“Blockchain & Government”’s Best Moments

With echoes of the election, excitement of a rising market, and promise of a new era for this industry, attendees filled every table at the St. Thomas School of Law Atrium, downtown Minneapolis.

Following our “Web3 & Law” conference at St. Thomas last year, we returned Monday evening, November 18—this time focused on blockchain technology’s growing role in government.

While St. Thomas School of Law served as host, other sponsors included government affairs specialists Terrapin Strategy and cryptocurrency advocacy nonprofit Stand With Crypto, whose generous support as co-presenter allowed us to offer free admission this year!

Kicking off the program: a welcome from law school dean Daniel B. Kelly; opening remarks from MNblockchain president Brandon Ferdig on the blending of old & new systems; and a video message from Rep. Tom Emmer (recently re-elected to MN-6), outspoken industry advocate in U.S. Congress.

Technologist and MNblockchain board member Rafael Mojden served as the night’s emcee. He introduced the first of four featured presentations: a fireside chat on institutional bitcoin adoption with Swan Bitcoin’s Chief Revenue Officer, Brandon Quittem.

Then, fresh off the election, application architect Robert Phillips presented “Voting on Chain.” From the national to the state level, South Dakota Blockchain Institute’s Barry Sackett discussed “Regulations at the State Level” in a fireside chat led by Rafael.

Lastly, Matthew Bowen offered insights into “Decentralized Governance”—what new form of government might manifest from this new technological revolution.

Big thanks again to our sponsors, speakers, event organizers, and all the attendees of our fall event. This confluence of topics and timing cap off an incredible 2024 and set our sights on the industry in 2025 and beyond!

—MNblockchain Team