My title is Jenna Montgomery, and possibly you’ve learn a few of my news articles right here earlier than, or seen me on the Bitcoin Magazine TikTok. However right now, I needed to change it up and provide you with an inside take a look at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas by means of my eyes as an intern, employed only one month earlier than the convention, having little information about Bitcoin beforehand and by no means attending an occasion like this earlier than.
I’m penning this to present you an actual, uncooked reflection of what I skilled over the course of the three day occasion, and why I imagine it’s best to completely attend the following Bitcoin convention. I would like you all to know what goes down, what to anticipate, and to know the way impactful I believe this occasion actually is. Bitcoin 2025 made an enduring influence on me and my life, and it simply feels proper to let you know why, so yours can possibly be modified too.
I received off the airplane, threw my suitcase in my lodge room, and went to go and see the conference middle as all the finishing touches across the venue had been being added. I keep in mind considering how huge, lovely, and enjoyable the expo corridor was—and the place I’d quickly meet so many new folks, make so many pals, and shake fingers with those who I regarded as much as and admired.
I’ll always remember strolling in and seeing the principle convention stage, The Nakamoto Stage, for the primary time. Seeing that big room with a symphony and limitless rows of chairs, quickly to be full of hundreds of passionate Bitcoiners, actually put in perspective to me how Bitcoin 2025 wasn’t only a convention, it felt like one thing larger. I noticed it’s an precise group and a spot of numerous alternatives.
The convention is actually break up up into 3 days: Trade Day, Normal Admission Day 1, and Normal Admission Day 2. Trade Day was primarily tailor-made in direction of professionals, buyers, founders, and others centered on Bitcoin companies. The overall admission days had been tailor-made extra in direction of the informal Bitcoiner, and people had been the times that I actually felt the power simply exploding across the conference middle.
Strolling into the expo hall early within the morning on Trade Day, I used to be overwhelmed after I noticed all the distributors and corporations organising their tables, cubicles, phases, and even a mountaineering wall (thanks CleanSpark). It appeared as if the expo corridor went for miles and miles, and featured a protracted orange carpet that made an intricate path by means of the venue that led you to every sales space.
I keep in mind being in whole awe as I regarded up on the ceiling and noticed an enormous UFO in the course of the expo corridor, with two Bitcoin themed Cybertrucks simply off to the facet of it, with a number of different attention-grabbing cubicles together with one with a speaking robotic.
As I adopted the lengthy orange carpet across the venue, I regarded over my shoulder and noticed an enormous blow-up of a Bitcoin Puppet within the art exhibit, that includes all types of different cool Bitcoin artwork. A few of these items of artwork had been value nicely over one bitcoin—which was mindblowing to me contemplating that’s greater than $100,000. Each good revolution has good artwork, and seeing all of the proficient artists pouring their hearts into their work helped me imagine that Bitcoin is the long run.
Now, it was time to get to work at the place I’d spend nearly all of my time over the following few days. My coworkers and I had been stationed up proper in entrance of the Bitcoin Journal information desk subsequent to the AV (audio-visual) group, the place I had an ideal view of every part. Right here, I spent all day each day writing information articles for Bitcoin Journal based mostly on the speeches, keynotes, and different panels taking place on the Nakamoto stage, in addition to filming TikTok’s across the expo corridor with attendees.
Working in entrance of the information desk was one in all my favourite issues in regards to the convention. Everybody who spoke on it reside had an electrifying persona that stored me locked into each dialog, particularly one of many hosts Pete Rizzo. After each discuss on the Nakamoto Stage ended, the reside stream would pan over to the information desk the place they’d break down what occurred, offering viewers with skilled evaluation. This was one thing extraordinarily very enjoyable to look at reside and expertise the manufacturing of all of it first hand.
The talks on Trade Day kicked off to such an amazing begin with Dan Edwards from Steak ‘n Shake, who lately grew to become the primary main quick meals chain in America to start accepting Bitcoin Lightning funds. So I used to be very excited to listen to about Edwards’ speech and to go to Steak ‘n Shake’s unbelievable sales space, which additionally featured a bunch of enjoyable, dancing cows.
Whereas talking on stage, Edwards revealed that, “Bitcoin is quicker than bank cards, and when prospects select to pay in Bitcoin, we’re saving 50% in processing charges.” Simply take into consideration that for a second — saving a complete 50% on every transaction? This actually opened my eyes to the advantages of accepting Bitcoin as fee and why it may imply to retailers who undertake it.
Primarily based on every part I heard in that speech, I believe Steak ‘n Shake stands out as the first to start out a brand new development of different huge corporations accepting Bitcoin. In the event that they acknowledged the advantages of Bitcoin, it’s solely a matter of time earlier than different franchises do as nicely.
One other huge spotlight from this present day was listening to Senator Cynthia Lummis verify that President Donald Trump helps her Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act. There have been so many statements made in the course of the convention that I’ll get to afterward that time to the truth that the USA is pro-Bitcoin and we’re going to be the world chief in it. Senator Marsha Blackburn additionally added to this, stating, “Lots of our allies comply with what we do. If we lead, others will comply with. That is very important to our financial future.”
At this level within the day, I broke away to attend the Girls of Bitcoin Brunch. As a lady within the trade, I actually valued the chance to attend this occasion and encourage any lady within the house to attend sooner or later because it was the spotlight of the convention for me personally. I received to fulfill so many wonderful folks and was welcomed with open arms. So in the event you’re afraid to attend this occasion sooner or later, or don’t have anybody to go along with, don’t be! I walked into the brunch and it was virtually like all of those those who I didn’t know had been ready for me and had been comfortable that I used to be there.
In the course of the brunch, I received to mingle and discuss with so many enjoyable women on this lovely ballroom with orange and pink feathers and balloons all over the place, which was proper up my alley. Then all of us received seated as showgirls got here in and danced, and all of us carried on and laughed and had a tremendous time.
Lyn Ulbricht, Calli Bailey, Natalie Brunell, and Michaela Navarro, a 14-year-old Bitcoin advocate, shared her ideas on the influence of Bitcoin.
Lyn Ulbricht, mom of Silk Street founder Ross Ulbricht, introduced her new nonprofit “Moms Towards Merciless Sentencing” and gave a tremendous speech on her story and what she stood for. “A number of hundreds of individuals, lots of them nonviolent like Ross, are serving excessive sentences,” she mentioned. “We’re giving households a voice.” Her phrases drew a giant emotional response, and the Girls of Bitcoin Brunch grew to become one of the vital highly effective facet occasions of the day.
Calli Bailey, co-founder of BTC Inc., the dad or mum firm of Bitcoin Journal, delved into all the expansion that she’s seen on the firm over time and the way a lot the group meant to her. The brunch genuinely made me really feel so emotional—however in the easiest way. Bailey, particularly, has a approach together with her phrases that all the time makes me cry. I can inform that her son, David Bailey and Bitcoin are her entire world, and each phrase she speaks actually comes from the center. The power within the room was so highly effective. As I used to be surrounded by so many sturdy ladies who positively knew a complete lot about Bitcoin, I felt impressed leaving the brunch and feeling at residence.
As Trade Day continued, I watched and mirrored on every part that I had realized thus far that day. However this was solely the start.
Subsequent, Donald Trump Jr. took the stage with Chris Pavloski, the CEO of Rumble, and revealed that Trump Media Group (TMTG) and Fact Social are backing Bitcoin with a $2.5 billion treasury. Trump Jr. additional defined, “We’re severely on Bitcoin. This isn’t a part. That is foundational to the long run.” Chris Pavlovski agreed, stating, “The floodgates are opening. Bitcoin isn’t simply an concept anymore—it’s technique.”
Listening to folks of this caliber with tons of expertise helped me construct extra conviction in Bitcoin, as a result of if highly effective figures equivalent to Donald Trump Jr. are placing this kind of cash, time, and energy into Bitcoin, then possibly myself and others must be taking this severely too.
Bo Hines, White Home Govt Director, backed up this entire point as he spoke on the Nakamoto stage, saying, “We’re nicely on our option to turning into the Bitcoin superpower of the world. That is one thing that isn’t partisan. It is a revolution in our monetary system.” He ended his discuss strongly by saying, “Bitcoin is actually the golden customary. We would like as a lot as we are able to presumably get.”
Ending Trade Day on that word was an unbelievable begin to the convention and laid basis for the upcoming common admission days. I can’t state this sufficient, when you will have executives from the White Home taking the trip of their already loopy schedule to journey to this occasion and to inform everybody how essential Bitcoin is, realizing all they know, I really feel like others must also hearken to their message.
As Trade Day got here to an finish, I used to be able to relaxation up and collect all my power for the primary common admission day the next morning. As a result of the early chicken will get the worm—and the worm on Normal Admission Day One simply occurred to be JD Vance.
That Wednesday morning, I awakened at 4:00am as I walked from my lodge room all the way down to the expo corridor, already seeing the Secret Service strolling across the venue with attendees beginning to line as much as get in. That morning, I helped volunteer at registration and direct folks to the place they wanted to go, serving to ensure that every part ran as easily as potential for the 35,000+ incoming attendees. This was additionally a spotlight for me because it was attention-grabbing to see all the totally different folks from all types of various locations coming to this convention for Bitcoin.
Energy was buzzing throughout as everybody knew the Vice President was within the constructing. Because the time neared for Vance to take the Nakamoto stage, I eagerly sat in entrance of the reside information desk able to doc completely every part Vance was saying to make use of to publish a information article on.
Then JD Vance then took the stage and the group simply roared from the Nakamoto stage.
“It’s nice to be right here with Bitcoin at $108k and to be Vice President of the USA,” he mentioned. “This isn’t only a convention of individuals. It is a motion.”
Vance made it very clear that Bitcoin is in the way forward for the USA and even said that he’s the primary Vice President to ever maintain Bitcoin. He went on to say, “We’re achieved with ambiguity. We’re right here to construct a regulatory framework that lets Bitcoin thrive.”
He defined that Bitcoin is within the fingers of the American folks and that we deserve respect and help from our authorities with nobody attempting to tear us down. He gave such a robust speech, saying that we now have the ability to vary the sort of world we reside in and what we need to do with Bitcoin.
After Vance, the power within the expo corridor and Nakamoto Stage—I’m telling you—it was simply actually indescribable. There have been folks all over the place, there was music, there have been DJs, refreshments and meals being served, a number of laughter, thoughts blowing displays, and all kinds of totally different folks.
At the present time was additionally document breaking for Bitcoin as a result of on Normal Admission Day One, there was an try to interrupt the Guinness World Document for probably the most Bitcoin & funds in sooner or later. There was additionally the Bitcoin Journal retailer truck the place a number of merch was being offered, the place you had been capable of pay with bitcoin by way of the Lightning Community. All transactions accomplished there went in direction of the try!
Along with this, what was happening on the Nakamoto Stage was additionally nothing wanting unbelievable. Ryan Cohen, the CEO of GameStop, confirmed a huge treasury play, saying, “We at the moment personal 4,710 Bitcoin,” as he broke down the corporate’s reasoning for purchasing BTC as a reserve asset.
He went on to say that GameStop is following the GameStop technique—not anybody else’s—confirming that GameStop makes use of Bitcoin as a real plus and asset for itself, completely disregarding any sort of social norms.
Subsequent, Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York Metropolis, announced that he plans to create a BitBond, settle for Bitcoin funds for taxes, and can use blockchain for start certificates verifications. This was extraordinarily mind-blowing to me, as a result of this can be a big step into Bitcoin adoption—and I’m truthfully right here for it.
Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Mike Ho, and Matt Prusak spoke after. “Everyone desires Bitcoin. Everyone is shopping for Bitcoin,” Eric mentioned. Prusak added, “We’re stacking sats like loopy.”
Towards the top of the day, the objective of reaching the Guinness World Document was getting nearer and nearer—and at that time, I knew we had been going to make it.
Then, I keep in mind trying up on the display screen, and seeing that the document was damaged. Over 4,160 Bitcoin funds in 8 hours, making a big impact and proving the significance of how Bitcoin is cash—and the way Bitcoin can be utilized as cash.
I participated on this world document try myself and had a lot enjoyable paying in Bitcoin. It was extremely thrilling to have the ability to put a quantity on the board and contribute to breaking an official world document.
Throughout this time, I used to be additionally going round and doing TikTok interviews for Bitcoin Journal.
Attending to interview attendees and ask what their worth predictions had been across the expo corridor with all the brilliant lights, enjoyable props, and different cool stuff made an distinctive alternative for me to create a number of enjoyable content material. Between all these talking on the a number of phases throughout the venue, enjoyable music was blasting, assembly new pals, and working round doing TikTok interviews—this convention was proper up my alley. I knew that I used to be in the fitting place. I actually felt probably the most content material in that very second. It felt proper.
As I completed up filming, I ran again to the information desk to write down yet one more information article on somebody who modified the way in which that I take a look at finance and Bitcoin as a complete: Saifedean Ammous. Earlier than going to Las Vegas, I learn his e-book, The Bitcoin Commonplace, and that made an enduring impression on me. I actually needed to listen to what he needed to say, due to how deeply I’ve dug into his written phrases.
What stood out most was his projection that 1 USDT may quickly commerce above $1 USD as Bitcoin-backed reserves outpace greenback ones. That concept reframed Bitcoin as greater than only a hedge—it’s turning into the middle of a brand new monetary system. Ammous’s last forecast was that the USD period is ending, and Tether will finally be redeemable instantly in BTC. He ended virtually declaring a problem: to assume larger, and sooner.
The day had lastly ended, and the Guinness World Document was hit. I had absorbed a lot new information—I sort of felt like a brand new particular person. I left the convention that day greater than able to go for tomorrow, and felt very lucky. Greater than ever.
https://x.com/TheBitcoinConf/status/1927914310212407481
Normal Admission Day 2 additionally had an excellent lineup. And at this level within the convention, I had two days beneath my belt (I used to be clearly a professional by now). That morning I walked again into the convention so keen and excited for all that was to come back that day. The convention was booming proper when the doorways opened, and I used to be able to go.
That morning, Hester Peirce, SEC Commissioner, kicked it off with the honesty I really feel like all of us wanted. “We are able to’t ignore it,” she mentioned, discussing digital asset regulation. “Regulatory uncertainty lets unhealthy actors cover and pushes good actors out. That has to finish.”
Talking on the subject of memecoins she said, “Should you’re anticipating to purchase a memecoin and develop into a billionaire—purchaser beware. Be an grownup.” However on Bitcoin? “Folks deserve the flexibility to switch worth on their very own phrases,” she mentioned. “We have to shield that.”
Paolo Ardoino’s talk made my eyes large as he, the CEO of Tether, said the truth that Tether owns over 100,000 Bitcoin. Ardoino mentioned it’s “very sensible” that Tether may develop into the biggest Bitcoin miner on this planet by the top of the yr—even outpacing all the general public mining giants.
He even performed round with the concept sooner or later there might be an AI agent with a non-custodial pockets that may maintain Bitcoin and give you the results you want, reinforcing what I discussed earlier right now on the truth that Bitcoin actually is the long run—and there’s a lot happening behind the scenes that’s but to come back out.
Afterward, Lyn Alden gave a presentation on the U.S. financial system, and the way the brakes had been ripped out. She backed all of it up with exhausting information, displaying how the fiscal deficit has surged previous 7% of GDP even whereas unemployment stays low.
Her clarification that public debt overtook personal sector debt after 2008 marked the second the federal government stopped even pretending it may rein issues in.
When she mentioned, “Bitcoin is the mirror of this technique—and one of the best safety from it,” I felt that. It jogged my memory why I’m right here, why I care, and why opting into Bitcoin looks like opting out of one thing damaged.
At this level within the afternoon, I may really feel the momentum beginning to go up. As I sat behind the information desk, listening to the recap of Lyn Alden, the group on the principal stage began to choose up.
Jack Mallers, Strike and Twenty One Capital CEO, quickly took the stage and introduced his keynote speech, hitting on how he believed 1913 was the final good time to purchase eggs with {dollars}. Then he dropped the massive information: Strike is rolling out a Bitcoin-backed mortgage system with rates of interest between 9–13%. That’s big—particularly when he identified how ridiculous it’s that banks cost 20% on loans backed by Bitcoin.
The best way he broke it down, evaluating Bitcoin’s volatility to Tesla and Apple, made all of it click on for me. What different asset may presumably be higher than Bitcoin?
He ended his time on stage by saying, “Life is brief. Take the journey. However with Bitcoin, you simply get to take a greater one.” That’s the sort of mindset shift I got here to Bitcoin 2025 for.
At this level, the Nakamoto Stage space was overfilled with folks, pouring into the expo corridor. I knew what time it was. I began to get excited.
The one and solely, Michael Saylor, Technique CEO, was about to take the stage. This was my favourite presentation of all the convention. Michael Saylor can actually articulate his phrases nicely in a approach that makes it straightforward for therefore many, together with myself, to know Bitcoin; his ardour simply radiates from individual to individual.
I don’t learn about you, however listening to Michael Saylor dive deep into why he believes in humanity and the way Bitcoin can empower us to make higher selections in life simply makes me notice that not every part is as difficult as it could appear—and I’ve folks on my facet.
Michael Saylor introduced his 21 Ways to Wealth, the place he broke it down in easy phrases. The second Saylor took the stage, the group simply went insane. He had a shiny smile on his face as he said:
“This speech is for you. I’ve traveled the world and advised international locations, institutional buyers, and even the disembodied spirits of our kids’s kids why they want Bitcoin. That is for each particular person, each household, each small enterprise. It’s for everyone.”
As a pupil, and aspiring to be one of the best that I presumably could be, this speech meant quite a bit to me. Generally wealth isn’t about all the financial worth round you—you want help and love from your loved ones, as generally only one small little bit of help can imply every part.
His honesty and simplicity all through the speech makes such an amazing case for Bitcoin, which I imagine resonates with so many—together with myself.
In his tenth level, he said, “Simply because you are able to do a factor doesn’t imply it’s best to,” he warned. “Should you put money into Bitcoin, there’s a 90% probability it’s going to succeed over 5 years. Don’t confuse ambition with accomplishment. Provide you with a technique—and persist with it.”
The gang solely received louder and louder when the ultimate speaker of Bitcoin 2025, Ross Ulbricht, was quickly to take the stage.
Ross Ulbricht’s speech was emotional, highly effective, and truthfully left me with chills. Listening to him communicate after spending over a decade in jail was a reminder of what this motion is all about.
When he said, “We’re all on equal footing with Bitcoin.” Bitcoin doesn’t care who you might be, the place you reside, or what you’ve been by means of—it offers everybody the identical shot at sovereignty.
However the half that caught with me most was Ross speaking in regards to the help he acquired whereas he was locked away. “Once I was silenced, you spoke up,” he mentioned, and it jogged my memory that Bitcoin isn’t nearly numbers and charts—it’s about folks standing up for one another.
His name to remain united, even after we disagree, felt extra essential than ever in a world that may generally really feel divided. “People who oppose decentralization and freedom like it after we are divided,” he mentioned.
Ross’ story exhibits what’s at stake, and why we battle for a system that nobody can shut down or management. Bitcoin means freedom. Ross ended the convention with a way of affection and energy. His speech was so emotional, and I felt so honored to be there.
Quickly, everybody began to depart the conference middle, and all the cubicles had been being taken down. Actually, I couldn’t assist however stand and watch. All the issues that made me so comfortable, all the those who made this come to life, had been taking all of it aside.
I noticed the Cybertrucks, and decorations, and shows all disappearing as groups of individuals started working. It was at this second I knew that I used to be offered. Bitcoin 2025 pulled me in, and there was no approach I’d ever be pulled again out.
As I stood there, I additionally felt a way of peace. A way of satisfaction. I had completed all the issues I needed to perform. I wrote my information articles, filmed some enjoyable TikToks, and did my justifiable share of mingling. I felt, nicely, good.
So, the following day, I left Vegas. And I actually didn’t need to. I had felt like I used to be in an alternate universe, one which was unstoppable. As I sat on the airplane, I simply thought to myself, “I’ve gotta come again,” and that’s precisely what I plan to do. On the Bitcoin convention, you’ll meet folks which might be real, care about you, and look after the way forward for the world. You should have enjoyable, dancing, laughing, and even giving goodbye hugs saying, “Identical time subsequent yr?”
In case you are a pupil or intern like me, older, youthful, wealthy or poor, make it a objective and a actuality to attend The Bitcoin Conference. I promise, you received’t remorse it. Whether or not you realize about Bitcoin or not, it doesn’t matter. That’s what the convention is all about—to show you, to present you a style.
You’ll find your folks, and you can find the reality. The reality that Bitcoin is cash, and Bitcoin is the long run. You’ll get up, and also you’ll notice that the long run is close to—and Bitcoin is in it.
Come be a part of us for Bitcoin 2026 and expertise the occasion for your self.
