Bitcoin Event Preparation Checklist

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TL;DR: The summarized list is at the bottom.

I experienced a phase in my Bitcoin journey, where I got sucked into the rabbit hole a bit too much: For months I dedicated a large part of my day to study bitcoin, planned almost my entire vacation time for bitcoin events and lost a healthy balance with other important things in life. This phenomenon of getting sucked into something way too much was not new to me. I also experienced this with photography and podcasting. This overexposure always led to a waning interest, eventually reducing my engagement to a bare minimum. It was simply too much. I don't want this to happen with Bitcoin – I want it to remain interesting and enjoyable for me.

To maintain this balance, I carefully choose my Bitcoin-related activities and allocate only a part of my life to it. This is why I strictly limit my attendance at Bitcoin events, ensuring I leave enough room for other parts of my life. I'm not alone in this approach – I see the same strategy in like-minded plebs like George and Gigi. However, it’s crucial to make the most out of the valuable time spent at Bitcoin events. I want to fully enjoy these experiences! Here's how I typically select and prepare for a Bitcoin event.

Have a Clear Reason to Go

Attending a Bitcoin event, especially one that requires traveling halfway around the world, demands a clear and compelling reason. Surprisingly, many plebs I’ve spoken with lack this clarity, treating the event merely as an excuse to take a vacation. While combining an event with a holiday might sound appealing, it often results in the event itself feeling purposeless and secondary.

Common reasons like networking, seeing industry celebrities, or attending presentations might seem sufficient on the surface, but they often fall short in practice. Large events can feel impersonal, with attendees gravitating towards their existing social circles rather than engaging with new people. This limits the potential for meaningful conversations and connections. Celebrities, overwhelmed by the crowds, tend to remain in exclusive VIP areas, making genuine interactions rare. Furthermore, the presentations, while valuable, are often recorded and made available online, allowing for easier and more focused viewing from the comfort of your own home.

So, why do I go? My motivation lies in seeking out the smaller, unofficial gatherings that often aren’t listed on the event’s agenda. These intimate groups require active participation and inquiry, usually from the very first day. More importantly, my primary reason is to reconnect with distant friends—people I haven’t seen in a long time but whose company I cherish. The event becomes a meaningful opportunity to enjoy face-to-face time with these friends, making the journey truly worthwhile.

Craft an Elevator Pitch

Engaging in interesting conversations at a Bitcoin event can lead to incredible opportunities and connections. To make the most of these interactions, especially if you're introverted, it’s crucial to have a well-prepared elevator pitch. This brief introduction should highlight unique aspects of yourself and your interests, sparking curiosity and fostering engaging dialogues.

Consider what sets you apart. What are your passions within the Bitcoin community? How can you contribute to others’ knowledge or experiences? Your pitch doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should be authentic and intriguing, offering a glimpse into who you are and what you bring to the table. This preparation not only boosts your confidence but also ensures you make a memorable impression.

Simple Conversation Starters for Bitcoin Events

Approaching new people at Bitcoin events can be daunting, but having a few conversation starters ready can ease the process and lead to rewarding exchanges. Here are some effective strategies:

Open Compliments

Start by openly complimenting something specific about the person you’re approaching. Whether it’s their choice of attire, a badge they’re wearing, or something they said during a session, personal feedback is always appreciated and opens the door to further conversation.

Ask Meaningful Questions

Pose questions that genuinely interest you and are relevant to the event.

What are you most excited about at this event?
What do you recommend doing here?
What topic in the Bitcoin space is most interesting to you?
What is your passion?
Where are you from?

Join Interesting Discussions

If you overhear someone discussing a topic that fascinates you, don’t hesitate to join in. A simple, “I heard you mention X, and I had to join because it’s a subject I’m passionate about,” can seamlessly integrate you into the conversation.

Attending a Bitcoin event is not just about what you can gain, but also what you can give. Sharing something personal and meaningful can significantly enrich the experience for both you and others. In Prague, I handed out my Freedom Money Balloon Girl Bitcoin Stickers, and in Madeira, I shared the Portuguese for Plebs cheat sheet. These small tokens represented a part of my journey and interests, sparking conversations and connections.

Consider bringing something unique to share: perhaps it's showcasing your latest app, website, or service. You might display your Bitcoin sticker collection, don a standout outfit, or simply offer free hugs. These gestures embody your personal touch and can create memorable interactions. Sharing something of yourself fosters a deeper connection and leaves a lasting impression.

Be Recognizable

It is easier if not only you approach people, but you are so interesting that people also approach you. Either people know that you did something great or you just look amazing and are in a superb mood. Apart from a uniquely crafted outfit, it is not a coincidence that a saying goes: The best thing you can wear is a big smile.

Creating special memories often comes from stepping out of your everyday routine and embracing a distinctive style. If you haven’t yet found your unique place or persona within the Bitcoin community, events are the perfect opportunity to experiment. This is how I developed the persona of Stacking Jones, making myself easily recognizable and memorable.

Dressing distinctively or adopting a unique accessory can help others remember you and make it easier to start conversations. Being recognizable not only enhances your presence but also contributes to the vibrant tapestry of the event.

Actively Approach People

Opportunities for meaningful connections abound at Bitcoin events, but they require you to take the initiative. Even seasoned attendees often stick with familiar faces, making it essential for you to actively seek out new conversations. Approach people with confidence—whether it's a fist bump, a sincere compliment, or a straightforward introduction, most attendees will welcome the engagement.

These events provide rare access to individuals who might otherwise be difficult to reach. Everyone is generally open and eager to talk, creating a unique environment for building personal connections. Remember, the primary value of in-person events lies in these interactions, so make the most of them.

Attend Side Events

The main event is just the beginning. Some of the most valuable connections and experiences happen at satellite events and after-hour meetups. Sundowners, bars, and dance parties offer more relaxed atmospheres where deeper, more personal conversations can occur. These gatherings are perfect for reinforcing connections made during the day and discovering new opportunities.

Make a Rough Plan

Approaching the event with a rough plan can significantly enhance your experience. While it’s essential to stay flexible and open to change, having a general idea of what you want to achieve can provide direction and purpose. Think of it like window shopping with a purpose—having a sense of what interests you most will help you navigate the event more effectively.

Consider what your ideal experience would look like. What do you expect from a great event? If you aim to get a signature from a particular speaker, position yourself near the stage as their talk concludes. Being strategic about your movements and engagements can maximize your opportunities and experiences.

If you have some favorite speakers, look for all the talks they attend. I usually chose talks not based on the topic or title, but based on who is talking.

List People You Want to Talk To

Preparation can make your interactions more meaningful. Write down a list of people you want to meet and prepare the top three questions you’d like to ask them. Unique, thoughtful questions can serve as excellent conversation starters, leaving a lasting impression and providing valuable insights.

Identifying key individuals and planning your approach ensures that you make the most of your time and leave the event with a wealth of new knowledge and connections. These preparations can turn brief encounters into significant professional and personal milestones.

Bring a Lightning Wallet with Sats

Don’t forget to bring a lightning wallet loaded with some sats! These meetups are packed with innovative ways to spend a few satoshis. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but setting aside a budget—maybe half of your entrance fee—lets you dive into the experience fully. You’ll be able to buy cool stuff, join in activities, and get hands-on experience using your sats.

Not only can you snag items that are often sold out online, but you also get to chat directly with the teams behind these products, gaining insights you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, you might score some event discounts and be part of the early days of a circular Bitcoin economy. It’s all about making the most of the event and immersing yourself in the community.

Help Newbies & Organizers

One of the most rewarding things you can do at a Bitcoin event is to help newbies. I always make it a point to assist newcomers in setting up a lightning wallet and sending them their first sats. This simple act can light the Bitcoin fire in them. By showing them how easy and empowering it is, you’re giving them a memorable introduction to the world of Bitcoin.

Often organizers are very busy the weeks before an event. Offer your expertise and help in the Telegram group, the earlier the better.

Gifting others with these small positive Bitcoin experiences is a great way to spark their interest. It’s not just about teaching them the technical stuff; it’s about sharing your enthusiasm and helping them see the potential of Bitcoin.

Make it easy to stay in touch

After making great connections at an event, you’ll want to keep in touch. Have a preferred way for people to contact you—whether it’s Nostr, Twitter or Telegram. Following up with your event summary or the next event to see each other lets you connect to other plebs.

While Twitter and Nostr are popular among Bitcoin enthusiasts, not everyone uses them actively. To cover your bases, consider having a personal website ready to share. It’s a versatile way to stay connected, ensuring you can continue the conversations and collaborations you started at the event.

Conclusion: The Checklist Overview

Bitcoin events are a fantastic way to deepen your engagement with the community, learn new things, and make lasting connections. To make the most of the time at the event, I use the following list for an actionable overview:

Have a Clear Reason to Go: Make sure you have a compelling reason for attending. Whether it's reconnecting with distant friends or seeking out smaller gatherings, having a clear purpose will make your experience more meaningful.
Craft an Elevator Pitch: Prepare a brief, engaging introduction about yourself. Highlight your unique interests and contributions within the Bitcoin community to spark curiosity and leave a lasting impression.
Bring Something to Share: Bring a personal touch to the event. Whether it’s an own talk, hardware or software to show off, shiny Bitcoin Stickers, small community projects like the cheat sheets, or free hugs – Sharing something small is a great conversation opener, leads to joyful moments and lasting impressions.
Be Recognizable: Stand out by showing off your distinctive style. Depending on your taste it can be a unique outfit or a shirt with a funny meme on it. Naturally more people will talk to you and recognize you at the next event.
Actively Approach People: Don’t wait for others to come to you. Be proactive in engaging with attendees, regardless of their status. Most people are open to genuine interactions, so step out of your comfort zone and start talking about your favorite topic.
Attend Side-Events: The real magic often happens outside the main event. Participate in satellite events and after-hour meetups to build deeper, more personal connections in a relaxed setting.
Make a Rough Plan: Have a general idea of what you want to achieve at the event. List people you want to talk to. This is your moment to meet them. Ideally you have a thoughtful question for them prepared or share helpful ideas with them. Stay flexible, but having a plan will help you make the most of your time.
Bring a Lightning Wallet with Sats: Load up a lightning wallet with some satoshis. This allows you to participate in the Bitcoin economy at the event, use the lighting beer tap, purchase signed books or discounted bitcoin gadgets, and gain hands-on experience.
Help Newbies: Take the time to assist newcomers. Helping someone set up a lightning wallet and sending them their first sats can ignite their interest in Bitcoin and leave a lasting impact.
Make It Easy to Stay in Touch: Ensure you have a preferred method of contact ready, whether it’s Nostr, X, or Telegram. Consider having a personal website to stay connected and continue the conversations post-event.

These steps help me to prepare effectively and make the most out of the Bitcoin Event. Make a short but lasting impression and have fun. The best thing you can bring is a good mood!

What’s your best tip when visiting a Bitcoin event? Let me know on X @stackingjones.