Side events started as casual, niche meet-ups for smaller protocol communities. These days, though, they’re where the real action happens: deals are struck, alliances formed, and people have in-depth discussions that often outshine the main conference itself. At events like ETHCC, the side event scene has exploded. ETHCC 2022 had about 15 side events, but ETHCC 2024 had over three hundred. This rapid growth means that in a crowded landscape, you can’t just throw another event on the calendar and hope for the best. No. You must offer something unique that stands out and attract people.
Burt the stakes are higher now. With costs going up and expectations getting higher, every event has to offer clear, measurable value. Granting people a space to mingle and network isnāt enough anymore; you need to create an experience that’s really memorable. That’s where strategic production and targeted curation come in. Organisers need to get creative, using innovative production techniques to grab the attention of an audience that’s spoilt for choice.
Current Trends Shaping the Scene
First off, there’s an evident shift towards invite-only events. Instead of open-door events, organisers are setting up intimate roundtables or private dinners for specific groups, like ZK devs, DAO governance leads, or NFT artists. And this exclusivity means that you can have deeper conversations and it makes sure the right people are in the room.
And then there are the in-depth workshops. It’s not just any old talks anymore; these days, side events are all about getting hands-on with coding labs, hackathons, and advanced governance modelling sessions, with limited spots to make sure everyone gets a chance to chat.
Another trend that’s getting more popular is token-gated entry. Instead of the usual RSVP system, some events now use NFT passes or POAPs to get in. This approach not only fits the event’s theme but also makes it more exclusive and secure.
Live minting sessions and interactive installations are also really popular. Picture being at an event where you can make your own unique memorabilia in real time or work together on a piece of digital art. These kinds of experiences are becoming the norm. And if that wasn’t enough, side events are now bringing the physical and digital realms together with metaverse crossovers. Platforms like Decentraland or Spatial let remote participants join in, making events truly global.
On-chain voting is yet another innovation. Attendees can now use DAO or token-based voting to help shape real-time panel topics or even decide on the speaker line-up. These measurable outcomesāsuch as follow-up collaborations, new funding deals, or on-chain data like dev commits and smart contract integrationsāare redefining how success is measured in the event space.
Pitfalls & Growing Pains
As fast and compelling as this growth is, it comes with its challenges. Oversaturation is a real concern. When there are too many side events, many risk low attendance simply because audiences are forced to choose between multiple sessions. For instance, at EthCC7, several events targeting “Women in Web3” were scheduled at the same time, meaning many could only attend one or two rather than the full slate they were interested in.
Then there’s the critical need for unique value. Without exceptional speakers or one-of-a-kind content, events are simply doomed. The landscape is far too competitive, so organisers must deliver exceptional, distinctive experiences to truly capture genuine interest. In such heated scenario, equally vital is the need to differentiateāorganisers must deliver exceptional, distinctive experiences that capture genuine interest and overcome the challenge of low turnout.
Regulatory and compliance issues can also trip up even the best organisers. Local rules around token promotions, airdrops, or on-site sales may catch you off guard if you’re not fully prepared.
And let’s not forget cost versus ROI. While Web3 loves a good party, exciting entertainment and lavish production can burn through budgets quickly if they don’t lead to concrete outcomes.
What’s Next for Side Events?
The future of side events is heavily steering otwards hyper-specialisation and immersive, individualised experiences. Expect to see more topic-specific summitsāside events exclusively for L2 devs, cross-chain bridging experts, or privacy-protocol enthusiasts. We’ll also see region-focused labs addressing local challenges, such as Latin America’s drive for financial inclusion or Africa’s mobile-first solutions.
Organisers need to strive for more immersive, bespoke experiences that go stretch beyond boring panels and networking sessions. The future is in live minting sessions, interactive installations, and tailored engagements that pull in attendees and set events apart in this buzzing blockchain landscape.
Extended engagement models will also become a staple. Pre-event “boot camps” where participants co-work, build MVPs, or run testnets, culminating in a final showcase, and post-event acceleration programmes or DAO-funded grants will become the norm. On top of that, community-led monetisation methods like DAO-funded hosting or NFT ticket revenue will create sustainable, profitable revenue streams.
Collaborative takeovers are on the horizon too. We can expect more brand partnerships where DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, and infrastructure providers co-host events, merging their user bases and driving multi-protocol collaborations. And with more cross-chain crossovers, previously siloed ecosystems like Ethereum, Polkadot, and Cosmos will come together for chain-agnostic events that redefine collaboration.
Conclusion: BUIDL With Us
Side events have evolved from mere add-ons to headline attractions at major conferences. The opportunity is here to create experiences that ignite the crypto space. Ready to break through the noise? Partner with Ch3āan international creative agency that transforms crypto community events into unforgettable experiences with killer creative strategy and world-class on-ground execution. Let’s build the future of crypto together. Get in touch and let’s BUIDL something extraordinary.