Austin, Texas, May 29th, 2024

Consensus 2024, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, blockchain and web3 conference, takes place at the Austin Convention Centre, Texas today until Friday 31st May. Hosted by CoinDesk, it will welcome over 350 of the most influential figures in the digital assets space and over 10 thousand attendees to attend a series of groundbreaking presentations, panel discussions and exciting networking sessions. The event will play host to a wide range of industry leaders, innovators, startups, investors, policymakers, and digital currency enthusiasts from around the world. It will also showcase latest developments and trends across payments, NFTs, Web3, DeFi, regulation, investment, AI and the Metaverse.

Welcome to Consensus 2024 - Pictured at Austin Convention Centre Mainstage, Michael Casey, Chair, Consensus 2024 and Foster Wright, President CoinDesk giving opening remarks on Day 1

It’s the biggest year for Consensus 2024 yet, as the popularity of cryptocurrency grows and adoption increases. According to recent figures, the rate of crypto ownership in the U.S. grew by 10 percent last year. In addition, research from Statista shows that, globally, the number of cryptocurrency users in the world increased by 59 million in the second half of 2023.

Cathie Wood on Bitcoin's Rubicon Moment - Pictured at the Austin Convention Centre Mainstage, CEO of ARK Invest, Cathie Woods speaking with Peter McCormack host of "What Bitcoin Did" at Day 1 of Consensus 2024

Highlights of day 1 of Consensus 2024 include:

  • Worlds Collide: Seeing TradFi Through a Crypto Lens and Vice Versa - This groundbreaking session will feature industry leaders Tom Farley, CEO of Bullish, and Lynn Martin, President of the New York Stock Exchange, as they explore the intersection of traditional finance and cryptocurrency.
  • Karate Combat Weigh-in and Face Off: The newest addition to Consensus 2024 will see attendees take to a giant fighting ring, participating in Karate Combat 46 and Influencer Fight Club. Billy McFarland, the infamous Fyre Festival Creator is set to weigh in before he makes his debut in combat sports.
  • Tom Emmer: Congress’ Crypto Champion - Lawmaker, house majority whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) will provide insights into comprehensive digital-assets legislation, the stakes in upcoming elections and his thoughts on AI.
"The View from Congress" - Pictured at the Austin Convention Centre, Mainstage, Consensus 2024 Day 1. Majority Whip of the United States House of Representatives, Tom Emmer speaking with Matt Murray, Former Editor in Chief The Wall Street Journal
  • The OG Survivors - Veteran industry's entrepreneurs Bill Barhydt, Founder and CEO, Abra, Meltem Demirors, Chief Strategy Officer, CoinShares will discuss the highs, lows and lessons learned from years of working in the crypto industry.
  • The Global Regulatory Market Structure for Crypto: Understanding the Global Landscape – The Global Regulatory market structure and key challenges faced are set to be discussed by experts, who will deepdive into every aspect of the crypto market and highlight what changes need to be made. Speakers include Neel Chopra, Head of Regulatory, Investigations, Litigation (Americas) Binance.com, Purvi Maniar, General Counsel, FalconX, Sam Enzer, Partner, Cahill, Lewis Rinaudo Cohen, Partner, DLx Law.
  • Crypto for AI, AI for Crypto – see experts thrash out the pros and cons of AI for the wider crypto industry and discuss how it looks set to transform. Speakers include Toufi Saliba, CEO and Author HyperCycle.ai, Bettina Warburg Web3 Investor and Advisor Angel, Moderator, Emin Gün Sirer, CEO Ava Labs.

For more information on all of this year’s activities and experiences please visit here.

Speaking ahead of Consensus 2024 Brad Spies, Managing Director of Consensus at CoinDesk, said:

“We are delighted to welcome everyone to the Austin Convention Centre today. A cornerstone of the cryptocurrency and blockchain world, Consensus has established itself as the place to be for innovators, entrepreneurs, and creatives. We are offering an invaluable experience to share, collaborate and harness every bit of potential that exists in our ever evolving community. We’re thrilled to open our doors this morning and welcome the world to Consensus 2024 in what is expected to be our biggest event to date.”

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About Consensus

The iconic crypto and blockchain event of the year since 2015, Consensus has gathered all sides of the crypto industry as it has grown from a clique of visionary founders to encompass every aspect of mainstream society. Consensus is the only event showcasing and celebrating all sides of the blockchain industry - Payments, NFTs, Web3, DeFi, Regulation, Investing, and the Metaverse - and their wide-reaching effect on commerce, culture, and communities. Consensus invites developers, creators, policymakers, executives, and academics from various projects to come together for the most influential event of the year. Consensus is curated and produced by CoinDesk.

About CoinDesk

CoinDesk is the most trusted media, events, indices, and data company for the global crypto economy. Since 2013, CoinDesk Media has led the story of the future of money and investing, illuminating the transformation in society and culture that comes with it. Our award-winning team of journalists delivers news and unparalleled insights that bring transparency, comprehension, and context. CoinDesk Events gathers the global crypto, blockchain, and Web3 communities at annual events such as Consensus, the world's largest and longest-running crypto festival. CoinDesk Indices offers expertise in digital asset indices, data, and research to educate and empower investors. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by Bullish Group. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary and follows a strict set of editorial policies. For more information on CoinDesk media and events, please visit coindesk.com. For breaking headlines, data, and indices, visit coindeskmarkets.com.

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Clearstory International

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