Premiere: The First Student-Led Blockchain Event!
The tech world is rapidly evolving, and blockchain technology is at the forefront of this revolution. The Student Blockchain Association Netherlands (SBAN) team is proud to have organized the first ever student-led crypto/blockchain event, supported by our leading sponsors. Such events are vital for providing a platform for students interested in this cutting-edge technology to learn, network, and directly influence the future of the industry.
Morning Program: Opening and Exploring Blockchain Technology
The President of SBAN kicked off the event with his impactful opening remarks, highlighting the organization’s remarkable journey. He shared a compelling story from the early days, emphasizing the challenges overcome and the dedication of its members. With genuine appreciation, he thanked everyone for their commitment and invaluable contributions.
Although our main sponsor Bitvavo couldn’t be there in person, they made their presence felt with an inspiring video from rainy Dubai during Token49 week, highlighting the global interest and importance of blockchain in both the academic and professional worlds.
The day continued energetically with a workshop by Dfinity, showcasing their Internet Computer blockchain, which is among the top 10 blockchains by market cap. We are truly grateful for the speakers who traveled all the way from Switzerland to provide these insights. As our educational partner, Dfinity, along with all our partners, takes our mission seriously and recognizes its importance. We thank them for their support and commitment to advancing our goals. The workshop concluded with a fun giveaway in our Openchat channel, which was highly interactive. For all those who won the giveaway, congratulations!
During the first panel discussion of the day, four experts from DNB and AFM took the stage to delve into complex topics central to the financial sector’s future. The discussion opened with an overview of the distinct roles and responsibilities of DNB and AFM, providing valuable insights into how these two public entities function differently within the financial landscape.
AFM further enlightened attendees by discussing the recent opening of registrations on April 22nd, an update that is crucial for anyone involved in the financial and regulatory sectors. This segment transitioned seamlessly into deeper explorations of pressing topics such as the development of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), the regulation of NFTs, upcoming MICAR guidelines, and tax aspects of cryptocurrencies. This comprehensive panel highlighted the active involvement of governing bodies in adapting to and shaping the evolving blockchain ecosystem.
Afternoon Program: Tokenization, Investing and Networking Opportunities
After an engaging morning and a refreshing lunch break, where students had the opportunity to network with various leading companies in the industry, the program continued with a workshop by Zaisan. This session delved deeper into the concept of tokenization. We explored how tokenization could be applied to real estate and were introduced to an innovative concept of stablecoins backed by commodities.
The day continued with a second panel featuring experts from Amdax, Maven11, HODL, and CoinMarketCap, each bringing a distinct expertise to the discussion on the practical aspects of investing in crypto, specifically tailored for students. Amdax is known for providing secure crypto asset management services, while Maven11 capitalizes on blockchain investments, focusing on the broader digital asset ecosystem. HODL introduces innovative trading strategies and investment opportunities in the crypto market, and CoinMarketCap, a widely recognized platform, offers detailed insights and analytics on cryptocurrency prices and trends. This session was particularly memorable for the lively debate on the MEME-coin market, where each panelist brought a unique perspective, exploring the potential and volatility of this niche within the broader cryptocurrency landscape.
The final part of the afternoon program was a workshop hosted by Deloitte, where they presented current web3 projects that they are implementing in corporate world and then gave us the possibility to try out immersive reality with the Meta Quest 3.
Conclusion: Networking and Future Opportunities
The event wrapped up with some networking drinks, where we officially launched the SBAN NFT’s in collaboration with Authic Labs. These unique NFT’s were claimable through QR codes displayed on Coppernicus beer bottles, adding an innovative and interactive element to the experience. This session not only provided a unique opportunity for everyone to network but also to make new contacts within the blockchain industry, all while enjoying a well deserved drink.
To finalize, this event has proven that students play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology. The power of young innovators, together with industry support, can work wonders, and we are ready to lead this wave of change for the better.
Additionally, several podcasts were recorded during the event with several speakers, which will soon be available on Spotify. Make sure you don’t miss them!
We are deeply grateful to all participants and contributors who made this event a success; your passion and enthusiasm are essential. We look forward to seeing you all at our future events, you are all invited again!