Simply put
- The founder of ETH Denver mentioned that the market slump has diminished the hype while drawing more attention from builders.
- Attendees at the conference are describing a more focused and ROI-driven crowd.
- In addition to tech, Denver Tech is also emphasizing art and mental health.
Even though cryptocurrency prices are down, the vibe at the opening day of Denver ETH is surprisingly upbeat.
Lines started forming outside the National Western Center, the new venue, long before the doors opened, despite the chilly weather.
For John Paylor, the founder of ETH Denver, this event embodies the culmination of a year’s work that picked up right after last year’s gathering.
“Many believe this is the starting point, but our team’s efforts have been ongoing since last year,” he remarked, adding that the first day felt like a significant moment.
Although the crypto downturn has made headlines, Paylor is optimistic, stating that ETH Denver will continue to thrive amidst the downturn.
“Denver Tech has consistently thrived during bear markets,” he pointed out, highlighting that sponsors are now more selective with their budgets and expenditures.
Nonetheless, he conceded that attendance is likely to dip compared to peak years.
“Instead of 25,000, we’re looking at around 10,000 or 8,000 attendees,” he said, though he also noted that the event is still expanding compared to previous iterations. “Back in 2020, we had only 2,500 attendees, so the core community is still on the rise.”
“The noise-to-signal ratio will be much improved,” he added. “There’s less distraction now, with more serious conversations about the future of Web 3 and the user-owned Internet.”
Russell Castagnaro, founder of a project, observed the change in atmosphere affirmatively.
“There are a lot more people genuinely interested,” Castagnaro noted. “We’ve evolved significantly over the last two years. Now, participants are eager to network, create, and familiarize themselves with emerging technologies. It feels like a return to basics, but in an enhanced way.”
For newcomers like Tyler Gentry, whose fintech consulting firm is navigating this space, the allure of attending ETH Denver lies in witnessing decentralized community dynamics firsthand.
“I came to Denver Tech to see how the DAO community operates in real-time and to figure out how NEED-AID can use that model to change how we donate to nonprofits,” he shared.
But the atmosphere at ETH Denver isn’t just about the latest in AI and crypto trends. A Zen Zone near the entrance aims to enhance focus on art and mental well-being before the networking and discussions kick off.
“That ambiance is what keeps me coming back,” Shanna Douglas, co-founder of a project, stated. “I’ve been involved for four or five years, even when it was held at the castle. It felt very close-knit then. This time, it may not be as tight-knit, but there’s a strong sense of community and positivity.”
Tony Bravado, another co-founder, reflected on this year’s ETH Denver feeling “more intimate.”
“To foster a community, we need places where folks can gather, exchange ideas, and support each other’s well-being,” he said. “With everything around AI and health, it feels great to be here.”
Even with crypto prices still below prior highs and a bearish sentiment floating around social media, attendees seem focused on innovative technology and building a robust community for 2026, despite the smaller turnout compared to earlier years.
