2023 North American Blockchain Summit Paves Way for Crypto Discussions Amid Election Season
Summary:
The North American Blockchain Summit (NABS), formerly a Texas-centric annual conference, underwent a massive revamp in 2023. The event, rebranded and relocated, served as a networking platform for crypto enthusiasts and industry pioneers. Key speakers included the likes of GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and Independent nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., among other lawmakers. The summit showcased a strong patriotic sentiment and held exclusive fundraising events. Crucially, the conference paved the way for discussions on the changing landscape of crypto regulations on the cusp of major elections in the US.
Originally held exclusively in Texas, the North American Blockchain Summit (NABS) broadened its scope in 2023, shifting both its venue and moniker as several US politicians readied themselves for electoral contests. From November 15-17, Fort Worth, Texas was teeming with crypto and blockchain devotees who came together to exchange ideas, deliberate over crypto-mining, and gain insight from public officials and industry forerunners on the evolving policies and regulations impacting the sector. The summit featured GOP longshot presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, Independent presidential nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., alongside incumbent lawmakers such as Wyoming's Senator Cynthia Lummis and Texas Senator Ted Cruz.
The atmosphere at the 2023 NABS was permeated with nationalism and a focus on American interests. The commencement of each day's events was signaled by the U.S. national anthem blaring from a trumpet and the digital representation of the American flag fluttering on screens. Attendees also had the opportunity to gain entry into exclusive fundraising sessions with some speakers by making hefty donations. The suggested donation for meeting RFK Jr. started from $1,000, and for Vivek Ramaswamy it was at $3,300 per attendee; for Lummis and Cruz, the donation amount was $250.
The North Texas Blockchain Council, one of the key organizers of the conference, had not previously conducted the event before a major U.S. election in 2021 or 2022. However, in November 2022 the event saw limited participation possibly due to a slowdown in the crypto market and the collapse of the FTX exchange. The 2023 conference featured QR codes that connected to various campaign websites spread throughout the lounge areas, along with pleas for donations to pro-crypto politicians preceding panel discussions.
On November 16, speaking with Cointelegraph, RFK Jr. indicated his campaign geared towards liberating personal finances of Americans from the grip of centralized institutions and government control. He also touched upon ongoing debates in congress regarding whether lawmakers should possess assets like stocks and cryptocurrency, given the contrast with average retail investors' positions. RFK Jr. stated he holds Bitcoin and assured that any actions boosting Bitcoin value in case of his electoral victory would not be driven by personal gains. He emphasized the need for public transparency regarding such potential conflicts of interest.
Although RFK Jr was once dismissed as an unlikely candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, a Quinnipiac poll on November 1 showed indications of his gaining popularity, with a 22% support in a triangular contest against ex-President Donald Trump and the then President, Joe Biden. During campaigning, Kennedy's measured skepticism over vaccines and his investment in Bitcoin for his children's future, alluding to financial freedom, endeared him to many cryptocurrency users.
The NABS conference was strategically placed roughly a year prior to the US elections where a host of positions including Senators, House of Representatives members, local lawmakers, and the Presidency would be up for grabs. The election outcome could tip the balance towards the Democratic or Republican party in both chambers. This has implications for the course Congress would chart around digital asset legislation moving forward post-2024.
Published At
11/20/2023 6:30:00 PM
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