Consensus 2024 Reflection

June 13, 2024

The Consensus 2024 conference hosted by @Coindesk offered many valuable learning opportunities for me in the DeFi space. During my stay at the @VaraNetwork Hacker House, I had the opportunity to learn from the Vara team- Adam and Luis about their impactful work. Furthermore, I met many like-minded students and found a broader technical community for the first time. Throughout the week, I spent most of my time listening to regulators and policymakers to further my understanding of the outsider’s perspective.

The insights I gained from the conference reinforced my belief that DeFi must cater to a new target audience—TradFi professionals. It was encouraging to see regulators beginning to appreciate the potential of tokenization and blockchain technology. This shift represents a critical inflection point, underscoring the need for the industry to bring more novel, user-friendly, solutions to the market. My favorite part of Consensus was experiencing the diverse perspectives and stages of crypto adoption on a global scale.

As a Duke University student, I am constantly inspired by our institution's dedication to fostering rigorous debate and pioneering innovations in DeFi. A prime example of this commitment is the Digital Assets at Duke (DA@D) conference, which I attended this past January. This event assembled industry leaders, regulatory experts, and researchers for two days filled with intensive discussions and educational opportunities. It promoted a culture of productive debate which has had a profound impact on my understanding of the industry.

I would like to thank Gear Foundation and the broader Vara community for their support during my time at Consensus 2024. Staying at Vara’s Hacker House provided an invaluable learning experience and the opportunity to connect with key figures in the industry. Their support made my participation in the conference both enriching and impactful.

@Coindesk, @VaraNetwork, @DukeBlockchain, @FuquaBlockchain

Author: Alexander Reed