Around the World in Crypto With Tanzeel: A Trip Through This Autumn’s Top Conferences
While I’ve been active in the crypto industry for close to a decade, this autumn is turning out to be one of the busiest periods in the history of crypto events, which means I’m ready for a nice trip. Follow me on a journey across countries and continents to catch up with the biggest names in the industry and get exclusive coverage of the latest developments in the space.
Check out the map below to see where I am and what conferences I’m attending. Follow along on an exciting autumn crypto trip!
Crypto Trip Destination 1: Lugano, Switzerland
Tether Plan B, 25-26th October
The picturesque lakeside city of Lugano, Switzerland, is buzzing with anticipation as the annual “Plan B” crypto conference unfolds this weekend.
Nestled between the mountains and the serene waters of Lake Lugano, the event has drawn blockchain enthusiasts, investors, and thought leaders from around the world. The venue, a sleek, modern convention center, is adorned with banners celebrating Bitcoin, decentralization, and the future of digital finance.
Arriving in Lugano for the Plan B Conference feels surreal, with the city wrapped in mist and a soft, grey sky casting a cool, muted light over everything. As I make my way toward the venue, the somber atmosphere is interrupted by a cluster of bright orange balloons, each stamped with the unmistakable Bitcoin symbol, floating outside the entrance and adding an unexpected pop of color.
As attendees filter into the conference hall, excitement builds for the star-studded lineup of speakers. Some of the most influential voices in the crypto space are expected to give keynote addresses.
This year’s Plan B line-up includes the Assange family, who will address freedom of speech and its far-reaching implications worldwide.
The Forum offers its participants two days of insightful panels and events that underscore the importance of democratizing finance via cryptocurrency adoption. The inclusion of the Assange family adds particular significance in light of the recent release of Julian Assange, the Australian editor, publisher, and activist.
Joining him on stage is Adam Back, the CEO of Blockstream, whose pioneering work on cryptographic systems and Bitcoin infrastructure has earned him legendary status in the blockchain community. His deep knowledge of Bitcoin’s technical underpinnings and future development directions promises to be a highlight of the event.
Day 1 @ Tether Plan B
Starting the first conference day is Eric Balchunas, Senior ETF Analyst for Bloomberg. According to him, crypto ETFs will reach $35 trillion by 2035. A very bullish statement, delivered with Balchunas’ unmistakable passion and energy.
Next up, I had the chance to talk with Paolo Ardoino himself about all things Tether and the future of the stablecoin. Ardoino said he remains confident USDT will maintain its dominance amid increasing competition from other stablecoins, especially due to the team’s deep understanding of usage and its focus on emerging markets.
Aside from panels and talks, in a striking ceremony at the Plan B Forum in Lugano, Tether and Mayor Michele Foletti unveiled a life-sized statue honoring Bitcoin’s anonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. Set against a dramatic backdrop of misty grey clouds hanging over the Alps and the serene waters of Lake Lugano, the statue became an emblem of innovation and mystery, much like Nakamoto’s identity itself.
The sculpture, unveiled as part of Lugano’s initiative to embrace cryptocurrency, reflects the city’s commitment to becoming a hub for blockchain technology and digital finance. The ceremony resonated with the spirit of change and disruption that Bitcoin represents, making it a momentous event for crypto enthusiasts and innovators alike.
Day 2 @ Tether Plan B
As we gear up for a second day of exciting panels, one Lugano bakery has found a way to incorporate the excess Bitcoin mining heat into its daily operations.
At the event, Nick Szabo, a well-known cryptographer and computer scientist, stepped on stage, and the hall quickly filled with eager attendees. In his presentation, Szabo looked back at the historical forms of money, from shells and copper to gold, tracing their roles as currency and symbol of wealth.
He went on to discuss the risks in today’s modern financial structure, such as rising global debt and inflationary pressures, which have sparked debate over the resilience of fiat systems.
I also met with Jesse Knutson, head of operations at Bitfinex Securities. He confirmed that Bitfinex will work with asset management firm Lazard and SkyBridge Invest to launch tokenized funds.
Knutson said the fund will use Liquid Network for issuances, which he believes offers better regulatory clarity and white-listing functionality.
Knutson also shared that the tokenization market has growth potential, citing a McKinsey report that projects it could reach $1 trillion by 2030. Currently, the security token market stands at around $40 billion, indicating there is room for expansion.
Lightning Labs CEO Elizabeth Stark took to the stage to discuss the importance of open protocols in Bitcoin, particularly the Lightning Network. She stressed that Lightning gives instant, low-fee transactions allowing users to exit funds back to the blockchain. Stark went on to add that it has become a multi-asset protocol, supporting stablecoins like USDT without clogging the blockchain.
A striking orange McLaren emblazoned with the Bitcoin logo was spotted outside the Plan B Forum in Lugano, capturing the attention of attendees and passersby.
As day two of the event comes to a close, the gloomy weather in Lugano proves no match for the enthusiasm of the attendees. Despite overcast skies and intermittent drizzle, participants remain engaged, moving between sessions. Lugano’s third Plan B has been a hit attracting entrepreneurs from across the world despite the terrible weather.
Crypto Trip Destination 2: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Leaving Lugano on Sunday, I made my way to Milan via train, catching a flight bound for Cairo and ultimately Dubai. My journey not only spanned countries but climates—starting with the cold wet weather in Lugano, where autumn had set in. As I neared the Middle East, the temperature shift was immediate.
The warmth greeted me on arrival in Cairo, and by the time I landed in Sharjah taking a taxi to Dubai, I felt the full embrace of the desert heat, a stark contrast to where I’d begun the day. The transition within 24 hours feels like stepping into a different season altogether.
After catching up on much-needed sleep, I’ll be ready to dive into my next two crypto events in Dubai, fully recharged and prepared to engage with the industry’s latest insights and innovations.
Pre-Event Binance Meet-up, 29th October
This morning Binance welcomed a group of journalists from Asia and the Middle East to Dubai, setting a festive Halloween tone ahead of their two-day event. Organizers added a playful, spooky vibe to the gathering, giving attendees a lighthearted experience before the main event. The blend of festivity and networking set a fun atmosphere, paving the way for an exciting event to follow.
Pictured: Vishal Sacheendran, Head of Regional Markets, Binance. Stephanie Emile, General Manager for Dubai, Binance. Bader Kalooti, Regional Growth and Operations Lead, Binance.
Day 1 @ Binance Blockchain Week, 30th October
Binance CEO Richard Teng officially kicked off Binance Blockchain Week today in Dubai, delivering an inspiring keynote to an audience from around the world. Welcoming the crowd, Teng expressed his appreciation for the dedicated Binance community, forward-thinking innovators, and essential partners, including policymakers and regulators, who played a key role in making the event possible.
Teng set an optimistic tone for the conference, announcing that the theme for this year is momentum. He explains that while crypto adoption remains in its early stages—with global penetration still below 10%—2024 has been a landmark year.
Reflecting on industry milestones, he cited events like the approval of crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as pivotal moments, offering blockchain technology the validation it deserves within the broader financial landscape.
In his speech, Teng highlighted the increasing interest from traditional financial institutions, noting that over 200 institutions have now embraced blockchain. This momentum represents more than just growth; it signifies the resilience of the industry as it continues to overcome challenges and solidify its foundation for the future. “This is our opportunity to think about what lies ahead for crypto and blockchain. Let’s harness innovation to be a true force of change,” Teng urged.
Adding a symbolic touch, he pointed to a pin on his jacket with the words “to the moon,” stressing Binance’s ambitions for the industry’s future. His keynote at Binance Blockchain Week set an inspiring tone for what promises to be a pivotal year ahead for blockchain and crypto.
Keeping with tradition, a crypto conference would not be complete without a flashy, on-brand car showcased near the venue. Parked outside the venue the Binance customized Tesla, wrapped in the company’s signature black and yellow logo is on display. As with the theme of “momentum,” the Binance Tesla is fitting – a symbol of acceleration.
Yi He, co-founder and chief customer service officer Binance on the ground at Binance Blockchain Week meeting and greeting people. Keeping it real. Pictured below is an enthusiastic attendee.
During the first day of the event, Binance announced the appointment of Jeff Li as its new Vice President of Product, a move aimed at strengthening its Web3 initiatives. With over 16 years in product leadership across Web2 and Web3, Li will lead Binance’s product and design teams, concentrating on expanding the company’s suite of blockchain solutions and ensuring broader access to these technologies.
Day 2 @ Binance Blockchain Week, 31st October
GM! Catch-me on stage this morning moderating a panel: Following Smart Money & the Need for On-Chain Data. Panelists: Alex Svanevik, CEO of Nansen, Marcin Kazmierczak founder of RedStone Oracles, Ambre Soubiran CEO of Kaiko and Mriganka Pattnaik CEO of Merkle Science. Team selfie taken by Kazmierczak.
After the panel I got a chance to catch up with Charles d’Haussy, CEO of dYdX Foundation. We spoke about the convergence between centralized and decentralized exchanges, and dYdX’s new “Unlimited” upgrade.
You can check out the whole interview here.
In addition to the amazing panels and networking opportunities, the Binance team also took entertainment to new levels during the conference.
Playing catch is a lot like breaking news—both require quick reflexes, focus, and timing. Whether it’s catching falling bars or catching the latest scoop, it’s all about staying alert and moving fast. Here I am working on my skills.
The main event that had everyone buzzing with excitement was Changpeng Zhao’s first appearance on stage. The event hall was packed with enthusiasts waiting to hear CZ discuss his time in prison and future plans.
CZ covered numerous topics, going into detail about his time in prison, the fairness of the sentence he received from the US judge, and his new project, Giggle Academy.
You can check out the complete panel overview of CZ’s talk at Binance Blockchain Week here.
Day 1 @ TON Gateway, 1st November
The TON event in Dubai kicked off with excitement, drawing a crowd of crypto enthusiasts and industry insiders eager to learn about the latest updates to TON’s Telegram-integrated wallet.
Staying true to the tradition of crypto conferences, a luxury car with the TON logo was on display outside, adding a touch of flair and signaling the ambition of the project.
Inside the Grand Hyatt conference hall in Dubai, people gathered to hear firsthand about TON’s newest features and plans to bring blockchain technology to millions of Telegram users.
One of the biggest announcements of the event so far comes from Tether. The stablecoin provider announced they will be launching a Dirham-pegged stablecoin on the TON Blockchain. This was announced by Alessandro Giori, senior strategic partnership manager at Tether.
You can find out more about Tether’s plans in the full coverage here.
TON also announced there will be new updates to its Telegram-integrated crypo Wallet, with numerous features improving user accessibility. The updates aim to integrate Ton Wallet’s custodial and self-custodial options, Wallet and TON Space, into a single interface.
Day 2 @ TON Gateway, 2nd November
The second day of The Gateway event in Dubai has kicked off, and the rich aroma of oud greets you as you enter the Grand Hyatt Dubai Conference and Exhibition Centre. One thing is certain: TON organizers have a keen eye for quality. This is easily one of the nicest venues I’ve attended, blending luxury with a sense of cultural immersion. Dubai’s version of a luxury experience is on another level.
I caught up with Ian Wittkopp [pictured below] a managing partner at TON Ventures. He chatted to CryptoNews about the recently launched $40 million fund which is co-managed with Inal Kardan. Wittkopp told me he is seeing a shift from hyper-casual to mid-core games, which offer higher retention and in-app purchases.
Wittkopp said these games often leverage Telegram Mini Apps, similar to WeChat Mini Programs, and may incorporate the TON blockchain for increased engagement and virality. Geographically, the CIS region and Asia are seen as key markets. The fund aims to onboard Web 2 users to blockchain gaming.
Later on in the day, I caught up with Notcoin co-creator Sasha Plotvinov [pictured below] who told me how his crypto game went viral via Telegram. Within a year the clicker game gained millions of players.
Plotvinov has contributed to developing TON’s technology and fostering a community around it and has been involved in initiatives to expand TON’s reach. His game has helped remove barriers to entry, such as setting up wallets and understanding gas, the team has attracted Telegram’s 900 million monthly users to TON.
I also caught up with TON Society co-founder Jack Booth who discussed the resurgence of the Telegram Open Network (TON). The integration of wallets and mini apps within Telegram. The potential impact of the upcoming U.S. elections on crypto regulation with Trump being seen as more pro-crypto. As well as why Tether’s new Dirham stablecoin has a strong use case.
More breaking news from The Gateway 2024. HashKey Global announced it has applied for VARA approval in Dubai.
After a full day of meetings, I decided to unwind with a glass of champagne at The Gateway closing party. The majority of the crowd was Russian giving the event an energetic and straightforward vibe when it came to networking. The setting was trendy —mostly young men dressed smart casual, deep in discussion about TON. It was a tasteful end to a two-day event, and TON has certainly proven itself to be a fascinating story with a promising future. On Sunday, I’ll head to Bangkok. I’m ready to switch gears and connect with the Ethereum crowd.
Crypto Trip Destination 3: Bangkok, Thailand
Day 1 @ Staking Summit, 8th November
Landing in Bangkok, Thailand, feels like being swept into a whirlwind of vibrant colors, sounds, and energy. The city is chaotic, from the flurry of tuk-tuks weaving through side streets to the bustling street markets selling everything from sizzling street food to cute handicrafts.
The first event on my itinerary here is the Staking Summit, a gathering focused on advancing staking accessibility and decentralization within the blockchain industry.
Key people in the space are slated to discuss how to make staking more user-friendly and accessible, a significant move as staking becomes a cornerstone of blockchain networks. Topics will span technical innovations, regulatory considerations, and approaches to enhancing decentralization, addressing both current challenges and future possibilities.
As Bangkok bustles outside, the summit promises to be an impactful space where stakeholders can shape the future of staking with practical, community-focused solutions.
I caught Will Shannon from Lido on stage this morning discussing the evolution of Lido, a liquid staking protocol on Ethereum with over 9.7 million ETH staked. In 2023, Lido had 29 curated node operators, contributing to network decentralization.
Simple DVT, which utilizes distributed validator technology, increased from 0.5% to 4% share, equivalent to over 12,000 validators. CSM, launched two weeks ago, has boarded over 180 node operators and 1,200 active validators. Lido aims to reach 5,000 node operators.
In the afternoon I caught Mirko Schmiedl co-founder and CEO of Staking Rewards on stage discussing why we need Bitcoin staking. Schmiedl explored the future of Bitcoin staking, highlighting $1.7 billion is currently staked, making Bitcoin a top 15 proof-of-stake network.
He identified three use cases: securing the on-chain economy, Bitcoin’s Plan B (proof-of-stake vision), and a vision for BTC and Ethereum integration.
Schmiedl highlighted different levels of adoption starting with Bitcoin as secondary collateral and progressing to securing all blockchains. Ethereum is currently the best collateral due to its high network effect and convenience. Schmiedl also emphasized the potential for Bitcoin to become a productive store of value, attracting services from Ethereum, and the challenges of achieving this.
Lack of Regulatory Clarity
During a panel on regulation and staking, Lewis Han, head of staking sales at Coinbase, [pictured below] highlights the ongoing regulatory challenges, saying, “The regulatory environment up to this point has been quite poor. There’s just no clarity. It’s been regulated by enforcement, and we had to do a lot of policy work as a company. Our CEO, Brian Armstrong, has spent significant time in DC trying to educate.”
Han adds, “We power staking for structured products already, just not in the U.S. We power ETPs, like 21Shares, using our validators in Canada and the EU. For the U.S., what we see is a lack of clarity.”
Day 2 @ Staking Summit, 9th November
This morning Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum came on stage to celebrate the success of Ethereum’s proof of stake transition and the stability of the network post-merge. He highlighted the decentralization of Ethereum staking, noting that the largest staking entity, Lido, involves multiple actors rather than a single entity.
Buterin went on to discuss the challenges in staking decentralization, such as high entry barriers and technical requirements were addressed, with potential solutions like reducing minimum staking requirements and improving node accessibility. Buterin’s keynote speech conversation also explored the balance between decentralization and practical use, emphasizing the need for decentralized authorities and the role of community efforts in enhancing staking solutions.
REDACTED, 10th November
I caught NEAR co-founder and foundation CEO Illia Polosukhin on stage talking about the concept of “user-owned AI,” which aims to decentralize AI tech and empower users to control their data. NEAR announced the alpha launch of “NEAR AI” – The NEAR protocol integrates chain abstraction, AI, and scalable blockchain to allow interactions across different chains and services.
Polosukhin said, “We believe that the future is AI-first and that everyone will have their own custom-configured AI assistant as the primary way to interact with computing and services.”
In an interview Polosukhin told CryptoNews the new AI tool is designed to be universal and not limited by geopolitical restrictions. The tool is currently in its alpha phase, with plans for a hackathon to further develop it.
Edward Snowden appeared on stage *virtually* sharing his view on digital sovereignty. He encouraged the audience to own their authentic selves and fight for digital sovereignty.
“In policy terms, digital sovereignty means that governments are trying to set rules to make us act the way they want. Governments say that digital sovereignty is to regulate the internet for our purposes. But that’s not what it is. Digital sovereignty is rather the recognition of civil liberty. Governments can have access to our connections, our writing, our reading – but there are legitimate limits to their ability to regulate. That is, we can create our own ways to prevent it,” said Snowden.
“The Bitcoin idea encapsulates this: there is no one person under the gun that you can point at to punish. As the price rises, and as we see the big banks and governments talk about investments in the crypto domain and try to compete for the new territory, we have to recognise that they are going to try to put their influence upon you. Will you be prepared for it?” asked Snowden.
GeckoCon 2024, 11th November
GeckoCon 2024 kicks off today – a hybrid conference held in Bangkok after a one-year hiatus. The event marked its return with a physical event format, emphasizing interactivity and engagement.
The conference, themed “Web3 Games Unleashed,” follows previous virtual events titled “NFTs Gone Wild” and “The Decentralized Future.” It focuses on the evolving web3 gaming sector, highlighting improvements in gameplay, production values, and tokenomics.
TM Lee and Bobby Ong co-founders of CoinGecko, shared updates on the platform redesign, new categories, and expanded Gecko Terminal tracking over 4 million tokens across 150 networks. The company also highlighted enhancements to its API, now offering over 70 endpoints for developers.
Zhong Yang Chan discussed the latest gaming trends and highlighted Web3 gaming market cap reached $32.2 billion on March 11, 2024, from $6.1 billion on October 1, 2023. The current market cap for Web3 gaming is down to $15.7 billion.
Following the event my evening in Bangkok ended with a serene boat cruise along the Chao Phraya River. The city’s illuminated skyline and iconic temples were stunning at night. As we cruised, we were treated to a traditional Thai puppet performance, an art form that’s both delicate and expressive. The puppets moved gracefully, each gesture telling a story deeply rooted in Thai culture and history.
Day 1 @ Devcon 2024, 12th November
Gm! Devcon 2024 kicks off today in Bangkok, bringing together developers, builders, and innovators from around the world for a deep dive into the Ethereum ecosystem. The atmosphere is charged with excitement as attendees pick up their wristbands, granting them access to the venue’s wide range of sessions, workshops, and networking events.
This year’s event is set to showcase new advancements in decentralized technologies, with a packed agenda focused on scaling, security, and inclusivity within the Ethereum community. With thought-provoking talks, hands-on activities, and a bustling social scene, Devcon gives the Eth community a platform for collaboration and innovation. Lets gooooooo!
During the opening ceremony at Devcon 2024, Vitalik Buterin the co founder of Ethereum spoke about his vision for Ethereum’s future, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to decentralization, scalability, and inclusivity.
You can find out more about what Vitalik Buterin shared during his opening speech below.
Ethereum Foundation researcher Justin Drake has revealed “Beam Chain,” an ambitious upgrade for Ethereum’s consensus layer, at the Devcon SEA conference.
Dubbed by some as “Ethereum 3.0,” the initiative aims for faster block times, reduced validator stakes, and advanced cryptographic techniques to enhance scalability and security.
Day 2 @ Devcon 2024, 13th November
Waking up early in Bangkok, with the city already buzzing, I set off for day two of Devcon. After grabbing a strong coffee to kickstart the day, the venue is buzzing and full of developers, industry leaders, and crypto enthusiasts are gathering.
Day 2 at DevCon has been a whirlwind of ideas, people, and endless discussions. The gathering feels like an intensified immersion into Ethereum’s heartbeat, with developers, hackers, and creators from all over the world engaging in panels, breakout sessions, and informal conversations about the network’s current state, its core values, and the future direction it might take.
As a passive observer (fly on the wall) – I’ve been lurking in the background, soaking up insights. There are hundreds of side events branching off the main agenda, DevCon is a place of constant movement and momentum.
Talent scouts are everywhere, head-hunting emerging developers and creators, and new partnerships and projects seem to spring up with each passing day. The main venue is buzzing, but as soon as official events wind down, the energy spills into the late hours, with whispers of exclusive after-parties that offer a new level of networking.
Word of mouth also led me to an unplanned adventure. I heard about a party co-hosted by Ledger and 1inch, featuring live jazz music.
Inside, I mingled with a swanky group of French and Russian guests, the drinks were flowing and the vibe was on point.
Day 3 @ Devcon 2024, 14th November
Back to back side events have been exhausting especially as many require bike rides through the crazy Bangkok traffic.
Joe Lubin from Consensys came on stage at Devcon 7 to talk about decentralizing his firm and how to catalyze a network state in the emerging decentralized web3 and AI.
Day 4 @ Devcon 2024, 15th November
It has been an intense week and I am fully immersed in the whirlwind of Ethereum’s Devcon 7 SEA festival – it is almost over – it feels like I have stepped into an alternate realm.
So far festival attendees are having fun (yes, fun!) this is partly due to collecting stuffed frogs by scanning QR codes, with high achievers wearing quirky frog hats.
Elo Gimenez – Global Public Relations Director at ConsenSys, wearing the much sought-after frog hat.
Here is the event wrap-up exploring key ideas discussed. I have had a fantastic time at Devcon, and I look forward to attending the next one!
Post-Event Thoughts …
My journey from Switzerland to Dubai to Thailand for several crypto conferences has been nothing short of extraordinary and informative. Each destination gave me a glimpse into the fun but eclectic world of crypto. I managed to connect with communities representing Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, NEAR, and TON.
The gatherings were not all about token price speculation, but instead focusing on the core question: how do we evolve blockchain technology and push its use case to the next level?
I have been mingling with people from diverse backgrounds, and it has become clear that every individual had a unique story driving their interest in crypto. For some, it was the promise of decentralization and self-sovereignty championed by a certain cryptocurrency.
Others were drawn to Ethereum’s ever-expanding possibilities with smart contracts, or the TON community’s pursuit of scaling blockchain to millions of users using tools integrated to the Telegram wallet. Tether resonated deeply with participants from emerging markets, where these assets provide stability amid economic volatility. Each community brought a distinct perspective..
Many key topics emerged across stages and panels. Staking, for instance, was a hot topic, with discussions focusing on improving accessibility and decentralization. The potential of zk-rollups to improving scalability and privacy also captivated audiences, highlighting Ethereum’s ongoing evolution. Meanwhile, the increasing adoption of stablecoins in emerging markets underscored blockchain’s practical impact on everyday lives.
Learning about these topics firsthand and seeing the passion of builders, investors, and enthusiasts has been inspiring. Whether it was understanding how NEAR Protocol fosters developer-friendly tech or exploring TON’s roadmap for mass adoption, every moment felt like a step closer to the blockchain future.
Ultimately, this journey was about more than just conferences—it was a celebration of how far the crypto industry has come and a testament to its potential to solve real-world challenges. From Switzerland’s sophistication to Dubai’s ambition and Thailand’s welcoming warmth, the trip has been eye-opening and informative.
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