My title 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 the moment, I needed to modify it up and provide you with an inside have a look at the Bitcoin 2025 Convention in Las Vegas by way of 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 scripting this to present you an actual, uncooked reflection of what I skilled over the course of the three day occasion, and why I consider it’s best to completely attend the subsequent Bitcoin convention. I need you all to know what goes down, what to anticipate, and to know the way impactful I believe this occasion actually is. Bitcoin 2025 made an enduring influence on me and my life, and it simply feels proper to inform you why, so yours can perhaps be modified too.
I acquired off the aircraft, threw my suitcase in my resort room, and went to go and see the conference heart as all the ending touches across the venue had been being added. I bear in mind considering how large, stunning, and enjoyable the expo corridor was—and the place I might quickly meet so many new individuals, make so many mates, and shake palms with folks that I appeared as much as and admired.
I’ll always remember strolling in and seeing the primary convention stage, The Nakamoto Stage, for the primary time. Seeing that enormous room with a symphony and infinite rows of chairs, quickly to be crammed with 1000’s of passionate Bitcoiners, actually put in perspective to me how Bitcoin 2025 wasn’t only a convention, it felt like one thing greater. I noticed it’s an precise neighborhood and a spot of numerous alternatives.
The convention is basically cut up up into 3 days: Trade Day, Basic Admission Day 1, and Basic Admission Day 2. Trade Day was primarily tailor-made in direction of professionals, buyers, founders, and others targeted on Bitcoin companies. The overall admission days had been tailor-made extra in direction of the informal Bitcoiner, and people had been the times that I actually felt the vitality simply exploding across the conference heart.
INDUSTRY DAY
Strolling into the expo corridor early within the morning on Trade Day, I used to be overwhelmed after I noticed all the distributors and firms organising their tables, cubicles, phases, and even a mountaineering 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 by way of the venue that led you to every sales space.
I bear in mind being in complete awe as I appeared up on the ceiling and noticed an enormous UFO in the midst of the expo corridor, with two Bitcoin themed Cybertrucks simply off to the aspect of it, with a lot of different attention-grabbing cubicles together with one with a speaking robotic.
As I adopted the lengthy orange carpet across the venue, I appeared over my shoulder and noticed an enormous blow-up of a Bitcoin Puppet within the artwork exhibit, that includes all types of different cool Bitcoin artwork. A few of these items of artwork had been value properly 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 consider that Bitcoin is the long run.
Now, it was time to get to work at the place I might spend the vast majority of my time over the subsequent few days. My coworkers and I had been stationed up proper in entrance of the Bitcoin Journal information desk subsequent to the AV (audio-visual) group, the place I had an ideal view of every thing. Right here, I spent all day day by 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 one in every of my favourite issues concerning the convention. Everybody who spoke on it reside had an electrifying persona that saved me locked into each dialog, particularly one of many hosts Pete Rizzo. After each discuss on the Nakamoto Stage ended, the reside stream would pan over to the information desk the place they’d break down what occurred, offering viewers with knowledgeable evaluation. This was one thing extraordinarily very enjoyable to observe reside and expertise the manufacturing of all of it first hand.
The talks on Trade Day kicked off to such an ideal begin with Dan Edwards from Steak ‘n Shake, who just lately 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 prospects 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 may imply to retailers who undertake it.
Based mostly on every thing I heard in that speech, I believe Steak ‘n Shake would be the first to start out a brand new development of different large 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 properly.
One other large spotlight from today was listening to Senator Cynthia Lummis affirm 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 afterward that time to the truth that the US is pro-Bitcoin and we’re going to be the world chief in it. Senator Marsha Blackburn additionally added to this, stating, “Lots 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 Ladies of Bitcoin Brunch. As a lady within the business, I actually valued the chance to attend this occasion and encourage any lady within the house to attend sooner or later because it was the spotlight of the convention for me personally. I acquired to satisfy so many superb individuals and was welcomed with open arms. So in the event you’re afraid to attend this occasion sooner or later, or don’t have anybody to go along with, don’t be! I walked into the brunch and it was virtually like all of those folks that I didn’t know had been ready for me and had been pleased that I used to be there.
In the course of the brunch, I acquired to mingle and discuss with so many enjoyable women on this stunning ballroom with orange and pink feathers and balloons in all places, which was proper up my alley. Then all of us acquired seated as showgirls got here in and danced, and all of us carried on and laughed and had an incredible time.
Lyn Ulbricht, Calli Bailey, Natalie Brunell, and Michaela Navarro, a 14-year-old Bitcoin advocate, shared her ideas on the influence of Bitcoin.
Lyn Ulbricht, mom of Silk Street founder Ross Ulbricht, launched her new nonprofit “Moms In opposition to Merciless Sentencing” and gave an incredible speech on her story and what she stood for. “A number of 1000’s of individuals, lots of them nonviolent like Ross, are serving excessive sentences,” she mentioned. “We’re giving households a voice.” Her phrases drew an enormous emotional response, and the Ladies of Bitcoin Brunch grew to become some of the highly effective aspect occasions of the day.
Calli Bailey, co-founder of BTC Inc., the father or mother 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 all the time makes me cry. I can inform that her son, David Bailey and Bitcoin are her entire world, and each phrase she speaks actually comes from the center. The vitality within the room was so highly effective. As I used to be surrounded by so many sturdy ladies who undoubtedly knew a complete lot about Bitcoin, I felt impressed leaving the brunch and feeling at house.
As Trade Day continued, I watched and mirrored on every 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 severely on Bitcoin. This isn’t a section. That is foundational to the long run.” Chris Pavlovski agreed, stating, “The floodgates are opening. Bitcoin isn’t simply an concept anymore—it’s technique.”
Listening to individuals of this caliber with tons of expertise helped me construct extra conviction in Bitcoin, as a result of if highly effective figures akin to Donald Trump Jr. are placing any such cash, time, and energy into Bitcoin, then perhaps myself and others must be taking this severely too.
Bo Hines, White Home Government Director, backed up this complete level as he spoke on the Nakamoto stage, saying, “We’re properly on our strategy to turning into the Bitcoin superpower of the world. That is one thing that’s not partisan. This can be a revolution in our monetary system.” He ended his discuss strongly by saying, “Bitcoin is actually the golden normal. We would like as a lot as we will probably get.”
Ending Trade Day on that word was an unimaginable begin to the convention and laid a great basis for the upcoming basic admission days. I can’t state this sufficient, when you have got executives from the White Home taking the trip of their already loopy schedule to journey to this occasion and to inform everybody how necessary Bitcoin is, realizing 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 vitality for the primary basic admission day the next morning. As a result of the early fowl 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 awakened at 4:00am as I walked from my resort room all the way 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 individuals to the place they wanted to go, serving to make certain every 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 totally different individuals from all types of various locations coming to this convention for Bitcoin.
Vitality 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 reside information desk able to doc completely every 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 the US,” he mentioned. “This isn’t only a convention of individuals. This can be a motion.”
Vance made it very clear that Bitcoin is in the way forward for the US and even acknowledged that he’s the primary Vice President to ever maintain Bitcoin. He went on to say, “We’re finished 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 individuals and that we deserve respect and assist from our authorities with nobody attempting to tear us down. He gave such a powerful speech, saying that we’ve got the facility to vary the form of world we reside in and what we need to do with Bitcoin.
After Vance, the vitality within the expo corridor and Nakamoto Stage—I’m telling you—it was simply actually indescribable. There have been individuals in all places, there was music, there have been DJs, refreshments and meals being served, a lot of laughter, thoughts blowing reveals, and all sorts of totally different individuals.
At the present time was additionally file breaking for Bitcoin as a result of on Basic Admission Day One, there was an try to interrupt the Guinness World File for probably the most Bitcoin & funds in in the future. There was additionally the Bitcoin Journal retailer truck the place a lot of merch was being bought, the place you had been in a position to pay with bitcoin by way of the Lightning Community. All transactions accomplished there went in 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, saying, “We presently 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 start certificates verifications. This was extraordinarily mind-blowing to me, as a result of this can be a large 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 desires Bitcoin. Everyone is shopping for Bitcoin,” Eric mentioned. Prusak added, “We’re stacking sats like loopy.”
Towards the top of the day, the aim of reaching the Guinness World File was getting nearer and nearer—and at that time, I knew we had been going to make it.
Then, I bear in mind trying up on the display, and seeing that the file was damaged. Over 4,160 Bitcoin funds in 8 hours, making a big impact 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 worth predictions had been across the expo corridor with all the brilliant 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 phases throughout the venue, enjoyable music was blasting, assembly new mates, and operating round doing TikTok interviews—this convention was proper up my alley. I knew that I used to be in the correct 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 put in writing yet one more information article on somebody who modified the best way that I have a look at finance and Bitcoin as a complete: Saifedean Ammous. Earlier than going to Las Vegas, I learn his e book, The Bitcoin Normal, and that made an enduring impression on me. I actually needed 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 turning into the middle of a brand new monetary system. Ammous’s ultimate forecast was that the USD period is ending, and Tether will finally be redeemable immediately in BTC. He ended virtually declaring a problem: to suppose greater, and sooner.
The day had lastly ended, and the Guinness World File 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.
GENERAL ADMISSION DAY 2
Basic Admission Day 2 additionally had an excellent lineup. And at this level within the convention, I had two days beneath 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 come back 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 mentioned, discussing digital asset regulation. “Regulatory uncertainty lets dangerous actors conceal and pushes good actors out. That has to finish.”
Talking on the subject of memecoins she acknowledged, “If you happen to’re anticipating to purchase a memecoin and grow to be a billionaire—purchaser beware. Be an grownup.” However on Bitcoin? “Folks deserve the flexibility to switch worth on their very own phrases,” she mentioned. “We have to shield that.”
Paolo Ardoino’s discuss made my eyes huge as he, the CEO of Tether, acknowledged the truth that Tether owns over 100,000 Bitcoin. Ardoino mentioned it’s “very practical” that Tether may grow to be the biggest Bitcoin miner on this planet by the top of the yr—even outpacing all the general public mining giants.
He even performed round with the concept in the future there may very well 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 the moment on the truth that Bitcoin actually is the long run—and there’s a lot occurring behind the scenes that’s but to come back out.
In a while, Lyn Alden gave a presentation on the U.S. financial system, and the way the brakes had been ripped out. She backed all of it up with onerous knowledge, displaying how the fiscal deficit has surged previous 7% of GDP even whereas unemployment stays low.
Her clarification that public debt overtook non-public sector debt after 2008 marked the second the federal government stopped even pretending it may rein issues in.
When she mentioned, “Bitcoin is the mirror of this method—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 may 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 principal 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 large—particularly when he identified how ridiculous it’s that banks cost 20% on loans backed by Bitcoin.
The best way he broke it down, evaluating Bitcoin’s volatility to Tesla and Apple, made all of it click on for me. What different asset may probably 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 individuals, 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 whole convention. Michael Saylor can actually articulate his phrases properly in a approach that makes it simple for therefore many, together with myself, to grasp 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 understand that not every thing is as sophisticated as it could appear—and I’ve individuals on my aspect.
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 instructed nations, institutional buyers, 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 probably might be, this speech meant quite a bit to me. Typically 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 thing.
His honesty and ease all through the speech makes such an ideal case for Bitcoin, which I consider 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. “If you happen to put money into Bitcoin, there’s a 90% likelihood it can succeed over 5 years. Don’t confuse ambition with accomplishment. Provide you with a technique—and persist with it.”
The group solely acquired 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 converse after spending over a decade in jail was a reminder of what this motion is all about.
When he mentioned, “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 by way of—it offers everybody the identical shot at sovereignty.
However the half that caught with me most was Ross speaking concerning the assist he obtained whereas he was locked away. “After I was silenced, you spoke up,” he mentioned, and it jogged my memory that Bitcoin isn’t nearly numbers and charts—it’s about individuals standing up for one another.
His name to remain united, even after we disagree, felt extra necessary than ever in a world that may generally really feel divided. “Those who oppose decentralization and freedom like it after we are divided,” he mentioned.
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 go away the conference heart, and all the cubicles had been being taken down. Actually, I couldn’t assist however stand and watch. The entire issues that made me so pleased, all the folks that made this come to life, had been taking all of it aside.
I noticed the Cybertrucks, and decorations, and shows all disappearing as groups of individuals started working. 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 achieved all the issues I needed to perform. I wrote my information articles, filmed some enjoyable TikToks, and did my justifiable share of mingling. I felt, properly, good.
So, the subsequent 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 individuals 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, “Identical time subsequent yr?”
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 present you a style.
One can find your individuals, and you will see that the reality. The reality that Bitcoin is cash, and Bitcoin is the long run. You’ll get up, and also you’ll understand that the long run is close to—and Bitcoin is in it.
Come be part of us for Bitcoin 2026 and expertise the occasion for your self.
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