Experiencing the second annual London Blockchain Conference

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Attending the second annual London Blockchain Conference was an exhilarating experience that I will not soon forget. Held in the gloomy docks of East London, in the shadow of towering cranes, and the legend of Jack the Ripper, this year’s conference was a testament to the rapid advancements in the blockchain space and the diverse community driving these innovations.

From insightful talks by industry leaders to engaging interviews and panel discussions, the event was packed with memorable moments with a key pivot from classic “CoinGeek Conferences” of years past. While friendly to the BSV blockchain, this event was firmly an open blockchain event with roughly 75% representation from the general blockchain ecosystem outside of BSV.

Massive line waiting to see Steven Bartlett at #LDNBlockchain24! pic.twitter.com/WjovWAxbtT

— London Blockchain Conference (@LDN_Blockchain) May 22, 2024

For the BSV maximalists attending, there was a BSVA-sponsored “DevCon” the day before the conference, and it was an absolute blast. It was well attended and featured lots of valuable presentations about apps, tooling, and a heavy technical focus on the BSV ecosystem. I was honored to present on GorillaPool and JungleBus.

At the kickoff of the official event, one of the highlights of the conference was listening to Scott Galloway, renowned for his incisive analysis and bold predictions about the future, give a banger of keynote speech. He did not disappoint, sharing his bullish views on TikTok and the growing prominence of GLP-1 medications. His insights into the intersection of technology, media, and healthcare were both thought-provoking and inspiring.

I was fortunate enough to have a one-on-one interview with him on the “CoinGeek Backstage” couch, where we delved deeper into his predictions and their implications for the blockchain industry. Galloway’s enthusiasm for the future was infectious, and our conversation left me with a renewed sense of optimism about the potential of blockchain technology.

He was also generous with his time and happy to take a fun selfie with me!

Another session that stood out was the Fireside Chat between Steven Bartlett, the host of “Diary of a CEO,” and BBC’s Mark Lobel. Bartlett’s journey as an entrepreneur is nothing short of remarkable, and his insights into the role of AI, blockchain, and memes in shaping the future of business were particularly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Lobel’s questions were incisive, and the dialogue between the two was both entertaining and informative. I had the opportunity to interview both Bartlett and Lobel afterward, exploring their perspectives on entrepreneurship in the era of AI and blockchain. Their thoughts on the transformative power of these technologies were both enlightening and encouraging.

I asked him about the intersection of blockchain and AI in the world of data integrity and got an interesting answer that I’m excited for you to see when the video content comes out!

One of the technical highlights of the conference was the presentation by Dr. Owen Vaughan on the announcement of cross-chain assets. Vaughan’s explanation of the new features and capabilities was exciting—albeit pretty vague—showcasing the potential for increased scalability and interoperability in blockchain tokens using trustless “packets” for sending tokens among chains instead of custodial bridges. This could be a game-changer, promising to enhance the flexibility and utility of blockchain networks, but the devil is always in the details and among users of systems.

Vaughan’s presentation underscored the innovative spirit driving the blockchain community and the continuous quest for improvement. I hope to see the technology utilized by real people in the real world! The best part of the presentation was how he tied in his real-world example of having accidentally paid using variant token from USDC instead of the typical USDC on Ethereum.

Not only were the wedding pictures great, but I think everyone who has been in the space for some time can relate to accidentally using the wrong asset at least once in their lives!

Managing the GorillaPool booth was another highlight of the conference. Alongside my friends and colleagues Kevin, Luke, and David, we engaged with a diverse array of attendees, discussing the latest developments in the blockchain space and sharing our enthusiasm for GorillaPool’s offerings.

Learn about the economics of mining with Gorilla Pool. And while you’re at it, grab some bananas! Drop by the Gorilla Pool booth at #LDNBlockchain24. @kurtwuckertjr @minelikeanape pic.twitter.com/OD8txfWSq5

— BSV Blockchain (@BSVBlockchain) May 22, 2024

The camaraderie and collaboration at the booth were palpable, and it was a joy to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for blockchain technology, mining, big data, and more! Our booth became a hub of activity and discussion, reflecting the dynamic and inclusive nature of the blockchain community, and we had a ton of fun goofing around, too.

The conference also provided a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and colleagues.

#MineAboutIt https://t.co/0eHDjmkLCb

— Kurt Wuckert Jr | GorillaPool.com (@kurtwuckertjr) May 23, 2024

After a year without a pint, sharing a few beers with familiar faces was a simple pleasure that added to the overall experience, too. The sense of community and shared purpose was evident throughout the event, reinforcing the bonds that have been built over years of collaboration and innovation. Plus, I have been on a personal journey for the last eighteen months or so. First was bulking while lifting weights starting in early 2023 to put on some muscle, and for the last seven months, I have been cutting down to my goal weight to see the muscles I had built. It was a ton of fun being about sixty-five pounds lighter at this year’s conference than last year’s, and I probably got a hundred compliments on my transformation!

GM

Getting ready for the last day of @LDN_Blockchain pic.twitter.com/p30WyKbDxx

— Kurt Wuckert Jr | GorillaPool.com (@kurtwuckertjr) May 23, 2024

One of the most fulfilling aspects of the conference was hosting a panel with colleagues from around the Bitcoin mining economy. The panel discussion was lively and engaging, touching on critical issues facing the industry and exploring potential solutions. The diverse perspectives and expertise of the panelists made for a rich and informative dialogue that I think was also educational for the audience.

Despite the drama surrounding some significant changes in the industry, the conference was a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of the BSV blockchain community. It was heartening to see so many dedicated individuals committed to advancing the technology and growing the presence of their businesses. As for myself, I am more determined than ever to contribute to the growth and reputation of the BSV blockchain, and I’m excited to be working with a renewed BSV Association, Teranode team, and a bunch of other allies from around the ecosystem.

The second annual London Blockchain Conference was a resounding success, offering a blend of insightful presentations, engaging discussions, and valuable networking opportunities. As I understand it, it also had record attendance! The event highlighted the ongoing innovation in the blockchain space and the vibrant community driving these advancements. Reflecting on my experience, I am filled with optimism and excitement for the future of blockchain technology in general and BSV specifically.

For those interested in learning more about the conference, I recommend visiting the London Blockchain Conference website, which provides detailed information about the sessions, speakers, and latest updates in the blockchain world.

See you next year at the London Blockchain Conference 2025!

Watch: Day One Summary at #LDNBlockchain24

Watch: Day Two Highlights at #LDNBlockchain24

Watch: Day Three Highlights at #LDNBlockchain24