The Ethereum Community Conference (EthCC) 2023
The Ethereum Community Conference (EthCC), a major gathering organized by the Ethereum community for its members, will take place for the first time in the picturesque city of Cannes, France, from June 30 to July 3. Anticipating more than 6,400 participants, this year’s conference will feature approximately 390 speakers and 64 sponsoring organizations, alongside a remarkable 580 additional side events. Notable attendees include Vitalik Buterin, Stani Kulechov, and representatives from Robinhood’s cryptocurrency team, among others. Adding a local flavor, Cannes’ Mayor David Lisnard is slated to deliver a keynote address advocating for France’s adoption of blockchain technology.
Evolution and Growth of EthCC
In an exclusive interview with Cryptonews, Bettina Boon Falleur, the event’s Head Organizer, and Jerome de Tychey, the President of Ethereum France and co-founder of EthCC, reflected on the evolution of the conference. According to de Tychey, “The evolution of EthCC has been astonishing. It began as a modest community gathering and has grown to become Europe’s largest Ethereum-centric event, with participation boom evident last year when we welcomed over 6,400 attendees and 350 speakers, a sharp increase from just a few hundred participants at the inception.”
The depth and quality of discussions have also improved, keeping pace with advancements within the Ethereum ecosystem. Attendees can look forward to focused sessions on subjects like zero-knowledge proofs, Layer 2 solutions, public goods, and cryptocurrency regulations.
Community-Centric Initiatives
Aimed at enhancing connectivity and inclusivity, EthCC has initiated programs such as EthVC, aimed at bridging the gap between developers and investors. They have also introduced amenities like childcare and quiet workspaces to ensure accessibility for all participants.
Boon added, “As our community grows, so do our themes and initiatives, which will align with the shifts in the Ethereum landscape. For instance, we are witnessing increased participation from fintech professionals, as well as programming that merges the growing fields of AI and blockchain technology. This year will also debut a new track concentrating on product development and marketing strategies to ensure innovative technology is transformed into practical tools for users.”
Commitment to Inclusivity
De Tychey emphasized, “The integrity of our speaker selection process is paramount; we choose speakers based on the relevancy and depth of their topics, not their status or financial backing. Our objective is to cultivate an environment where diverse perspectives can contribute, whether from core developers, public goods advocates, or innovators in financial technologies.”
Prompted by a growing regulatory discourse, Boon highlighted that events like EthCC foster essential communication between lawmakers and Ethereum developers. With Europe leading in regulatory frameworks such as MiCA, the conference aims to continue hosting regulatory representatives who can engage with innovators in the crypto space.
“The technical nature of EthCC provides regulators the unique opportunity to connect directly with the builders they are expected to oversee, ensuring regulations are well-informed and effective,” Boon stated.
Cannes: A Prime Location
Cannes has been recognized as a highly favorable location for hosting EthCC, bolstered by its reputation as a top event city for 2024, hosting over 240 conferences annually. With its ample space at the Palais des Festivals, the city offers robust infrastructure for a growing audience. De Tychey noted the collaboration with local authorities for security, highlighting the city’s commitment to ensuring a secure environment with extensive surveillance measures in place.
The local government’s enthusiasm for cryptocurrency has also been a significant factor, with Mayor Lisnard being notably supportive of digital asset adoption. Currently, more than 30% of local businesses have integrated crypto payment systems, punctuating Cannes’ position as a progressive locale. This choice of venue is symbolic, marking a milestone for Ethereum as it earns its rightful place on the global stage, sharing space with renowned events like the Lions and MIPIM.
Fostering Future Generations
Additionally, EthCC is championing the involvement of younger generations within the ecosystem, fostering an inclusive environment for parents by offering nursery and childcare services during the conference. This initiative underscores the community’s maturation and commitment to supporting its most vital asset: its builders.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with its blend of innovation, inclusivity, and a rich educational agenda, EthCC stands poised to not only celebrate the advancements of the Ethereum platform but also to lay the groundwork for its future integration into the broader technological landscape.
