Consensus 2024, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, blockchain and web 3.0 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.

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.

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 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.”