FUNCHAL, MADEIRA, PORTUGAL – MARCH 24: General view of the new Maritimo stadium Photo by Octavio … [+] Passos
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The Bitcoin Atlantis conference, held from March 1st to March 3rd, 2024, in Madeira, gathered over 120 speakers and 5,000 participants from around the globe. The conference featured the latest in bitcoin adoption and innovation. The venue, a football stadium with a circular layout, provided a refreshing departure from traditional conference settings. Its open-air environment, stunning views and thoughtful aesthetics contributed to a relaxed and happy atmosphere.
The event featured a line-up of tech personalities, including Jack Dorsey, Michael Saylor, Jack Mallers and Jeff Booth, offering a unique blend of insights into bitcoin’s technological, economic, and social implications. The core program covered cutting-edge protocols, panel debates, and keynote speeches that delved deep into the complexities and potential of the technology. Education was emphasized, with workshops and talks designed to inform experienced bitcoiners and newcomers.
During discussions about bitcoin’s impact and its role as an emerging asset class, Madeira’s shared their commitment to becoming a bitcoin-friendly hub: the region is offering tax incentives for bitcoin investors and businesses. This initiative positions Madeira as a strategic location for those in the bitcoin space, further assisting with global bitcoin adoption.
One of the conference’s major themes revolved around bitcoin mining’s ability to empower communities, through companies like Gridless in Africa. These projects are not only subsidizing electricity infrastructure in remote villages by utilizing stranded energy for mining but also demonstrating bitcoin’s potential for sustainable development.
This insight offered an insight into how bitcoin can contribute to economic and infrastructural growth beyond its financial implications. Nostr development was another focal point, with discussions on its advancements and bitcoin as its native currency. This highlighted the evolving ecosystem of bitcoin and its applications, extending beyond traditional finance to include social media and communication platforms, indicating a shift towards decentralized networks.
Beyond technological insights, the conference discussed bitcoin’s economic impact and growing market influence. Financial experts outlined its role as an emerging asset class, attracting institutional investment and offering an inflation hedge. The dialogue also touched on bitcoin’s contributions to financial inclusion, emphasizing its potential to reshape global finance.
The conference stood out for its family atmosphere. It featured a well-organized kids’ area with activities and educational content tailored to introduce young minds to bitcoin and financial education.
Kids Area at Bitcoin Atlantis
Jenna Gordon
There was strong female representation with speakers such as Margot Paez, Lisa Hough, Ella Hough, Alana Mediavilla-Diaz, and Rachel Geyer. They showcased the contributions of women in the field, from academic research to documentary filmmaking and organizational leadership. Monika Burra and Clair Prince both noted the acceptance and value placed on women’s voices.
The discussions and panels around the challenges and concerns about bitcoin mining gave the conference additional credibility. At such events, discussions typically emphasize positives rather than addressing industry challenges. During the bitcoin mining section, organized by Troy Cross, the industry’s current challenges and concerns were explored.
Helen Gray, a bitcoiner and regular conference-goer, said, “So often the topic of bitcoin mining is polarized between supporters and critics. This was a rare opportunity to hear evidence and experience-based arguments on the pros and cons of different mining solutions and the factors that affect them.’
Workshops and educational sessions, particularly those involving LNBits & BTC Sessions, offered practical insights into bitcoin’s applications, addressing a crucial need for hands-on learning. These workshops served as the backbone of the conference, continuing the emphasis on education.
The global presence at Bitcoin Atlantis was remarkable, with attendees traveling from as far as El Salvador, Argentina, and New Zealand. This worldwide effort underlined the growing importance, sparking curiosity about whether Madeira could be a potential hub for bitcoin.
The event had a vibe of connection, community, curiosity, and passion, with talks ranging from philisophical to technological. DJ Valerie B Love from the Bitcoin for Peace Podcast called it ‘new vibes.’ Boadi, nine years old, said the best part was the relaxed atmosphere.
This sentiment reflected the conference’s success in creating an environment that was not only intellectually stimulating but also welcoming and inclusive for all, regardless of age, gender or level of knowledge.
Bitcoin Atlantis 2024 wasn’t just a conference; it was a milestone event demonstrating the role of bitcoin in catalyzing global transformation. This event provided the essential link between money and energy, illustrating bitcoin’s capacity to empower individuals and redefine societal structures. André Loja, the architect of the Madeira conference, acknowledged the energy permeating throughout the event. The gathering spotlighted how bitcoin is a digital asset and a catalyst for change, driving innovation around sustainable energy solutions in the financial sector and beyond.
This was the gold standard of bitcoin conferences.
