First Central European Bitcoin Expo of 2014, The Bitcoin Party Expo!

The Countdown is on to the First Central European Bitcoin Expo, happening in Vienna, Austria from May 31 – June 01 2014.

Bitcoin Expos are obviously extremely important for the growth and adoption of bitcoin on a larger scale. However, all work and no play makes Homer something something… To take care of the important play aspect, the organizers of CEBE 2014 have taken an alternative approach to the traditional Bitcoin Expo. CoinReport spoke to Andrej Sebesta, Primary Event Manager for CEBE 2014, to find out more.

Central European Countries involved in the 2014 expo include Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland. The event itself has been developed as an,

“opportunity to introduce the potential of Bitcoin and other crypto currencies to countries that are not really aware of its vast potential.”

Although there is already a strong bitcoin presence in Germany and Austria particularly, it is hoped that more Central Europe financial centres can become more involved and provide new opportunities to expand bitcoin business.

Of the CEBE 2014 event, Sebesta and the team plans to organize a weekend packed with fun activities as well as one providing valuable information to newcomers and existing enthusiasts alike. He said:

“The Central European Bitcoin Expo will not only be about knowledge but also about meeting new people and having a great time with them, during the conference or during our first Bitcoin Party. We are preparing town sight seeing also, so CEBE will be more holiday like than a conference.”

Out of the Ordinary: First Bitcoin Party

The desire for CEBE 2014 to be more than just an ordinary conference and more of a holiday is stressed by the inclusion of the first Bitcoin Party in the event line up. On the Night of 31 May 2014, ticket holders are invited to attend the Bitcoin Party at the Boiler and A/C Room of the Austria Center, a truly unique venue for a unique event. CEBE 2014 organizers have even promised

“you will find the next party you go to boring!”

With live DJs, drinks, excellent company and the venue itself to explore they may very well live up to this promise.

Back to the Nuts and Bolts of the Expo

CEBE 2014 is set to satisfy the curiosity of newcomers and provide valuable information to the more bitcoin-savvy alike. Several Exhibitors  will be presenting their products and the organizers are also preparing a free workshop. On the morning of Day 1,  between 9 am and 12 pm,  a free workshop, packed with information for newcomers in particular, will set them up with the bitcoin basics for the weekend ahead. Attendees will learn all they need to know about bitcoin wallets, payment processing and the ins and outs of bitcoin adoption.  Of the workshops Sebesta said:

“After the training they will be prepared for the real BTC life and they will be able to absorb a bigger scope of information.”

After all that training newcomers will likely want to test out bitcoin, and they will have ample opportunity to do so as all refreshments and some souvenirs can be bought with bitcoin. They say the best way to come to grips with bitcoin is to get your feet wet and buy and spend some bitcoin. The expo will hopefully give newcomers that opportunity.

As it is possible to purchase a ticket for one day only, it is hoped that those who return for Day 2 will be able to expand their understanding and knowledge, as the second day will be a little more focused towards existing bitcoin enthusiasts. Nevertheless, Day 2 promises to be just as interesting for newcomers and old hats alike, with more exciting presentations, exhibits and speakers to be seen throughout the day.

 Speak to us Oh Knowledgeable Ones

The list of speakers attending CEBE 2014 is already impressive, and still growing by the day. With so many influential and important voices to be heard over the weekend its hard to even choose one favourite to look forward to. I asked Sebesta and he was equally stumped, but when nudged to choose one he delivered, a little:

“Surely Mr. Richard Stallman will be very interesting for everyone but also Mr. Shrem and many others!”

Who can honestly choose with so many exciting speakers making an appearance.

Making the Ordinary Extra-ordinary: Getting People Involved.

Ticket sales are faring very well at the moment, with  Austria and Germany leading  the way in terms of interest (as expected), but with other countries getting involved too. Sebesta commented on the low price of the CEBE 2014 tickets, currently at one third the price of most other European and US conferences, saying it is so low

“in order to spread the knowledge about bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in the region, to be more close to ordinary people.”

While the organizers hope the event will be a sell-out, the tone set by Sebesta is one where quality over quantity is key, and admirable so.

“For me personally it is more important to have satisfied attendees and a very good atmosphere so they would love to attend every event”

With the aim of getting ordinary people involved and enjoying themselves and bitcoin, CEBE 2014 promises to be an event not to be missed.

Check out the CEBE website for more information and tickets.

Images via Cebexpo.net