying how we are not represented, “we need more women. [blank],” continued with two women leading the speech. Is it that hard to get people interested? But, I digress.
The types of wonderful people we connect with at these conferences are absolutely amazing. As mentioned in our conversation, we are able to come together as a tribe of freedom-oriented, sovereign individuals to build the life we want for ourselves, and that is a beautiful moment. Life is lonely if you’re the one constantly talking to yourself about how you want life and the world to be better (I know because I did before I found Bitcoin Twitter) and that’s not to say it’s for everyone. and each of us to make this thing we call freedom a reality.
We wrap up day two with the news desk, commenting on the rest of the conversation with none other than Daniel Prince (@PrinceySOV). We had a few hours of laughter, fun and banter, another highlight of this weekend.
Image source: @PrinceySOV
Third day: October 14
There was no other way to wrap up this action-packed event than Sound Money Fest. A day full of music, laughter and delicious food – there’s no better way to end the weekend. We ended our trip to Amsterdam with a couple of train rides to our next adventure, but this is a memorable story for me. Twitter.
I hope this gives you some insight into what it’s like to attend a Bitcoin conference and the extraordinary connections that can happen. We are looking forward to Bitcoin 2023 in Miami this May and I have high expectations and hope to see you there!
xoxo
Jessica Hodler
This is a guest post by Jessica Hodlr. The views expressed are entirely their own and do not reflect the views of BTC Inc or its companies Bitcoin magazine.