My identify is Jenna Montgomery, and perhaps you’ve learn a few of my information articles right here earlier than, or seen me on the Bitcoin Journal TikTok. However at present, I wished to change it up and offer you an inside have a look at the Bitcoin 2025 Convention in Las Vegas via my eyes as an intern, employed only one month earlier than the convention, having little data about Bitcoin beforehand and by no means attending an occasion like this earlier than.
I’m penning this to offer you an actual, uncooked reflection of what I skilled over the course of the three day occasion, and why I imagine it’s best to completely attend the following Bitcoin convention. I need you all to know what goes down, what to anticipate, and to understand how impactful I feel this occasion actually is. Bitcoin 2025 made an enduring affect on me and my life, and it simply feels proper to let you know why, so yours can perhaps be modified too.
I received off the aircraft, threw my suitcase in my lodge room, and went to go and see the conference middle as all the ending touches across the venue have been being added. I keep in mind pondering how huge, stunning, and enjoyable the expo corridor was—and the place I might quickly meet so many new folks, make so many buddies, and shake palms with those who I regarded as much as and admired.
I’ll always remember strolling in and seeing the principle convention stage, The Nakamoto Stage, for the primary time. Seeing that big room with a symphony and infinite rows of chairs, quickly to be crammed with hundreds of passionate Bitcoiners, actually put in perspective to me how Bitcoin 2025 wasn’t only a convention, it felt like one thing larger. I noticed it’s an precise neighborhood and a spot of numerous alternatives.
The convention is actually break up up into 3 days: Trade Day, Basic Admission Day 1, and Basic Admission Day 2. Trade Day was primarily tailor-made in the direction of professionals, traders, founders, and others centered on Bitcoin companies. The overall admission days have been tailor-made extra in the direction of the informal Bitcoiner, and people have been the times that I actually felt the power simply exploding across the conference middle.
INDUSTRY DAY
Strolling into the expo corridor early within the morning on Trade Day, I used to be overwhelmed once I noticed all the distributors and corporations organising their tables, cubicles, levels, and even a mountain climbing wall (thanks CleanSpark). It appeared as if the expo corridor went for miles and miles, and featured an extended orange carpet that made an intricate path via the venue that led you to each sales space.
I keep in mind being in whole awe as I regarded up on the ceiling and noticed an enormous UFO in the course of the expo corridor, with two Bitcoin themed Cybertrucks simply off to the facet of it, with numerous different attention-grabbing cubicles together with one with a speaking robotic.
As I adopted the lengthy orange carpet across the venue, I regarded over my shoulder and noticed an enormous blow-up of a Bitcoin Puppet within the artwork exhibit, that includes every kind of different cool Bitcoin artwork. A few of these items of artwork have been price effectively over one bitcoin—which was mindblowing to me contemplating that’s greater than $100,000. Each good revolution has good artwork, and seeing all of the proficient artists pouring their hearts into their work helped me imagine that Bitcoin is the longer term.
Now, it was time to get to work at the place I might spend the vast majority of my time over the following few days. My coworkers and I have been stationed up proper in entrance of the Bitcoin Journal information desk subsequent to the AV (audio-visual) workforce, the place I had an ideal view of every little thing. Right here, I spent all day each day writing information articles for Bitcoin Journal primarily based on the speeches, keynotes, and different panels occurring on the Nakamoto stage, in addition to filming TikTok’s across the expo corridor with attendees.
Working in entrance of the information desk was considered one of my favourite issues concerning the convention. Everybody who spoke on it stay had an electrifying character that stored me locked into each dialog, particularly one of many hosts Pete Rizzo. After each speak on the Nakamoto Stage ended, the stay stream would pan over to the information desk the place they might break down what occurred, offering viewers with skilled evaluation. This was one thing extraordinarily very enjoyable to observe stay and expertise the manufacturing of all of it first hand.
The talks on Trade Day kicked off to such an incredible begin with Dan Edwards from Steak ‘n Shake, who not too long ago grew to become the primary main quick meals chain in America to start accepting Bitcoin Lightning funds. So I used to be very excited to listen to about Edwards’ speech and to go to Steak ‘n Shake’s unimaginable sales space, which additionally featured a gaggle of enjoyable, dancing cows.
Whereas talking on stage, Edwards revealed that, “Bitcoin is quicker than bank cards, and when clients select to pay in Bitcoin, we’re saving 50% in processing charges.” Simply take into consideration that for a second — saving a complete 50% on every transaction? This actually opened my eyes to the advantages of accepting Bitcoin as cost and why it might imply to retailers who undertake it.
Based mostly on every little thing I heard in that speech, I feel Steak ‘n Shake could be the first to begin a brand new pattern of different huge firms accepting Bitcoin. In the event that they acknowledged the advantages of Bitcoin, it’s solely a matter of time earlier than different franchises do as effectively.
One other huge spotlight from this present day was listening to Senator Cynthia Lummis verify that President Donald Trump helps her Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act. There have been so many statements made throughout the convention that I’ll get to in a while that time to the truth that america is pro-Bitcoin and we’re going to be the world chief in it. Senator Marsha Blackburn additionally added to this, stating, “A lot of our allies observe what we do. If we lead, others will observe. That is important to our financial future.”
At this level within the day, I broke away to attend the Girls of Bitcoin Brunch. As a girl within the business, I actually valued the chance to attend this occasion and encourage any lady within the area to attend sooner or later because it was the spotlight of the convention for me personally. I received to fulfill so many superb folks and was welcomed with open arms. So if you happen to’re afraid to attend this occasion sooner or later, or don’t have anybody to go together with, don’t be! I walked into the brunch and it was virtually like all of those those who I didn’t know have been ready for me and have been blissful that I used to be there.
In the course of the brunch, I received to mingle and speak with so many enjoyable ladies on this stunning ballroom with orange and pink feathers and balloons in all places, which was proper up my alley. Then all of us received seated as showgirls got here in and danced, and all of us carried on and laughed and had a tremendous time.
Lyn Ulbricht, Calli Bailey, Natalie Brunell, and Michaela Navarro, a 14-year-old Bitcoin advocate, shared her ideas on the affect of Bitcoin.
Lyn Ulbricht, mom of Silk Highway founder Ross Ulbricht, launched her new nonprofit “Moms In opposition to Merciless Sentencing” and gave a tremendous speech on her story and what she stood for. “A number of hundreds of individuals, lots of them nonviolent like Ross, are serving excessive sentences,” she stated. “We’re giving households a voice.” Her phrases drew a giant emotional response, and the Girls of Bitcoin Brunch grew to become one of the highly effective facet occasions of the day.
Calli Bailey, co-founder of BTC Inc., the dad or mum firm of Bitcoin Journal, delved into all the expansion that she’s seen on the firm through the years and the way a lot the neighborhood meant to her. The brunch genuinely made me really feel so emotional—however in one of the simplest ways. Bailey, particularly, has a approach together with her phrases that at all times makes me cry. I can inform that her son, David Bailey and Bitcoin are her complete world, and each phrase she speaks actually comes from the center. The power within the room was so highly effective. As I used to be surrounded by so many robust ladies who undoubtedly knew a complete lot about Bitcoin, I felt impressed leaving the brunch and feeling at residence.
As Trade Day continued, I watched and mirrored on every little thing that I had realized thus far that day. However this was solely the start.
Subsequent, Donald Trump Jr. took the stage with Chris Pavloski, the CEO of Rumble, and revealed that Trump Media Group (TMTG) and Fact Social are backing Bitcoin with a $2.5 billion treasury. Trump Jr. additional defined, “We’re critically on Bitcoin. This isn’t a section. That is foundational to the longer term.” Chris Pavlovski agreed, stating, “The floodgates are opening. Bitcoin isn’t simply an concept anymore—it’s technique.”
Listening to folks of this caliber with tons of expertise helped me construct extra conviction in Bitcoin, as a result of if highly effective figures equivalent to Donald Trump Jr. are placing this kind of cash, time, and energy into Bitcoin, then perhaps myself and others needs to be taking this critically too.
Bo Hines, White Home Government Director, backed up this whole level as he spoke on the Nakamoto stage, saying, “We’re effectively on our strategy to changing into the Bitcoin superpower of the world. That is one thing that’s not partisan. It is a revolution in our monetary system.” He ended his speak strongly by saying, “Bitcoin is really the golden customary. We would like as a lot as we will presumably get.”
Ending Trade Day on that notice was an unimaginable begin to the convention and laid a great basis for the upcoming common admission days. I can’t state this sufficient, when you will have executives from the White Home taking the trip of their already loopy schedule to journey to this occasion and to inform everybody how essential Bitcoin is, figuring out all they know, I really feel like others also needs to take heed to their message.
As Trade Day got here to an finish, I used to be able to relaxation up and collect all my power for the primary common admission day the next morning. As a result of the early chook will get the worm—and the worm on Basic Admission Day One simply occurred to be JD Vance.
GENERAL ADMISSION DAY 1
That Wednesday morning, I awoke at 4:00am as I walked from my lodge room right down to the expo corridor, already seeing the Secret Service strolling across the venue with attendees beginning to line as much as get in. That morning, I helped volunteer at registration and direct folks to the place they wanted to go, serving to make certain every little thing ran as easily as attainable for the 35,000+ incoming attendees. This was additionally a spotlight for me because it was attention-grabbing to see all the completely different folks from every kind of various locations coming to this convention for Bitcoin.
Power was buzzing throughout as everybody knew the Vice President was within the constructing. Because the time neared for Vance to take the Nakamoto stage, I eagerly sat in entrance of the stay information desk able to doc completely every little thing Vance was saying to make use of to publish a information article on.
Then JD Vance then took the stage and the gang simply roared from the Nakamoto stage.
“It’s nice to be right here with Bitcoin at $108k and to be Vice President of america,” he stated. “This isn’t only a convention of individuals. It is a motion.”
Vance made it very clear that Bitcoin is in the way forward for america and even acknowledged that he’s the primary Vice President to ever maintain Bitcoin. He went on to say, “We’re executed with ambiguity. We’re right here to construct a regulatory framework that lets Bitcoin thrive.”
He defined that Bitcoin is within the palms of the American folks and that we deserve respect and assist from our authorities with nobody attempting to tear us down. He gave such a robust speech, saying that we’ve got the ability to alter the form of world we stay in and what we need to do with Bitcoin.
After Vance, the power within the expo corridor and Nakamoto Stage—I’m telling you—it was simply actually indescribable. There have been folks in all places, there was music, there have been DJs, refreshments and meals being served, numerous laughter, thoughts blowing displays, and all forms of completely different folks.
This present day was additionally file breaking for Bitcoin as a result of on Basic Admission Day One, there was an try to interrupt the Guinness World Document for probably the most Bitcoin & funds in sooner or later. There was additionally the Bitcoin Journal retailer truck the place numerous merch was being bought, the place you have been in a position to pay with bitcoin by way of the Lightning Community. All transactions accomplished there went in the direction of the try!
Along with this, what was occurring on the Nakamoto Stage was additionally nothing in need of unimaginable. Ryan Cohen, the CEO of GameStop, confirmed an enormous treasury play, asserting, “We at the moment personal 4,710 Bitcoin,” as he broke down the corporate’s reasoning for getting BTC as a reserve asset.
He went on to say that GameStop is following the GameStop technique—not anybody else’s—confirming that GameStop makes use of Bitcoin as a real plus and asset for itself, completely disregarding any form of social norms.
Subsequent, Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York Metropolis, introduced that he plans to create a BitBond, settle for Bitcoin funds for taxes, and can use blockchain for beginning certificates verifications. This was extraordinarily mind-blowing to me, as a result of it is a enormous step into Bitcoin adoption—and I’m truthfully right here for it.
Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Mike Ho, and Matt Prusak spoke after. “Everyone needs Bitcoin. Everyone is shopping for Bitcoin,” Eric stated. Prusak added, “We’re stacking sats like loopy.”
Towards the tip of the day, the aim of reaching the Guinness World Document was getting nearer and nearer—and at that time, I knew we have been going to make it.
Then, I keep in mind wanting up on the display, and seeing that the file was damaged. Over 4,160 Bitcoin funds in 8 hours, making a huge effect and proving the significance of how Bitcoin is cash—and the way Bitcoin can be utilized as cash.
I participated on this world file try myself and had a lot enjoyable paying in Bitcoin. It was extremely thrilling to have the ability to put a quantity on the board and contribute to breaking an official world file.
Throughout this time, I used to be additionally going round and doing TikTok interviews for Bitcoin Journal.
Attending to interview attendees and ask what their value predictions have been across the expo corridor with all the intense lights, enjoyable props, and different cool stuff made an distinctive alternative for me to create a variety of enjoyable content material. Between all these talking on the a number of levels throughout the venue, enjoyable music was blasting, assembly new buddies, and working round doing TikTok interviews—this convention was proper up my alley. I knew that I used to be in the best place. I actually felt probably the most content material in that very second. It felt proper.
As I completed up filming, I ran again to the information desk to jot down one more information article on somebody who modified the way in which that I have a look at finance and Bitcoin as a complete: Saifedean Ammous. Earlier than going to Las Vegas, I learn his ebook, The Bitcoin Customary, and that made an enduring impression on me. I actually wished to listen to what he needed to say, due to how deeply I’ve dug into his written phrases.
What stood out most was his projection that 1 USDT would possibly quickly commerce above $1 USD as Bitcoin-backed reserves outpace greenback ones. That concept reframed Bitcoin as greater than only a hedge—it’s changing into the middle of a brand new monetary system. Ammous’s last forecast was that the USD period is ending, and Tether will ultimately be redeemable immediately in BTC. He ended virtually declaring a problem: to suppose larger, and sooner.
The day had lastly ended, and the Guinness World Document was hit. I had absorbed a lot new data—I form of felt like a brand new individual. I left the convention that day greater than able to go for tomorrow, and felt very lucky. Greater than ever.
https://x.com/TheBitcoinConf/standing/1927914310212407481
GENERAL ADMISSION DAY 2
Basic Admission Day 2 additionally had an excellent lineup. And at this level within the convention, I had two days below my belt (I used to be clearly a professional by now). That morning I walked again into the convention so keen and excited for all that was to return that day. The convention was booming proper when the doorways opened, and I used to be able to go.
That morning, Hester Peirce, SEC Commissioner, kicked it off with the honesty I really feel like all of us wanted. “We are able to’t ignore it,” she stated, discussing digital asset regulation. “Regulatory uncertainty lets dangerous actors cover and pushes good actors out. That has to finish.”
Talking on the subject of memecoins she acknowledged, “In the event you’re anticipating to purchase a memecoin and turn out to be a billionaire—purchaser beware. Be an grownup.” However on Bitcoin? “Individuals deserve the power to switch worth on their very own phrases,” she stated. “We have to defend that.”
Paolo Ardoino’s speak made my eyes broad as he, the CEO of Tether, acknowledged the truth that Tether owns over 100,000 Bitcoin. Ardoino stated it’s “very lifelike” that Tether might turn out to be the biggest Bitcoin miner on the earth by the tip of the 12 months—even outpacing all the general public mining giants.
He even performed round with the concept that sooner or later there might be an AI agent with a non-custodial pockets that may maintain Bitcoin and give you the results you want, reinforcing what I discussed earlier at present on the truth that Bitcoin actually is the longer term—and there may be a lot occurring behind the scenes that’s but to return out.
In a while, Lyn Alden gave a presentation on the U.S. economic system, and the way the brakes had been ripped out. She backed all of it up with onerous knowledge, exhibiting how the fiscal deficit has surged previous 7% of GDP even whereas unemployment stays low.
Her rationalization that public debt overtook non-public sector debt after 2008 marked the second the federal government stopped even pretending it might rein issues in.
When she stated, “Bitcoin is the mirror of this technique—and the very best safety from it,” I felt that. It jogged my memory why I’m right here, why I care, and why opting into Bitcoin looks like opting out of one thing damaged.
At this level within the afternoon, I might really feel the momentum beginning to go up. As I sat behind the information desk, listening to the recap of Lyn Alden, the gang on the foremost stage began to select up.
Jack Mallers, Strike and Twenty One Capital CEO, quickly took the stage and introduced his keynote speech, hitting on how he believed 1913 was the final good time to purchase eggs with {dollars}. Then he dropped the massive information: Strike is rolling out a Bitcoin-backed mortgage system with rates of interest between 9–13%. That’s enormous—particularly when he identified how ridiculous it’s that banks cost 20% on loans backed by Bitcoin.
The way in which he broke it down, evaluating Bitcoin’s volatility to Tesla and Apple, made all of it click on for me. What different asset might presumably be higher than Bitcoin?
He ended his time on stage by saying, “Life is brief. Take the journey. However with Bitcoin, you simply get to take a greater one.” That’s the form of mindset shift I got here to Bitcoin 2025 for.
At this level, the Nakamoto Stage space was overfilled with folks, pouring into the expo corridor. I knew what time it was. I began to get excited.
The one and solely, Michael Saylor, Technique CEO, was about to take the stage. This was my favourite presentation of the complete convention. Michael Saylor can actually articulate his phrases effectively in a approach that makes it simple for therefore many, together with myself, to know Bitcoin; his ardour simply radiates from individual to individual.
I don’t learn about you, however listening to Michael Saylor dive deep into why he believes in humanity and the way Bitcoin can empower us to make higher selections in life simply makes me notice that not every little thing is as sophisticated as it might appear—and I’ve folks on my facet.
Michael Saylor introduced his 21 Methods to Wealth, the place he broke it down in easy phrases. The second Saylor took the stage, the gang simply went insane. He had a brilliant smile on his face as he acknowledged:
“This speech is for you. I’ve traveled the world and advised nations, institutional traders, and even the disembodied spirits of our youngsters’s youngsters why they want Bitcoin. That is for each particular person, each household, each small enterprise. It’s for everyone.”
As a scholar, and aspiring to be the very best that I presumably will be, this speech meant rather a lot to me. Generally wealth isn’t about all the financial worth round you—you want assist and love from your loved ones, as generally only one small little bit of assist can imply every little thing.
His honesty and ease all through the speech makes such an incredible case for Bitcoin, which I imagine resonates with so many—together with myself.
In his tenth level, he acknowledged, “Simply because you are able to do a factor doesn’t imply it’s best to,” he warned. “In the event you put money into Bitcoin, there’s a 90% probability it’s going to succeed over 5 years. Don’t confuse ambition with accomplishment. Provide you with a technique—and keep on with it.”
The gang solely received louder and louder when the ultimate speaker of Bitcoin 2025, Ross Ulbricht, was quickly to take the stage.
Ross Ulbricht’s speech was emotional, highly effective, and truthfully left me with chills. Listening to him communicate after spending over a decade in jail was a reminder of what this motion is all about.
When he stated, “We’re all on equal footing with Bitcoin.” Bitcoin doesn’t care who you might be, the place you reside, or what you’ve been via—it provides everybody the identical shot at sovereignty.
However the half that caught with me most was Ross speaking concerning the assist he acquired whereas he was locked away. “After I was silenced, you spoke up,” he stated, and it jogged my memory that Bitcoin isn’t nearly numbers and charts—it’s about folks standing up for one another.
His name to remain united, even after we disagree, felt extra essential than ever in a world that may generally really feel divided. “People who oppose decentralization and freedom find it irresistible after we are divided,” he stated.
Ross’ story reveals what’s at stake, and why we battle for a system that nobody can shut down or management. Bitcoin means freedom. Ross ended the convention with a way of affection and energy. His speech was so emotional, and I felt so honored to be there.
Quickly, everybody began to depart the conference middle, and all the cubicles have been being taken down. Truthfully, I couldn’t assist however stand and watch. The entire issues that made me so blissful, all the those who made this come to life, have been taking all of it aside.
I noticed the Cybertrucks, and decorations, and shows all disappearing as groups of individuals set to work. It was at this second I knew that I used to be bought. Bitcoin 2025 pulled me in, and there was no approach I might ever be pulled again out.
As I stood there, I additionally felt a way of peace. A way of satisfaction. I had completed all the issues I wished to perform. I wrote my information articles, filmed some enjoyable TikToks, and did my justifiable share of mingling. I felt, effectively, good.
So, the following day, I left Vegas. And I actually didn’t need to. I had felt like I used to be in an alternate universe, one which was unstoppable. As I sat on the aircraft, I simply thought to myself, “I’ve gotta come again,” and that’s precisely what I plan to do. On the Bitcoin convention, you’ll meet folks which are real, care about you, and take care of the way forward for the world. You should have enjoyable, dancing, laughing, and even giving goodbye hugs saying, “Similar time subsequent 12 months?”
If you’re a scholar or intern like me, older, youthful, wealthy or poor, make it a aim and a actuality to attend The Bitcoin Convention. I promise, you gained’t remorse it. Whether or not you understand about Bitcoin or not, it doesn’t matter. That’s what the convention is all about—to show you, to offer you a style.
One can find your folks, and you will discover the reality. The reality that Bitcoin is cash, and Bitcoin is the longer term. You’ll get up, and also you’ll notice that the longer term is close to—and Bitcoin is in it.
Come be part of us for Bitcoin 2026 and expertise the occasion for your self.