I'm writing down my thoughts on the business trip to Denver to attend ETHDenver2022 and introduce our project to people.
Diverse Developer-Focused Events
During the event, there were so many blockchain panels, social events, talks, and workshops. The fact that they prioritized developers who registered as BUIDLERs (hackathon participants) confirmed "the event's identity as truly for developers."
ETHDenver2022 was autonomously operated across multiple buildings and spaces throughout downtown. It embodied the spirit of a decentralized autonomous organization, with individuals freely networking in an open atmosphere.
I walked around booths at the main event at Sports Castle, collecting t-shirts and stickers. Among countless developers, I was able to see Vitalik Buterin right in front of my eyes.
Community and Networking
At the Art Hotel, I was able to network with all kinds of people. Developers, VCs, and blockchain-interested college students shared their projects and visions. Meeting Vitalik Buterin was fantastic, and "he was interested in our project that combines AI and NFT, while suggesting features and structures we hadn't thought of."
I learned a lot about DAOs. Everyone was creating their own DAOs and explaining their respective work.
I enthusiastically explained and promoted our company's project, and "by repeatedly explaining our company's vision, I was able to organize my thoughts." It was an interesting experience to directly hear external feedback.
However, I felt that "communication skills need to be supported for genuine communication and trust and persuasion regarding what we're doing." I once again realized the importance of English proficiency. In the crypto field, judging people's trustworthiness is important, and non-verbal aspects must also be considered.
Changed Perception of Web3
Previously, I was critical of the crypto market. I questioned whether decentralization was truly the future and whether it was a better approach than the current system. I was concerned about excessive hype like the dot-com bubble.
Through participating in ETHDenver, "I directly saw and heard about the fundamental problems Ethereum is trying to solve and its potential applications." I was able to understand the Ethereum-based ecosystem and grasp market trends.
"Web3 will attempt to overcome the problems and limitations created by centralization by platforms."
To Continue This Momentum
The demand for Web3 developers is increasing. However, for Web3 to become mainstream rather than the exclusive domain of a few developers, we need to convince ordinary people too. This is "a time when smooth user experience that allows people to feel the advantages of decentralization is needed."
Currently, many crypto services focus on possibilities and ideas rather than usability. I wanted to take a step ahead in improving user experience.
Seeing various ideas during BUIDLWeek, I gained opportunities and insights for the development of services in the crypto field.
Side Note: Experiencing Denver
Denver, the capital of Colorado, was a quiet and peaceful city. With mostly natural scenery, "I could feel the impact on the city."
Mask mandates had already been lifted. Though awkward at first, I enjoyed the refreshing feeling from before COVID.
On the weekend, I went to a ski resort in the Rocky Mountains. My MacBook keys broke, so I bought an M1 MacBook. I also visited the Meow Wolf exhibition. I had many good experiences and learned a lot.