[Last modification: July 5, 2016]
The Ethereum Foundation and Wanxiang Blockchain Labs are thrilled to collaboratively announce the International Blockchain Week in Shanghai, scheduled to take place at Hyatt on the Bund, September 19–24, 2016. Last year, both Ethereum’s Devcon and Wanxiang Blockchain Labs’ Global Blockchain Summit reached full capacity, generating immense interest and anticipation for the events this year. Now, individuals wishing to participate in both happenings can do so in the same week.
The combined event boasts a distinctive three-part format allowing attendees to participate in various combinations of days that best fit their preferences. Two new aspects include a Demo Day (hosted by Blockchain Labs) tailored for startups and investors, alongside an optional day of guided sightseeing tours on September 18, 2016, the day preceding the start of the week’s activities. [July 5, 2016 note: Should organized sightseeing be offered, this Blockchain Week offering would be listed on the Wanxiang Blockchain Lab’s event webpages]
Numerous factors suggest that this joint event might be among the most eagerly awaited industry gatherings to date. Crucially, the structure and flexibility of the event will promote increased interaction and networking opportunities for attendees to engage, connect, and take part across the different event segments. Developers are already making plans to attend or contribute to sessions across various segments, and industry leaders engaged in blockchain technology are aiming to participate in select Devcon days as they have historically done.
For those making their inaugural visit to China, Shanghai stands as a global financial center and is home to numerous blockchain innovators in Asia, where the blockchain community continues to expand and is enthusiastic about sharing what China can contribute to the broader ecosystem. Coincidentally, as of January 30, 2016, brief trips to China are now made easier through a new 144-hour visa-free transit policy, enabling travelers from 51 nations or regions to transit in Shanghai for up to a maximum of 144 hours (six days) without requiring a visa. Nonetheless, obtaining a visitor’s visa may still be more straightforward. I found this detailed overview of China’s TWOV (Transit without Visa) policy to be beneficial.
The agenda for the 6-day International Blockchain Week in Shanghai will be structured as follows:
Devcon2: Days 1-3 – September 19, 20, 21
Devcon2 from Ethereum will make its Asian debut with the collaboration of its co-host and event partner, Wanxiang Blockchain Labs. Devcon2 will continue to showcase Ethereum developers who will introduce, present, and discuss the latest advancements and related issues within Ethereum research and development.
Demo Day: Day 4 – September 22
Co-hosted by Wanxiang Blockchain Labs and ChainB, one of China’s foremost blockchain news outlets, Demo Day will feature presentations by some of the world’s most successful blockchain-enabled enterprises. This event will particularly attract the attention of investors, venture capital firms, and startups.
Second Global Blockchain Summit: Days 5-6 – September 23, 24
Presented by Wanxiang Blockchain Labs, this segment of the conference will include panels and discussions led by blockchain leaders and industry innovators. The conversations will concentrate on addressing present and future business applications, economic and social effects, as well as how blockchain technology can be leveraged and implemented in trade and other sectors.
Xiao Feng, Executive Director of Wanxiang Holdings, states: “China Wanxiang Holding is very enthusiastic that we have had the chance to contribute to the initiative of establishing Shanghai as the international center for financial and technological innovation with the backing from Wanxiang Blockchain Labs. I firmly believe this year’s International Blockchain Week in Shanghai will further advance the technology in China, create an avenue for knowledge exchange between nations, foster a stronger bond among talents, and promote the application of blockchain technology in startups. China Wanxiang Holding will continue to support Wanxiang Blockchain Labs with the aim of developing a globally recognized platform for innovation in blockchain.”
For Devcon2 sponsorship opportunities and further inquiries, please email: devcon@ethereum.org
For sponsorship opportunities, presentation inquiries, and other questions related to the 2nd Global Blockchain Summit and Demo Day, please email: summit2016@blockchainlabs.org
Please mark your calendars and check this Ethereum Devcon2 blog post for updates until the event website launches in June.
[July 5, 2016 update: Thank you for your understanding. The web development team is finalizing the official Ethereum Foundation site for Devcon2. The launch of the site is forthcoming!]
