Bitcoin enthusiasts traveled to South Florida, as they wanted to attend Bitcoin 2021. Many of the attendees were bitcoin maximalists, a phrase used to describe people who believe that, the world’s largest cryptocurrency and not necessarily other cryptocurrencies, is the future of finance. Most plan to BTD (buy the dip) as well as HODL (hold on for dear life).
A maskless, sold-out 12,000 attendees spent two days hugging, sending cryptocurrencies from wallet to wallet. The novelty of taking part in a largely indoor event, free of Covid restrictions, made the event even more interesting.
The price of a standard ticket was $1,499. Some guests paid even more for a highly coveted orange bracelet, known as the “Whale Pass”. The “Whale Pass” granted access to an extra day of speakers, exclusive parties, and a private area in the convention hall.
Biggest bitcoin event in history
Some of the attendees appeared ready for a summer rave, wearing bikinis in the media room. But, there was also a strong contingent clad in standard Wall Street business casual.
For the thousands who didn’t get an official ticket to the event, parties, as well as tangential gatherings, were the real draw. There were yacht parties with a DeFi (decentralized finance) theme, NFT art gallery openings, etc.
The afterparties took over rooftops across the city, with at least one party featuring fire dancers. A lot of talk centered around moving to Miami, as the city is a crypto-friendly place. Start-ups, venture firms, and cryptocurrency exchanges are relocating to the city or at least opening additional offices. Mayor Francis Suarez portrayed himself as bitcoin-friendly, and he made an interesting announcement in February. He announced that Miami plans to accept tax payments in bitcoin and let employees draw their salary in the cryptocurrency. Miami is also exploring holding bitcoin on its balance sheet.
The biggest bitcoin event in history attracted participants from countries with high inflation or other currency troubles. People from places like Venezuela, Cuba, Lebanon, Nigeria, and other countries understand the importance of bitcoin.
Elon Musk did not attend the event in Miami, but his presence was definitely felt. Right at the start of the conference, the price of bitcoin fell following a tweet by Elon Musk. Most people who attended the conference said they were ignoring his comments regardless. Many said they do not think Elon Musk or anyone else can stop bitcoin.
