My title is Jenna Montgomery, and possibly you’ve learn a few of my information articles right here earlier than, or seen me on the Bitcoin Journal TikTok. However immediately, I needed to change it up and offer you 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 penning 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 feel this occasion actually is. Bitcoin 2025 made a long-lasting influence on me and my life, and it simply feels proper to let you know why, so yours can possibly be modified too.
I received off the airplane, threw my suitcase in my resort room, and went to go and see the conference heart as all the ending touches across the venue have been being added. I keep in mind pondering how huge, lovely, and enjoyable the expo corridor was—and the place I might quickly meet so many new individuals, make so many buddies, and shake arms with those who I appeared 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 stuffed with hundreds 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 group and a spot of numerous alternatives.
The convention is basically break up up into 3 days: Trade Day, Common Admission Day 1, and Common 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 have been tailor-made extra in direction of the informal Bitcoiner, and people have been the times that I actually felt the vitality simply exploding across the conference heart.
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 establishing 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 a protracted orange carpet that made an intricate path by way of the venue that led you to each sales space.
I keep in mind being in whole awe as I appeared 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 aspect of it, with a lot of different fascinating 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 have been price nicely 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 gifted artists pouring their hearts into their work helped me consider 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 subsequent 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) group, the place I had an ideal view of every little thing. Right here, I spent all day day-after-day writing information articles for Bitcoin Journal based mostly on the speeches, keynotes, and different panels taking place 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 dwell had an electrifying persona that stored me locked into each dialog, particularly one of many hosts Pete Rizzo. After each discuss on the Nakamoto Stage ended, the dwell 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 look at dwell and expertise the manufacturing of all of it first hand.
The talks on Trade Day kicked off to such a terrific 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 might imply to retailers who undertake it.
Primarily based on every little thing I heard in that speech, I feel Steak ‘n Shake often is 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 nicely.
One other huge spotlight from this present day was listening to Senator Cynthia Lummis affirm that President Donald Trump helps her Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act. There have been so many statements made through 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 very 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 trade, 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 wonderful individuals and was welcomed with open arms. So in case 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 those who I didn’t know have been ready for me and have been comfortable that I used to be there.
Throughout the brunch, I received to mingle and discuss with so many enjoyable ladies on this lovely ballroom with orange and pink feathers and balloons all over the place, 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 influence of Bitcoin.
Lyn Ulbricht, mom of Silk Street 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, a lot 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 Ladies of Bitcoin Brunch grew to become one of the vital highly effective aspect occasions of the day.
Calli Bailey, co-founder of BTC Inc., the mother or father firm of Bitcoin Journal, delved into all the expansion that she’s seen on the firm over time and the way a lot the group meant to her. The brunch genuinely made me really feel so emotional—however in one of the best 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 complete world, and each phrase she speaks actually comes from the guts. The vitality within the room was so highly effective. As I used to be surrounded by so many sturdy girls who positively 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 little thing that I had discovered to date 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 Reality Social are backing Bitcoin with a $2.5 billion treasury. Trump Jr. additional defined, “We’re critically on Bitcoin. This isn’t a part. That is foundational to the longer term.” Chris Pavlovski agreed, stating, “The floodgates are opening. Bitcoin isn’t simply an thought 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 comparable to Donald Trump Jr. are placing one of these cash, time, and energy into Bitcoin, then possibly myself and others must be taking this critically too.
Bo Hines, White Home Government Director, backed up this complete level as he spoke on the Nakamoto stage, saying, “We’re nicely on our method to changing into the Bitcoin superpower of the world. That is one thing that isn’t partisan. This can be a revolution in our monetary system.” He ended his discuss strongly by saying, “Bitcoin is really the golden normal. We wish as a lot as we are able to probably get.”
Ending Trade Day on that observe was an unimaginable begin to the convention and laid a very good basis for the upcoming common admission days. I can’t state this sufficient, when you have got executives from the White Home taking the day trip of their already loopy schedule to journey to this occasion and to inform everybody how essential Bitcoin is, understanding all they know, I really feel like others also needs to hearken 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 common admission day the next morning. As a result of the early hen will get the worm—and the worm on Common Admission Day One simply occurred to be JD Vance.
That Wednesday morning, I awoke at 4:00am as I walked from my resort 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 individuals to the place they wanted to go, serving to make sure that every little thing ran as easily as potential for the 35,000+ incoming attendees. This was additionally a spotlight for me because it was fascinating 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 dwell 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 group 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. This can be 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 achieved with ambiguity. We’re right here to construct a regulatory framework that lets Bitcoin thrive.”
He defined that Bitcoin is within the arms 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 now we have the ability to alter the form of world we dwell 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 really indescribable. There have been individuals all over the place, there was music, there have been DJs, refreshments and meals being served, a lot of laughter, thoughts blowing reveals, and all forms of totally different individuals.
At the present time was additionally report breaking for Bitcoin as a result of on Common Admission Day One, there was an try to interrupt the Guinness World Document for essentially the most Bitcoin & funds in in the future. There was additionally the Bitcoin Journal retailer truck the place a lot of merch was being offered, the place you have been capable of 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, asserting, “We presently personal 4,710 Bitcoin,” as he broke down the corporate’s reasoning for purchasing 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 delivery certificates verifications. This was extraordinarily mind-blowing to me, as a result of it is a enormous step into Bitcoin adoption—and I’m actually right here for it.
Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Mike Ho, and Matt Prusak spoke after. “All people desires Bitcoin. All people is shopping for Bitcoin,” Eric stated. Prusak added, “We’re stacking sats like loopy.”
Towards the tip of the day, the purpose 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 screen, and seeing that the report 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 report 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 report.
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 have been across the expo corridor with all the brilliant lights, enjoyable props, and different cool stuff made an distinctive alternative for me to create plenty 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 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 essentially the most content material in that very second. It felt proper.
As I completed up filming, I ran again to the information desk to write down 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 Commonplace, and that made a long-lasting 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 changing 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 straight in BTC. He ended virtually declaring a problem: to suppose greater, 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 particular person. 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
Common 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 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 will’t ignore it,” she stated, discussing digital asset regulation. “Regulatory uncertainty lets unhealthy actors cover and pushes good actors out. That has to finish.”
Talking on the subject of memecoins she acknowledged, “For those who’re anticipating to purchase a memecoin and develop into a billionaire—purchaser beware. Be an grownup.” However on Bitcoin? “Folks deserve the flexibility to switch worth on their very own phrases,” she stated. “We have to defend that.”
Paolo Ardoino’s discuss 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 life like” that Tether might develop into the biggest Bitcoin miner on this planet by the tip of the yr—even outpacing all the general public mining giants.
He even performed round with the concept that in the future there could possibly 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 immediately 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.
Afterward, 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 laborious information, 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 might rein issues in.
When she stated, “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 seems 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 group on the predominant stage began to choose 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 large 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 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 all the convention. Michael Saylor can actually articulate his phrases nicely in a approach that makes it straightforward for therefore many, together with myself, to grasp Bitcoin; his ardour simply radiates from individual to individual.
I don’t find out 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 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 group simply went insane. He had a vivid smile on his face as he acknowledged:
“This speech is for you. I’ve traveled the world and advised nations, institutional buyers, and even the disembodied spirits of our kids’s kids 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 will be, this speech meant so much 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 a terrific 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. “For those who spend money on Bitcoin, there’s a 90% likelihood it’ll succeed over 5 years. Don’t confuse ambition with accomplishment. Give you a technique—and follow it.”
The group 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 actually 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’re, 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 stated, 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 once 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 once 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 heart, and all the cubicles have been being taken down. Truthfully, I couldn’t assist however stand and watch. All the issues that made me so comfortable, 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 offered. 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 needed to perform. I wrote my information articles, filmed some enjoyable TikToks, and did my justifiable share of mingling. I felt, nicely, 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 airplane, 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 can be real, care about you, and take care of the way forward for the world. You’ll have enjoyable, dancing, laughing, and even giving goodbye hugs saying, “Identical time subsequent yr?”
In case you are a scholar or intern like me, older, youthful, wealthy or poor, make it a purpose and a actuality to attend The Bitcoin Convention. I promise, you received’t remorse it. Whether or not about Bitcoin or not, it doesn’t matter. That’s what the convention is all about—to show you, to present you a style.
You will discover your individuals, and you’ll 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.
