Rules are loosening. Gatherings are growing more common. And the end of the pandemic is starting to come into focus. That means it’s time to check out some of the best block (chain) parties of the year. Or more professionally speaking, the top crypto conferences of 2021.

And even if you can’t be there in person, many of the biggest crypto conferences are offering virtual access… just in case you haven’t gotten your fix of Zoom meetings during the pandemic.

At these conferences, you can expect to hear from crypto experts in various fields. Expert investors, developers, prognosticators and some surprising keynote speakers are all slated to explain their interpretations of the history and future of crypto. And with any luck, viewers and attendees will get an in-depth explanation of how to benefit from crypto’s expanding presence in the mainstream.

Of course, you can expect to hear as much philosophical waxing at these conferences as practical advice. Topics like “How Bitcoin will change the world” and repeated calls for “hodling” are perennial favorites. Nonetheless, these crypto conferences offer a valuable glimpse into the world of crypto and access to some of the minds that will help shape its future.

Without further ado, here are the five top crypto conferences we’re looking forward to this year.

Our Most Anticipated Crypto Conferences of 2021

• Bitcoin 2021
  June 4-5
  Mana Wynwood Convention Center
  Miami, Florida
• Global DeFi Summit
  June 24
  Virtual attendance only
• Futurist Conference
  August 11-12
  Toronto, Canada
• Blockchain Expo Global
  September 6-7; September 13-15
  Business Design Centre
  London, England
• LA Blockchain Summit
  November 2-3
  Los Angeles Convention Center
  Los Angeles, California

Bitcoin 2021  

Bitcoin 2021 was moved from Los Angeles to Miami due to crowd size restrictions in California. But depending on how things go this year, Miami could be the venue of choice going forward. If for no other reason, because crypto has a supporter in Mayor Francis Suarez.

This year’s featured speakers include…

• Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter and Square
• Chamath Palihapitiya, managing partner of Social Capital
• Tony Hawk – yes, that Tony Hawk
• Ron Paul, retired politician and author of End the Fed
• Nick Szabo, the inventor of smart contracts and Bit Gold
• Amiti Uttarwar, software engineer for Bitcoin Core and Xapo
• Anthony Pompliano, co-founder of Morgan Creek Digital.

Those unable to attend in person can check out the Day 1 stream right here. And Day 2 will be streamed on YouTube here. That being said, streamers will miss out on opening day ceremonies. But the two main days of presentations during this crypto conference pack more than enough info in to help prevent FOMO.

Global DeFi Summit

This is the second annual Global DeFi Summit. It’s put together by blockchain venture studio Draper Goren Holm. Even though it’s only one day long, don’t let the brevity fool you. There is a lot to take in. In fact, it’s more than any one viewer can pack into a single day.

This crypto conference looks to gather as many DeFiers in the blockchain and cryptocurrency community as possible. More than 70 speakers and 20 virtual sessions are planned that will touch on just about every aspect of crypto and blockchain tech. Registration is free. Just fill out the form here to attend.

Futurist Conference

Last year’s Futurist Conference was held completely online – for obvious reasons. But this year, Canada’s largest blockchain and emerging tech conference is ready to bring people face-to-face again. As in previous years, experts will discuss trends and exhibit the newest breakout technology. New this year will be sessions focused specifically on blockchain technology, cannabis, artificial intelligence and esports.

While this conference doesn’t focus entirely on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, it’s been a big focus in years past, and it’s safe to say there will be more than enough talks on the topic to consider this a crypto conference… even if you risk learning about other topics in the process. In-person tickets cost about $350. VIP tickets cost about $990 for early bird registration. And virtual attendance is free. For tickets or to register to attend virtually, click here.

Blockchain Expo Global

This year’s Blockchain Expo will take place on September 6 and 7 in London for in-person attendees. In all, some 5,000 attendees are expected from key industry leaders embracing and developing cutting-edge blockchain technologies. It’s no secret that blockchain technology is poised to disrupt all sorts of industries. And this conference is hosting more than 230 speakers who plan to speak on the obstacles in the way and how they can be overcome.

Speakers from a range of major corporations, from Mastercard and British Petroleum to FedEx and BBC, will be on hand to speak and answer attendees’ questions. There will also be more than 125 exhibitors in attendance. Those who are unable to attend in person can request to attend virtually by registering here and downloading the app for the event. The virtual event takes place September 13-15. And once again, while crypto won’t be the only focus topic-wise, there will still be enough valuable information shared to consider this a worthwhile crypto conference.

LA Blockchain Summit

The mission of this crypto conference is to stimulate widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. And it’s doing so by gathering a diverse group of creators, regulators and insiders in the industry. Professionals, investors and venture capitalists will all be rubbing elbows and educating each other on the power and impact of this disruptive technology. While this year’s list of speakers hasn’t been announced, past speakers include Steve Wozniak, Robert Herjavec, Hester Peirce and Changpeng Zhao. So it’s safe to assume this year’s lineup should be a formidable one. The cost is $499 for those looking to attend in person. And it’s free to attend virtually. To register for either, click here.

The Bottom Line on These Crypto Conferences

If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s how to operate and attend events remotely. It’s safe to say that not everyone misses their work offices too much. But focused in-person conversations will be a welcomed respite from all the virtual meetings and not-so-happy hours. And the chance to rub elbows and talk shop with the movers and shakers in crypto beats the heck out of sending a LinkedIn message.

But even those who are unable to attend these crypto conferences in person are sure to learn a lot about the future of the industry… and, with any luck, how to profit from it.

If you’re interested in learning more about cryptocurrencies but don’t quite have the time to attend a crypto conference, sign up for the Manward Financial Digest e-letter below. By simply entering your email address in the box below, you’ll receive valuable crypto info and investment opportunities delivered right to your inbox.