EthCC, The Ethereum Community Conference Brussels this year featured a diverse lineup of speakers, an array of side events, and a sharp focus on the future of onchain activities, cementing its position as a premier Ethereum event.
Globally renowned blockchain experts gathered to share insights, forge new connections, and explore the latest developments. Here is our summary of what made EthCC 2024 memorable.
Everything onchain
The buzzword of EthCC was onchain, replacing older terms like Web3 and decentralization. A future where onchain interactions become the norm was signaled by the shift, which emphasized the importance of blockchain-based activities in everyday life. It was evident at the conference that blockchain technology has a wide range of practical applications, and that it is already revolutionizing a variety of industries, not just the ones you’d expect.
With Onchain coffee, participants can track their cup of coffee’s entire supply chain, making sure it’s ethically sourced and sustainable. A digital certificate of authenticity and ownership is provided by Onchain tennis shoes, which enhances consumer trust and reduces counterfeit products. These are just two examples of how onchain is poised to take over the world by solving real problems and transforming the way we live.
Recognizing and embracing diversity
EthCC made significant strides towards promoting diversity this year. The conference featured more women on panels, featured a global perspective, and embraced diversity of thought. The inclusive approach demonstrated the community’s commitment to fostering a welcoming environment.
Participants from underrepresented groups contributed fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to panels and discussions. As part of the conference, workshops and sessions focused on empowering minority communities in the blockchain space, addressing barriers to entry, and promoting inclusive growth.
As an example, at the Metamask Side event, there was a wide range of diversity among participants. Both Sandra Fransciso, Ecosystem Engagement Manager at Consensys, and Liz Bazurto, Ecosystem Manager at Metamask, had panels with 40% women.
Keynote by Vitalik Buterin
The keynote was delivered by Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, who immediately engaged the audience with humility and humor. During his presentation, he discussed the way Ethereum responds to 51% attacks more automatically, strategies for quantum resistance, and the simplification of protocols.
As a decade has passed since Ethereum was founded, both Vitalik and Joseph Lubin have provided valuable insights into the future and past of Ethereum. In his candid discussion about Ethereum’s challenges and successes, Butrin resonated deeply with the audience. A key component of overcoming technical hurdles and driving innovation is community involvement and collaboration.
Attendees were inspired by his vision for a more resilient and accessible Ethereum network, sparking discussions about blockchain technology’s future. Butrin’s keynote demonstrated his continued influence and thought leadership in the crypto space.
Hundreds of side events
There were over 500 side events at EthCC 2024 in addition to the keynotes. In addition to Metamask’s innovations onchain, AWS’s advancements in artificial intelligence, and Somnia’s and Pudgy’s vibrant parties, there was something for everyone. A wide range of technical workshops and hackathons were held, covering every level of expertise and experience, as well as social gatherings and networking mixers.
During the workshop, participants explored new technologies, collaborated on projects, and built lasting relationships with peers and industry leaders. As a result of the wide variety of side events, attendees were able to customize their conference experience according to their professional and personal goals, making EthCC 2024 a truly enriching experience.
Stacy Quackenbush commented, “It was an honor to speak at the Google side event during EthCC 2024 to highlight Hive3’s transformative power.” Hive3 aims to empower and connect communities through blockchain decentralization. Engaging and enthusiastic attendees at the event reinforced my belief that platforms such as Hive3 are crucial to driving digital collaboration and innovation in the future. The purpose is to create a space where people can come together, share ideas, and build something greater than the sum of their parts.”
BUIDL
The mantra of ETHCC 2024 was “BUIDL.” The conference demonstrated the thriving culture of innovation and construction within the blockchain community. Hackathons, showcases of new companies, and the unveiling of cutting-edge blockchains and applications were among the many activities taking place at the event. Both established firms and startups presented their latest projects and prototypes, demonstrating the industry’s rapid pace of technological advancement.
There was excitement in the exhibit halls as entrepreneurs pitched their groundbreaking ideas, developers worked on code, and investors looked for the next big thing. Hackathons were a highlight, letting creative minds create, test, and launch real-time solutions. They created a spirit of collaboration and pushed participants to explore blockchain’s full potential.
ETHCC 2024 revealed a collective commitment to empowering individuals and transforming industries with technology. There was a relentless focus on innovation and progress at the conference, with every corner echoing “buidl.” The environment not only showcased the current advances, but also inspired attendees to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the blockchain space.
Gaming
A lot of discussions at EthCC revolved around designing permissionless games for crypto. The blockchain promises to revolutionize the gaming industry, enabling everything from enhanced gameplay to community creation, from decentralized governance to new revenue streams for gamers, developers, and platforms.
There were panels and workshops on building and sustaining blockchain games, highlighting the opportunities and challenges. EthCC’s enthusiasm for gaming underscored its potential to drive mainstream adoption of blockchain technology, engaging a broader audience, and creating a vibrant ecosystem for players, developers, and investors.
It’s about community, not utility
Community was the overriding theme of EthCC, pushing even utility to the side. EthCC stressed the importance of a strong, engaged community for any blockchain project’s success and longevity. Attendees felt a sense of belonging and a sense of purpose as a result of this community-first approach. Innovation and overcoming challenges are driven by community governance, collaboration, and support. RecruitBlock clients Pudgy Penguins showed off their amazing community again and again!
“A community is where everyone gets more out of it than they give.”
Lou Kerner of CryptoOracle and CryptoMondays.
Community-driven development, grassroots initiatives, and open-source projects have shaped the blockchain landscape, according to attendees. It reflects a broader trend in the industry that recognizes that technology alone is not sufficient to sustain growth; it must be supported by a dedicated and passionate community.
![Ethereum Community Conference, EthCC[7],](https://recruitblock.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ETH-power-to-the-people.jpg)
Integration of AI and blockchain
The increasing integration of AI and blockchain technologies was one of the hottest topics at EthCC 2024. There were sessions and panels discussing how AI can enhance blockchain applications, from improving smart contracts to optimizing supply chain management. Blockchain’s transparency and security were combined with AI’s predictive capabilities to create innovative solutions.
“AI and Blockchain integration is inevitable, not only for operational/process issues, but also to deliver better results at lower acquisition costs, to achieve these results, both technologies need to win the public trust, and that’s something that tech and industry need to focus on as a priority.”
For example, AI-driven analytics tools are being developed to help predict market trends and automate trading on decentralized exchanges. With AI and blockchain merged, new possibilities for efficiency and innovation open up, and EthCC 2024 showcased a number of groundbreaking projects that are leading the way. It was highlighted that AI and blockchain together could revolutionize industries by providing smarter, safer, and more efficient solutions.
EthCC 2024 in Brussels was a vibrant, insightful, and community-driven event that celebrated Ethereum’s achievements and looked forward to its future. The conference presented a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, from thought-provoking keynotes to energetic side events.
A diverse lineup of speakers and an emphasis on community, innovation, and onchain activities provided a rich tapestry of experiences. EthCC 2024 will no doubt shape the next wave of developments in the blockchain space as we move towards a more onchain world in the future.
The conference not only stressed the importance of collaboration, diversity, and community in driving the blockchain industry forward, but also highlighted its transformative power. Also, the growing intersection of AI and blockchain offers limitless potential for future improvements, pointing to even greater advances in the future.
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