Events change mindset.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to attend many Hive and blockchain conferences, and each has been deeper and deeper for me. These conferences went beyond just presentations. They felt like awakening moments, realising how powerful blockchain can be in real-world implementations. Being in the proximity of many like-minded passionate individuals, innovators, and changemakers really clarified to me the breadth and depth of possible applications of blockchain technology.

From HiveFest and all of the other blockchain-focused conferences, I've actually had different angles of the blockchain experience. I have realised that it is not only about the transactions, decentralisation, or technology. It is about people, communities, and creating systems that work for people everywhere. The energy you experience in these spaces is contagious and encourages you to think bigger and dream bolder.

These conferences, likewise, have changed my interpersonal engagement. I have found myself having deeper and more meaningful conversations about technology and potential in the blockchain ecosystem and competitions, and being able to share ideas with individuals from across the world has widened the way I view my world and subsequently helped me understand how blockchain can solve specific problems in different areas of the world.

The biggest lesson is the value of connection. Conferences bring great minds together in one place where ideas seem to flow freely and partnerships develop naturally. Most of the partnerships and projects I've been involved in have had a conversation or a casual exchange of ideas during some panel discussion as the starting point for our work. They have also reinforced for me that the importance of relationship building is just as important as technology building.

For anyone interested in technology, blockchain, or even just thinking about their digital future, I encourage you to participate in as many conferences as you can in your area. It doesn't matter if you are a newbie or a professional; they can help you test the limits of your thinking, build your skills and, we all hope, inspire you to take some action. You will go away with not just knowledge but also a network of people who share your vision and purpose.

In the end, these conferences are more than just events. They are platforms for growth, innovation, and change. They are the avenues for ideas that can potentially change not just entire industries but also entire communities. They remind us that the blockchain movement is not a lofty concept, but instead, it is a tangible community, full of people, real people, who are all seeking to do great things. I appreciate all of the conferences I have been involved in and look forward to the continuing conferences that will work in some small way to shape my future.