Crypto Fest 2022: Looking forward to opportunities after winter

Conflict in Europe and soaring interest rates in the US have put cryptocurrencies in the middle of one of the worst market crashes in the history of technology.

Bitcoin and Ethereum fell more than 70 percent since the peak of last year’s bull run, while several high-profile crypto companies closed their doors as the size of the industry fell below $1 trillion — a significant drop from just a few months before when the industry was worth more than triple that.

While market volatility may deter some investors, those with an appetite for high-risk, high-reward innovation may see opportunity on the horizon – and nowhere is this greater than in Africa, where crypto transactions have increased by more than 2,500 percent over the past year, while funding for African crypto startups increased elevenfold in the same period.

Clearly, crypto is no longer a distant concept for African investors to ignore indefinitely.

Which begs the question: how long will skeptics and technophobes continue to keep their heads down?

To help seasoned investors, new bag holders and no-coiners tap into the opportunities in African crypto, Bitcoin Events is pleased to announce the return of Crypto Fest 2022, the largest gathering of crypto industry leaders, entrepreneurs and experts on the continent, taking place both virtually and in person at Grand Africa Café & Beach on 30 September 2022.

Now in its fourth year, this year’s event will be a unique experience for crypto crusaders and deniers alike. Under the theme ‘Do not do it Look up‘, a number of founders,

traders, investors, developers and enthusiasts will engage in hard-hitting conversations, sparking critical debates about the opportunities that crypto, non-fungable tokens (NFT), decentralized finance, Web 3.0 and the Metaverse have on financial worlds, investments. , art, music, sports, games, entertainment, marketing, governance and more.

Says Sonya Kuhnel, co-founder and director of Bitcoin Events and organizer of this year’s festival: “Change is inevitable and the world is – slowly but surely – realizing the impact crypto and crypto-related technologies have on the future of industry. Yes, the crypto world has had its share of ups and downs, but the proof of concept is there; it’s only a matter of time before the sector bounces back. Now is the time to look up and explore where the opportunities lie. Now is the time to learn as we prepare us to jump into a new era.”

With this in mind, attendees can look forward to a jam-packed day of keynotes, presentations, competitions, product showcases and performances from more than 30 global innovators and thought leaders in cryptocurrency, NFT, DeFi, Web 3.0 and Metaverse. .

This includes, among others, a keynote speech by Michael Jordan, South African Business Development Lead at Polygon; an exploration of crypto innovation and regulation by Wiehann Olivier, Partner and Digital Assets Lead for Mazars; routes towards mass crypto education and adoption across Africa with Nolu Mashologu, Business Development at FTX Africa; a panel discussion hosted by Bakari’s Daniel Kimber, who will lead a conversation detailing how to best manage risk with your DeFi investments; and a discussion presented by Kyle Brown (Rugby) and Sean Roberts (Soccer) defining Crypto and the role it will play in South African sport.

For the first time ever, Crypto Fest 2022 will also feature an NFT Gallery and a Metaverse Gaming Zone, featuring NFTs from various local artists. The NFT Gallery will be showcased by Libex, a South African owned NFT Marketplace.

The NFT Gallery will host “Lightning Talks” where attendees can interact, network and win prizes in the NFT Gallery and experience the world of virtual reality in the Metaverse gaming zone.

Renowned South African musician and fine artist Arno Carstens will host a 15-minute

“Lightning Talk”, discussing his latest collection of embossed artwork.

“I’m excited to be a part of something that’s still evolving and to be able to connect with people who are as excited as I am. The human mind is drawn to the possibilities of what can be, and it is the potential of this that I am excited about.

NFTs and the Metaverse are technologies in their infancy. Crypto Fest 2022 is a place where developers, artists and collectors can come together on this journey of discovery. The idea of ​​being self-sovereign is such a light at the end of the tunnel for many, says Carstens.

Commenting on this year’s program, Polygon’s Michael Jordan says: “The world of cryptocurrencies can be complicated to navigate – more so for those with limited exposure to the ecosystem and understanding of the technology’s impact potential.”

“For this reason, we are excited to partner with Crypto Fest 2022, to provide a platform for more people to learn, explore and understand how to get involved in one of the most disruptive developments in finance and industry since the abandonment of the gold standard fifty years ago.”

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