Which city deserves to be the blockchain capital?

[burenka]

Many major and minor conferences occur worldwide for people to gather and discuss blockchain development and the crypto industry. Everyone can find a lot of helpful information and make the necessary acquaintances during such events. According to our research, the list of cities hosting the most events in 2022-2023 is topped off by:

• London - 26 events;
• New York - 25 events;
• Rome - 20 events;
• Dubai - 16 events;
• San Francisco - 13 events;
• Miami - 13 events;
• Singapore - 10 events.

Looking at the data, London emerges as the world's blockchain capital, with New York falling just a tiny bit short of taking the lead in this competition. However, it is not only the number of events that matters, but also the number of people they attract, and how many valuable decisions they inspire.

Hundreds if not thousands of blockchain events take place worldwide, promising visitors the opportunity to interact with leading experts in the field and familiarize with the latest innovations. Still, only a few of them are truly worth the visitors' time and money.

In 2018, before the pandemic, New York exploded with closed parties arranged by crypto investors and millionaires participating in one of the most famous blockchain conferences in the world — Consensus 2018. Aston Martin sport car raffles, whose cost starts at $150 000, rental Lamborghinis, long viewed as the necessary attribute of dolce vita, and nightclubs with extravagantly clothed waitresses—despite the fall of Bitcoin in the first half of 2018, the industry continued to live a life in which Bitcoin traded at $20,000.

Holding blockchain conferences at the time was almost more profitable than trading, especially given the significantly lower risks. CoinDesk, the organizing company, earned about $8 million on tickets to the Consensus 2018 blockchain conference alone.

The prolonged recession in the cryptocurrency market has also affected conferences. The main complaint against blockchain event organizers was sloppy speaker selection: employees of dubious cryptocurrency companies or total newcomers with little knowledge of technology would at the time often make the list anyway. Now that the world of cryptocurrencies has more or less stabilized, the public's awareness of the field has grown, and people have grown much more picky when it comes to event speakers, especially considering ticket prices and the distance one has to travel.

From this, it can be deduced that the number and quality of blockchain events held in certain cities may vary depending on the speakers, organizers, and the number of people locally engaged in the industry.

Relevant minor events are often held in the same city a day or two before and after a significant conference, increasing their visibility. For example, Facebook and meetup.com turn out to be well-suited for finding such events in Bangkok. Here you can immediately find a discussion held by blockchain enthusiasts with the unusual name of Satoshi Square. Upon joining, you will see how everything in the local blockchain community works and find access to local investors, partners, and resources. Meetups like Satoshi Square take place in venues such as bars and cafés, where one can meet the leaders of the local Google Developers Network. Minor events are a starting point of entry into the local hangout and an opportunity to make new acquaintances. Such events are often free or relatively inexpensive.

There are several ways to go about finding the most successful blockchain events — you can, for example, follow a noteworthy speaker to the place where a significant event is set to take place or go through our list and choose the city with the most blockchain events and try to visit as many of them as possible. It all depends on the goals that you want to achieve visiting such conferences in the first place.

It is worth remembering that the situation can change at a moment's notice. Some experts believe that every region may have its own center. For Europe, that would be London. In North and South America, most crypto enthusiasts congregate in New York. For Asia, Singapore plays the role of crypto Mecca, while in Africa and the Middle East people are drawn to Dubai.

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[The Sceptical Chymist]

You know what I think?  There shouldn't be a so-called blockchain capital.  It's nice that there are municipalities around the world (cities/states) who've touted themselves to be crypto-friendly and that some of the larger cities have been host to big conferences and other get-togethers, but that "blockchain capital" title just rubs me the wrong way, as it goes against the decentralized nature of bitcoin--and it's that decentralization that makes it so great.  Well, it's one of the reasons anyway.

Besides, any place could claim that title but it doesn't mean everyone would agree on it. 

[Doan9269]

the list of cities hosting the most events in 2022-2023 is topped off by:

• London - 26 events;
• New York - 25 events;
• Rome - 20 events;
• Dubai - 16 events;
• San Francisco - 13 events;
• Miami - 13 events;
• Singapore - 10 events.

If we are to actually go by this i don't know how accurate we can be because some other countries may take the need sonner than the ones presented here since adoption continues and we've fot a large number of countries already giving it a green indication for the adoption of cryptocurrency in general, another thing to consider here is that, should hosting an event be the major criteria for giving this title? maybe there could be more things to consider than that.

[STT]

Sounds so obviously ironic, its not a centralized standard.  Surely there should be no center or any aim to direct the blockchain in that way even if it were purely publicity.   You could argue maybe the countries with BTC as a national currency deserve the first attempt at such a title but the whole world is the ideal.

[BIT-BENDER]

Firstly a city hosting a crypto-currency event doesn't mean the City has to be Crypto inclined or hot on crypto-currency. There are many reasons a city can host an even one is its popularity, how advanced is the city, tourist attractions and hospitality. All this reasons and more can make events get hosted in those cities. So I won't say your list and reasons for it solely qualifies those cities to be the blockchain capital.

I think we should look at which cities uses crypto more, how are laws and restrictions on crypto in them, government and institutions acceptances for crypto-currency, how is the crypto education especially to the next generation like.

[jossiel]

A few years ago, it was likely Malta was the best IMO because of their law and structure towards crypto and taxation. But it seems that they've been out of the popularity because of some other countries have been going out and at most times, they're on the news so they get the attention.

You know what I think?  There shouldn't be a so-called blockchain capital.  It's nice that there are municipalities around the world (cities/states) who've touted themselves to be crypto-friendly and that some of the larger cities have been host to big conferences and other get-togethers, but that "blockchain capital" title just rubs me the wrong way, as it goes against the decentralized nature of bitcoin--and it's that decentralization that makes it so great.  Well, it's one of the reasons anyway.

Besides, any place could claim that title but it doesn't mean everyone would agree on it. 

I agree on this one, any place can be a hub and should just be named as "blockchain friendly" or "crypto friendly" area.

[Gyfts]

I'd vote on Dubai. The number of crypto events are largely irrelevant. I could register a hotel lobby, gather a party of a dozen people for a Bitcoin event anywhere in the world to run the tally up if that was the standard.

I'd consider any city that is pro-crypto, anti-regulation, and pro-free market to be the only contenders. UK and U.S. will be regulating Bitcoin soon, more than they have already. London is out, NYC is out (along with any other U.S. cities) on your list.

Dubai's economy and tech space has developed rapidly over the last 20 years. My understanding is their regulatory governance board has allowed some crypto companies to offer their services there recently. Seems to me they'll embrace Bitcoin more than any other region. They'll likely become a crypto hub with large crypto corporations HQ'd there over the next decade.

[Wexnident]

I wouldn't want one to be but if I were to be forced to pick, it'd either be Singapore or New York. They're both hubs imo in the eastern and western side, I wouldn't even mind if both were considered as one. But yea, if possible I wouldn't want one to exist since I don't think we even need it in the first place. Maybe if a group or community wanted to establish one, it'd be better as a traveling group of sorts that goes to various countries voluntarily instead of tying it to a single country.

Or just let every place be its own blockchain capital, if they wanted to.

[shynar_data40]

I'd vote on Dubai. The number of crypto events are largely irrelevant. I could register a hotel lobby, gather a party of a dozen people for a Bitcoin event anywhere in the world to run the tally up if that was the standard.

I'd consider any city that is pro-crypto, anti-regulation, and pro-free market to be the only contenders. UK and U.S. will be regulating Bitcoin soon, more than they have already. London is out, NYC is out (along with any other U.S. cities) on your list.

Dubai's economy and tech space has developed rapidly over the last 20 years. My understanding is their regulatory governance board has allowed some crypto companies to offer their services there recently. Seems to me they'll embrace Bitcoin more than any other region. They'll likely become a crypto hub with large crypto corporations HQ'd there over the next decade.

I agree that a big future for crypto industry can be expected in Dubai. Unfortunately, I have not yet had a chance to go to an event there. Were you able to take part in a major blockchain event in Dubai?
Have you organized a blockchain event?

[shynar_data40]

Nice information. I think Singapore is one of the most innovative place, though it might not be hoding many conferences but it was one of the few places in Asia that is at forefront of crypto revolution. Yes London must be the capital for sure I guess.

That's just the big events, but there's also the problem of keeping track of the smaller ones, such as blockchain breakfasts.
Have you attended such small events? Where do you keep track of blockchain events?

[Moneyprism]

Blockchain is a decentralized technology that was developed to be able to accelerate and secure transactions globally.. because it is a decentralized technology, this technology should be available globally,,, can be developed by everyone, and not centralized in one place, because when it focuses on in one place, meaning that there are parties who can monopolize blockchain technology .. especially without the "Blockchain Capital", I think blockchain technology itself has developed very much in recent years, so I don't think this blockchain capital is needed rn

[shynar_data40]

Sounds so obviously ironic, its not a centralized standard.  Surely there should be no center or any aim to direct the blockchain in that way even if it were purely publicity.   You could argue maybe the countries with BTC as a national currency deserve the first attempt at such a title but the whole world is the ideal.

But for some reason blockchain events are held more often in some cities than in others. Why do you think organizers choose 1 city more often?

[Hydrogen]

El Salvador appears to have made the largest per capita commitment to crypto. If there is a capital they might merit the distinction.

Given the history of the internet I wouldn't be surprised if someone tried to establish a capital somewhere in international waters. There is unclaimed land near the mojave desert and far south not far from antarctica. Perhaps cryptocurrency capitals could be established there. Or perhaps one might eventually be established on mars or the moon. All of the motivation for such things appears to have waned. Local governments have shown that they will not tolerate such positions to be established in international waters near their borders. Which could have put a damper on things.

People have flocked to find sympathetic representatives. There are a few US states who are sympathetic or even supportive of crypto. While other US states have adopted the opposite approach. I don't think its too hard to tell which direction the wind is blowing. But you can never tell.

[so98nn]

The last idea seems more reasonable. The centers could be regional based so that managing such conferences could be far easy and locality could gather way faster than international conference. It may happen that interested acquaintances may not get invitations for the VISA applications or even if they get its no guarantee they will get visa approval for the same. There are some issues which are never thought off for international meet ups. It might be easier for the western peeps to get visa faster than the other half. So why not have it regional based and everyone gets involved.

[worldofcoins]

I'd choose Singapore because I think they're most creative in their approach to tackling situations.
For example, take a look at their water purifying system. They convert every drop of wasted water into drinkable, and that's crazy wow for me.

You can call me a tech fan because the reason I chose Singapore for the blockchain capital but I don't mind.

[mindrust]

London.

Now the queen is dead, we have a new king.

Maybe King Charles (the first of his name king of the Andals and the first men, lord of the seven kingdoms, and protector of the realm) will be a more crypto friendly king unlike the dead queen.

If there will be a crypto capital, it should be either New York or London but USA is pretty paranoiac with the money stuff so I wouldn't count on them too much. I think UK is better in this regard so London would be a greater choice.

Rome, Dubai, San Francisco, Miami, Singapore... these are all crap choices imo.

Miami.... FFS... Why not Amsterdam?

[Wapfika]

I'd choose Singapore because I think they're most creative in their approach to tackling situations.
For example, take a look at their water purifying system. They convert every drop of wasted water into drinkable, and that's crazy wow for me.

You can call me a tech fan because the reason I chose Singapore for the blockchain capital but I don't mind.

Singapore become a Crypto Hub of many investors especially when China bans cryptocurrency in Asia. Singapore's friendliness toward crypto helped attract crypto firms and investors to their country as some trading and altcoin projects were located there, it has also numerous bitcoin ATM that can be use in Singapore. Though there is no need to identify which should be the so called Capital but maybe in Asia Singapore can be consider as is since the Government supports crypto development but other countries might offer more factors other than being the event center or high adoption rate.

[Reid]

Ownership. It doesn't matter.
Blockchain is used to avoid that. So, there should not be any blockchain capital in the world. It doesn't matter where you are as long as you are using the technology.
If there will be a place where people will visit just to see how cool a blockchain capital is, then we are repeating the mistakes our ancestors did. Let it be free, there is no necessity to put that claim to anyone. If they are doing events then good, if not but the support is intact then cool.

[Kakmakr]

I can tell you which one does not deserve to be the Blockchain capital of the world ===> New York!!

They damaged Bitcoin in the early days with their "BitLicense" fiasco ....when Benjamin Lawsky tried to create a barrier to entry to Bitcoin... by creating some of the most complex license requirements known to man. 

It later became clear why he did this, because he started a consultancy firm to help people to adhere to this license. (So he created a job for himself, because he knew his time as Superintendent of Financial Services were at an end.)

[jesselui]

A very interesting and beautiful topic. When I look at the list, I think the city that will suit me best is London. It hosted many conferences that I followed closely. After that, I can say that it would be a city from America.