The conference anchors Maryland Blockchain Week 2026, an initiative focused on supporting innovation and economic development with clear goals for career seekers and builders. Positioned as the Mid-Atlantic’s blockchain hub, the event is co-hosted by the Blockchain Legal Institute and the Maryland Blockchain Association. It convenes 30+ speakers drawn from policy, industry, and academia.
Its mission is direct: foster the economy by creating a talent pipeline in innovative tech. Organizers aim to upskill young people to become blockchain and AI practitioners while seeding Maryland’s growing digital asset economy, which the Association positions as a $10B+ opportunity.
The program brings together a broad ecosystem of researchers, founders, investors, developers, legal experts, and public officials in one environment where technical ideas can move from discussion to application. Confirmed speakers include US SEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce, leader of the SEC’s Crypto Task Force; Dr. W. Scott Stornetta and Stuart Haber, co-developers of the early blockchain; Dale Chrystie, blockchain strategist at FedEx; and Graham Dodge, VP at TEDCO. Maryland lawmakers, including US Senator Angela Alsobrooks, State Senator Dr. Ron Watson, and Delegates Adrian Boafo and Pam Queen, round out a roster that bridges global expertise and local momentum.
The week centers on six hours of daily interactive workshops for a deliberately broad audience: high school and college students, teachers, guidance counselors, lawyers, accountants, entrepreneurs, government workers, real estate and health care professionals, retirees, and workforce partners. Workshop tracks include AI & Crypto for Non-Profits; AI, AI Agents & Business; Cybersecurity; the Fintech Ecosystem; Government Blockchain Fundamentals; International Trade & Embassy Task Forces; Stablecoins; and Accounting & Tax Workshops. A hackathon, exhibits, and curated side events, including CryptoMondays and BitAngels, run alongside the main conference.
The program is deliberately built for the whole ecosystem, bringing every part of the digital asset economy into the same room. Attendees range from first-time learners to U.S. SEC commissioners – spanning students, teachers, lawyers, accountants, entrepreneurs, banks and credit unions, family offices, government workers, real estate and health care professionals, regulators, and workforce partners.
“This event exists because the future economy will be built by people who are prepared for it today,” said Jacqueline Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of the Maryland Blockchain Association. “Our goal is simple but ambitious: turn curiosity into careers. By bringing students, regulators, and industry leaders into the same room, we are building a talent pipeline that keeps Maryland competitive, opens real opportunities for career seekers and builders, and proves that responsible innovation and economic development go hand in hand. We want every participant to leave with a clearer path into the digital economy, not just a better understanding of it.”
The conference reflects a deliberate emphasis on workforce readiness and responsible adoption. By placing frontier technology in an academic setting and pairing it with continuing education credit for legal, real estate, and accounting professionals, the event aims to make blockchain, AI, and digital asset literacy accessible to a wider regional audience while strengthening the institutions that can help guide adoption.
To help attendees make the most of those five days, the event offers an official free networking app, Thrilld. Using AI-driven matchmaking, it connects founders, investors, developers, and legal tech experts based on shared goals, streamlining how attendees discover the agenda, match, and meet on-site and beyond.
Block chAIn Bootcamp 2026 is backed by the region’s institutions, having already attracted a broad network of sponsors, partners, and media platforms across blockchain, AI, finance, academia, government, and community development. The lineup includes the Digital Chamber, the Maryland Tech Council, Chainlink Labs, Hacken, Constellation Network, the Blockchain for Good Alliance, the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, Morgan State University, and the Virginia Blockchain Council, among others.
The summit will also feature two major announcements. The Association is launching a Global Petition to eliminate the statute of limitations for victims of digital asset crime. This reform initiative calls on legislative bodies worldwide to ensure that the passage of time no longer shields bad actors in the digital economy. In addition, a post-event E-Book will be produced and distributed, compiling information about all of the event’s speakers.
Block chAIn Bootcamp 2026 will take place from July 13 to July 17, 2026, at Capitol Technology University, Maryland. Tickets, speaker applications, sponsorship information, hackathon registration, and community updates are available through official channels, including the event website.
About Block chAIn Bootcamp 2026
Block chAIn Bootcamp 2026 is the first International BlockchAIn & Workforce Expo Conference, bringing together pioneers of blockchain, AI, and Web3 in Maryland, USA, from July 13 to 17, 2026.
Hosted by the Maryland Blockchain Association, the event connects students, institutions, researchers, regulators, builders, and investors to explore how emerging technologies intersect, turn ideas into real-world careers and experiments, and strengthen a talent pipeline rooted in Maryland’s growing digital asset economy.
Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | Contact
About the Maryland Blockchain Association
The Maryland Blockchain Association (MDBA) is a statewide nonprofit trade association advancing blockchain innovation in Maryland through advocacy, education, and community building.
]]>Building on the legacy of the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit and introducing a new, country-focused format, HIPTHER Baltics 2026 delivered three high-impact conferences designed around the most pressing regulatory, technological, and business developments shaping the Baltic and Nordic regions. The series focused on creating meaningful dialogue between regulators, operators, fintech leaders, technology innovators, legal experts, investors, and compliance professionals.
The 2026 edition featured:
- HIPTHER Baltics: Vilnius – iGaming Regulation & Fintech Integration
- HIPTHER Baltics: Riga – Cross-Border Compliance & Player Protection
- HIPTHER Baltics & Nordics: Tallinn – Digital Governance & Startup Innovation
Vilnius: Exploring Lithuania’s Regulatory Transformation
The series launched on 21 April in Vilnius, where discussions focused on Lithuania’s evolving regulatory landscape and the increasing convergence of fintech, payments, blockchain, and iGaming.
Industry leaders examined topics including MiCA implementation, AML requirements, digital assets, banking transformation, tokenisation, AI adoption in financial services, next-generation payments, and the growing role of compliance in sustainable business growth. The event marked the beginning of a new chapter for Baltic-focused industry conversations and set the tone for the months ahead.
Riga: Regulation, Risk and Growth in a Changing Market
On 11 May, HIPTHER Baltics arrived in Riga, bringing together experts from gaming, fintech, legal, compliance, and technology sectors for a day dedicated to practical business realities.
Key conversations addressed responsible gaming, player protection, AML implementation, fraud prevention, AI in supervision and taxation, payments innovation, cross-border licensing, data protection, affiliate marketing, and the transition from traditional SEO to AI-powered discoverability. The Riga edition highlighted how businesses can remain compliant while continuing to innovate and grow in increasingly regulated environments.
Tallinn: Digital Governance Meets Innovation
The series concluded on 2 June in Tallinn, one of Europe’s most digitally advanced capitals.
The event explored the intersection of digital governance, startup ecosystems, digital identity, compliance, investment, fintech innovation, and iGaming. Discussions ranged from eIDAS 2.0 and trusted digital onboarding to sustainable player acquisition, operational partnerships, AI-powered business growth, and the future of digital societies.
Tallinn also hosted the HIPTHER Baltic & Nordics Gaming Awards 2026, celebrating excellence across operators, suppliers, technology providers, and industry leaders from the Baltic and Nordic regions.
Beyond Conferences: Building a Regional Community
Throughout all three events, participants benefited from curated networking opportunities and practical learning sessions through the HIPTHER Academy, HIPTHER’s educational platform focused on delivering hands-on skills, professional development, and industry certifications.
The combination of boutique-format events, high-level content, and meaningful networking once again demonstrated why the Baltics continue to attract increasing attention as a hub for innovation, regulation, and cross-border collaboration.
Looking Ahead – HIPTHER Baltics 2027
Reflecting on the success of the series, Zoltan Tündik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER, commented:
“We are incredibly proud of what we achieved across the Baltics in 2026, but this is only the beginning. The success of the three-city series has provided us with valuable insights, feedback, and inspiration that we are already incorporating into the planning of HIPTHER Baltics 2027. The Baltics have a unique energy when it comes to business events, innovation, and networking, and we are excited to continue growing alongside this vibrant community. Our commitment remains the same: delivering meaningful conversations, practical learning opportunities, and exceptional networking experiences that bring together the region’s most influential stakeholders.”
After the successful completion of HIPTHER Baltics 2026 and the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from participants, the #hipthers team is already working on an exciting and enhanced next edition.
With the HIPTHER Warsaw Summit set to take place on 27–28 October 2026 and an ambitious roadmap for 2027–2030 already taking shape, HIPTHER continues its mission of connecting industries, markets, and ideas through premium learning, meaningful networking, and cross-border collaboration across Europe.
About HIPTHER
HIPTHER is a media hub and events organizer serving the Gaming and Technology industries, including Fintech, Blockchain, Crypto, AI, Cybersecurity, Compliance, and Digital Innovation. Through its conferences, media platforms, awards programs, and community initiatives, HIPTHER connects decision-makers, innovators, regulators, and business leaders across Europe and beyond.
]]>The framework under consideration would replace the country’s monopoly structure with an open licensing model, allowing an unlimited number of online gambling operators to enter the market. It is a clean break from the past and a clear sign that policymakers have paid close attention to what has – and has not – worked elsewhere.
Industry Leaders Weigh in on the Proposed Framework
The recent developments raise important questions around licensing, channelisation, player protection, enforcement, and long-term market sustainability. Two experts with extensive knowledge of Austria’s regulatory landscape, both of whom will be speaking at the iGaming DACH Summit later this year, shared their perspectives on the proposed framework and what it could mean for the future of the industry.
Gustav Trefil, Legal Expert, Federal Ministry of Finance (Austria)
Discussing the conditions required for a successful transition to a more competitive market, Gustav said:
“Should Austria decide to move towards a multi-licensing model for online gambling, the primary objective should be to strengthen player channelisation towards the regulated market rather than increase competition.
A well-designed licensing framework should provide access to attractive, safe, regulated gambling products while maintaining high standards of player protection. Effective regulation requires clear, enforceable obligations for licensed operators, including responsible gambling measures, player verification, anti-money laundering requirements and robust consumer safeguards.
Strong enforcement against unlicensed operators is also essential. The framework can achieve its objectives only if it reduces the appeal and accessibility of illegal offerings and directs players towards licensed alternatives with appropriate protections.
Ultimately, any future market model should be judged by its ability to deliver key public policy objectives: effective consumer protection, high channelisation into the legal market, market integrity, and the prevention of illegal gambling.”
Arthur Stadler, Founding Partner | Attorney at Law, STADLER PARTNER Rechtsanwälte
Addressing both the opportunities and practical considerations surrounding the proposed framework, Arthur commented:
“Austria’s shift from a state monopoly to a multi-licence iGaming framework is one of the most significant regulatory developments in Europe this year. For operators, it opens a long-closed market with real commercial potential. But, as always, success will depend on a well-structured licensing process, clear compliance requirements, and effective player protection measures. I will dig deeper into whether these foundations are truly on the table and what it will take for Austria to become an attractive model for sustainable market liberalisation.”
Continue the Conversation in Vienna
As one of Europe’s most closely watched regulatory developments progresses, stakeholders will be assessing the potential implications for market access, compliance, and competition. Find out what these developments could mean for operators and market-entry strategies at the iGaming DACH Summit 2026 this December.
Register now: https://www.eventus-international.com/igaming-dach
Sponsorship Enquiries
Lou-Mari Burnett, Chief Operating Officer, Eventus International
[email protected]
Contact:
Ashley Strydom
+27764911874
]]>PARIS, June 10, 2026 — Proof of Talk, held annually at the Palais du Louvre, has concluded its 2026 edition after three days that produced a landmark series of industry announcements, strategic partnerships, and research releases all delivered from a single stage in Paris.
The event convened 2,500 senior decision-makers across digital assets, traditional finance, AI, and regulation from June 2–3, 2026, and was preceded by a Day 0 prelude in Versailles. Coverage spanned Bloomberg, Fortune, Forbes, CoinDesk, CoinTelegraph, The Block, and Wall Street Bets, with the Louvre Palace serving as the global news desk for the digital assets industry for 48 hours.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS
Franklin Templeton and MoonPay announced a strategic partnership to make Franklin Templeton’s tokenized financial products more accessible and usable across the onchain financial ecosystem. The partnership was announced live from the Proof of Talk Main Stage by Franklin Templeton CEO Jenny Johnson, who subsequently appeared live on Bloomberg Crypto alongside Bitcoin pioneer Adam Back, broadcasting from inside the Palais du Louvre.
Citi unveiled its GPS Tokenization 2030 report — Wall Street On-Chain — publicly for the first time anywhere in the world from the Proof of Talk stage. The report places the current global market for tokenized digital investments at $17 billion, underscoring the scale of institutional opportunity ahead. Ronit Ghose, Global Head of Future of Finance at Citi, presented the report.
Euroclear confirmed that its Pythagore tokenization project, covering Europe’s €300 billion commercial paper market, is on track to go live in Q4 2026, one of the largest tokenization deployments ever announced publicly.
Zodia Custody CEO Julian Sawyer confirmed on stage that the sale of Zodia to a traditional finance entity represents a milestone for institutional-grade crypto custody entering mainstream finance. Manifold Labs CEO Robert Myers announced Targon Pro, the company’s flagship enterprise-grade compute hardware. Ampersend, announced the launch of real-time pre-settlement compliance screening powered by TRM Labs, the first enforcement infrastructure of its kind built for the agentic economy. Base MPC was shared on stage by Xen Baynham-Herd, Director of Growth at Base, marking a key step in scalable onchain infrastructure development. CertiK released its latest Skynet report from the conference floor, identifying stablecoins as a critical and growing financial infrastructure across global markets.
And many more, shared throughout more than 10 articles from CoinDesk, more than 20 announcements from Cointelegraph, the BeInCrypto 100 Institutional Awards 2026 ceremony and two full days of livestreaming from TheBlock and WallStreetBets. Peak has been the Bloomberg Crypto broadcast live from the Palais du Louvre featuring Jenny Johnson and Adam Back.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
The 2026 edition featured three days of programming across the Main Stage, Bittensor Track, Masterclass Stage, B2B Networking Lounge, Lunches & Dinners, the Media Lounge, as well as the StableDay on Day 2.
On Main Stage, Proof of Talk 2026 brought together the global leading voices in tokenized finance, investments AI – from Jenny Johnson and Adam Back to Stani Kulechov, Tom Lee, Caroline D. Pham, Ken Moore, Ronit Ghose, Jorgen Ouaknine, Jody Mettler, Emma Landriault, and more – across two days of unfiltered, C-suite-only programming.
The event also hosted the two co-founders of Bittensor, Ala Shaabana and Jacob Steeves, who brought the decentralised AI thesis to the centre of the institutional conversation for the second time.
The 2026 Stablecoin Roundtable, convened 50 senior figures, including representatives from Aave, the Bank of England, Blackrock, Paxos, and Robinhood, to address the liquidity and interoperability of Stablecoins.
Proof of Pitch, with the Bittensor live crowdfunding competition by Bitstarter and General and Canton Track powered by Spectrum Nodes, named ReplyCorp (Jordan Feinstein) and Parthenon (Lindsey Girkin) as its 2026 winners.
ABOUT OUR PARTNERS
Proof of Talk 2026 would not have been possible without the support of its partners, whose commitment made every moment of this edition possible. Special thanks to Hecto, Taostats, NowPayments, Edge & Node, Spectrum, XBTO and CertiK.
Hecto is building new market infrastructure for the pre-IPO economy. Hosted on Canton, it offers on-chain pre-IPO exposure via prediction markets, tradable tokens and institutional vaults.
Taostats is the leading analytics, intelligence, and transparency platform for the Bittensor ecosystem, providing real-time network data, subnet insights, validator and miner analytics..
NOWPayments is a global crypto payments ecosystem enabling businesses to accept crypto payments and send scalable payouts in 350+ cryptocurrencies and 30+ stablecoins, including Zero-Fee Ecosystem Payouts via ChangeNOW Pro wallets.
Edge & Node is the original team behind The Graph, building verifiable data infrastructure for enterprises and AI agents.
Spectrum Nodes is an enterprise-grade blockchain infrastructure provider delivering high-performance RPC services across 200+ networks, processing over 700 million daily requests.
CertiK is the largest Web3 security service provider, offering a wide range of products and services spanning the entire lifecycle of project development.
XBTO helps clients capture opportunities in the age of digital assets, from asset management to capital markets.
ABOUT PROOF OF TALK
Proof of Talk is held annually at the Louvre Palace in Paris and convenes C-Levels and senior leaders across digital assets, finance, policy, and media. The event operates without pay-to-speak arrangements and emphasizes a journalist-led agenda focused on substantive institutional discussions, market structure, and emerging financial infrastructure.
Get Priority Access for Proof of Talk 2027 https://proofoftalk.io/invite-2026/
For Media, Partnerships and Sponsorship inquiries contact: [email protected]
]]>
Seoul, Korea –STK 2026(Smart Tech Korea 2026), Korea’s largest technology business platform, successfully concluded its three-day run at COEX in Seoul from 10–12 June 2026.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, STK 2026 was held under the theme “The Tech Nexus”, highlighting the convergence of emerging technologies and industries. The event brought together 620 companies from 16 countries, occupying 1,800 booths across the entire COEX exhibition venue and reaffirming its position as one of Asia’s leading technology business exhibitions.
The exhibition featured seven specialised technology shows under one roof, including AI & Big Data Show, Smart Tech Show, Secu Tech Show, Robot Tech Show, Retail & Logis Tech Show, AI+Smart Factory Show, and Korea Metaverse Festival. By connecting diverse technology sectors across the full industrial value chain, STK 2026 provided a comprehensive platform for innovation, collaboration, and business growth.
This year’s event showcased a wide range of cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of industry and society. Global technology leaders including Dell Technologies, NVIDIA, Microsoft, ElevenLabs, and Similarweb presented the latest developments in artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, and enterprise solutions. Korean technology innovators such as Samsung SDS, Persona AI, BI Matrix, and Obzen also demonstrated advanced AI applications and industry-specific use cases.
Robotics emerged as one of the strongest themes throughout the exhibition. Leading international robotics companies including AGIBOT, GALBOT, Paxini, and EngineAI showcased the latest advancements in humanoid robotics and Physical AI, while Korean robotics innovators such as UND, Mobilio, T-Robotics, and TXR Robotics introduced next-generation automation technologies designed to transform industrial productivity.
The event also highlighted emerging opportunities in quantum computing, cybersecurity, digital healthcare, and XR technologies, reflecting the growing convergence of advanced technologies across multiple industries.
One of the key highlights of STK 2026 was the participation of Quebec, Canada, as the event’s Nation of Honor. Through the special programme “Quebec Innovation Spotlight – AI, Robotics & Beyond,” Quebec introduced its world-class AI and deep-tech ecosystem and facilitated new opportunities for international collaboration between Korean and Canadian technology stakeholders.
Alongside the exhibition, the global tech conference TechCon 2026 welcomed global technology experts and thought leaders to discuss the future of artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum technologies. Distinguished keynote speakers included Yoshua Bengio, Founder of Mila and Professor at Université de Montréal; Rémi Quirion, Chief Scientist of Quebec; and Sarath Chandar, Associate Professor at Polytechnique Montréal. Their presentations provided valuable insights into the rapidly evolving technology landscape and future innovation strategies.
Throughout the three-day event, STK 2026 served as an active business platform connecting technology providers, buyers, investors, researchers, and policymakers. Numerous business meetings, networking programmes, and technology demonstrations were conducted on-site, fostering meaningful partnerships and collaboration opportunities across industries and borders.
An official from the STK Organising Committee commented:
“As technological innovation accelerates, the ability to connect technologies, industries, and people has become more important than ever. STK 2026 demonstrated the power of convergence by bringing together global technology leaders and emerging innovators on a single platform. We look forward to continuing to support international collaboration and business growth within the global technology ecosystem.”
Following the successful conclusion of this year’s event, preparations are already underway for STK 2027, which will be held from 2–4 June 2027 at COEX, Seoul, with an expanded programme designed to further strengthen global technology exchange and business opportunities.
About STK(Smart Tech Korea)
STK(Smart Tech Korea) is Korea’s largest future technology exhibition and business platform, covering artificial intelligence, robotics, smart manufacturing, digital logistics, cybersecurity, digital healthcare, quantum technology, XR, and other next-generation industries. By fostering technology convergence, industry collaboration, and international partnerships, STK serves as a key hub connecting the future innovation ecosystem.
Contact
TechCon Organizing Committee
T. +82-2-6000-6678
]]>Between 23–25 September 2026 the Blockchain Week Bulgaria 2026 will bring together technology leaders, financial institutions, policymakers, researchers, and infrastructure providers at Sofia Tech Park. Designed as a European platform for dialogue and collaboration, the week will explore the future of digital finance, tokenisation, artificial intelligence infrastructure, cybersecurity, distributed systems, and digital sovereignty.
The programme combines two major conferences: ETHSofia, focused on blockchain technology, infrastructure, and research, and F3 – Future Finance Forum, dedicated to the transformation of financial systems and capital markets. Together, they reflect the connection between next-generation digital infrastructure, AI, and institutional finance.
ETHSofia serves as the technical and infrastructure pillar of Blockchain Week Bulgaria, bringing together engineers, researchers, protocol architects, developers, and technology leaders working on the foundations of next-generation digital systems. The conference focuses on distributed computing, blockchain infrastructure, cybersecurity, privacy-preserving technologies, AI infrastructure, and scalable network architectures. Discussions will explore how secure and resilient systems are being designed and deployed across both public and enterprise environments, with an emphasis on research, engineering excellence, and real-world implementation.
F3 – Future Finance Forum will address the institutional adoption of digital technologies across banking, payments, capital markets, and public-sector infrastructure. Key topics include tokenisation, digital assets, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), settlement infrastructure, regulatory developments, fintech innovation, and the role of AI in financial systems. The event will attract banks, financial institutions, policymakers, fintech executives, infrastructure providers, and institutional investors from across Europe.
Blockchain Week Bulgaria 2026 is supported by a growing network of industry and ecosystem partners such as Platinum Sponsor UEB3; Silver Sponsor Pashov Audit Group; Bronze Sponsors UNRAMP and BITOMAT; and Hosting and Infrastructure Provider BRAIN++.
A key collaborator of the event is BRAIN++, the Bulgarian AI Factory and part of the EuroHPC network of AI factories. Powered by Discoverer+ and soon upgraded to Discoverer++, BRAIN++ provides the fintech sector with on-demand access to sovereign and open-weight frontier AI models, combined with secure, in-country data infrastructure.
Strategic ecosystem partners include the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) and the Financial Supervision Commission, reflecting the event’s commitment to connecting technology, finance, academia, and public institutions.
Participants and invited organisations across Blockchain Week Bulgaria include representatives from the Digital Euro Association, Sygnum Bank, Crédit Agricole, Chainlink Labs, ChainSecurity, the Aave Chain Initiative, and a broad range of European institutional and infrastructure stakeholders.
“Europe is entering a new phase of digital transformation where AI, financial infrastructure, and distributed technologies are increasingly interconnected,” said the Blockchain Week Bulgaria organising team. “Our goal is to create a platform where technical experts, institutions, and policymakers can engage in meaningful discussions about the systems that will shape the next decade.”
Taking place at Sofia Tech Park, Blockchain Week Bulgaria 2026 highlights Sofia’s growing role in Europe’s digital infrastructure landscape and provides a platform for conversations that extend beyond technology into policy, regulation, finance, and economic competitiveness.
Additional speakers, partners, and side events will be announced in the coming months as Blockchain Week Bulgaria 2026 continues to expand its programme and international participation.
For event information and registration, visit www.blockchainweek.bg.
Tickets are available with 20% off across all ticket categories using the promo code KD20.
Media inquiries, accreditation requests, and partnership opportunities can be directed to [email protected].
]]>TORONTO, ON – Blockchain Futurist Conference returns July 21–22, 2026, with a focus on the future of finance. From digital assets and stablecoins to tokenization and artificial intelligence, the event explores the technologies reshaping financial systems in Canada and around the world.
Blockchain Futurist Conference is a showcase of digital asset innovation designed to foster networking and business development. Its famous outdoor VIP Cabana area features more than 50 private cabanas hosted by institutions, investors and policymakers driving digital asset adoption in Canada and globally.
Featured discussions will explore the most important issues shaping the future of finance, including digital asset regulation, institutional adoption, compliance, stablecoins, and tokenization.
Sessions include Parliament, Policy & Regulation: Canada’s Digital Asset Future featuring leaders from the Canadian Web3 Council, Shakepay, the Canadian Securities Exchange, Parliament, and the legal sector; Institutional Adoption: What’s Next for Digital Assets? featuring speakers from Bloomberg, Messari, JPMorgan, Mastercard, and zkSync; and Digital Assets & Compliance: The New Competitive Advantage featuring experts in compliance, regulation, and risk management.
A top sponsor this year is AiraPay, a company building next-generation payment infrastructure that bridges traditional banking, global payments, and digital assets. AiraPay will be featured on stage and in the expo hall, showcasing how modern financial infrastructure is enabling faster, more efficient global money movement.
“We’re seeing growing demand for infrastructure that connects traditional banking rails with digital asset and stablecoin networks. At AiraPay, we’re building the technology that helps businesses move money globally with greater speed, flexibility, and efficiency as finance becomes increasingly interconnected.”
Featured programming includes House of Intelligence: Where Institutions Meet Web3, a forum dedicated to exploring the intersection of finance, artificial intelligence, privacy-preserving technologies, and digital assets. The event is organized by House of Intelligence and co-hosted by House of ZK.
Global participation will be highlighted through Invest Hong Kong‘s workshop, The Global Hub for Digital Assets, exploring Hong Kong’s role as a leading destination for digital asset innovation, investment, and regulatory development.
The evolution of digital money will also be a key topic throughout the event. Stablecorp joins as the official Stablecoin Sponsor, showcasing the growing role stablecoins are playing within modern financial systems and digital asset markets.
Roundtable will be onsite conducting interviews in the backstage VIP Speaker Lounge with industry leaders from across the digital asset ecosystem. Through live conversations and media coverage, the platform will help spotlight the trends, companies, and innovators shaping the future of finance.
Additional discussions will explore topics including real-world asset tokenization, digital identity, decentralized finance, artificial intelligence, and the growing role of institutional capital within the Web3 ecosystem.
“Finance is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history,” said Tracy Leparulo, Founder of Blockchain Futurist Conference. “We’re seeing digital assets move from niche technology into real-world financial infrastructure. It’s exciting to bring together the people building it and the people adopting it.”
Blockchain Futurist Conference take place July 21–22, 2026, bringing together thousands of attendees from across the technology, finance, and digital asset industries.
To learn more, visit FuturistConference.com.
About Blockchain Futurist Conference
Blockchain Futurist Conference is Canada’s largest Web3 and AI event. Since 2018, the conference has brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, developers, and industry leaders to explore the technologies shaping the future. Known for its immersive experiences, Futurist transforms an entertainment complex into a living showcase of Web3, AI, digital assets, and emerging technology.
Contact:
Laura Leparulo
]]>The summit will begin with an exclusive networking evening in Notting Hill, London, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with industry peers in a relaxed setting before the conference. On Day Two, delegates will gather at the prestigious Hilton London Kensington for a full day of discussions exploring the latest regulatory developments, operational challenges and opportunities shaping the industry.
Latest Developments in the UK Gambling Landscape
The UK gambling industry continues to navigate a period of significant regulatory change, including the increase in Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40%, the introduction of frictionless financial risk checks, online slot stake limits and stricter promotional requirements. As operators adapt to these changes, compliance, sustainability and responsible growth remain at the forefront of industry discussions.
With the industry navigating one of its most significant periods of regulatory change in recent years, London iGaming RegCom 2026 provides an important forum for industry stakeholders to discuss the challenges, opportunities and developments shaping the future of gaming.
Ahead of the summit, speakers reflected on some of the most pressing topics facing the industry today.
Barry Orr, Chief Marketing Officer, Solas Compliance
Barry will join the discussion on Compliance vs Growth: Can Marketing, Product and Regulation Truly Co-Exist?. When asked how organisations can balance commercial objectives with compliance requirements, Barry commented:
“I think the mistake many organisations make is treating growth and compliance as competing objectives. In reality, the most successful businesses understand that they’re interconnected.”
Sharing his thoughts on whether compliance is still viewed as a barrier to growth, he noted:
“Thanks to AI, we are in a transition period. The ‘How do we get this past compliance?’ question is flipped to asking, ‘How do we build compliance into the process so we can move faster with confidence?’”
Commenting on the importance of industry collaboration, Barry added:
“Events like London iGaming RegCom are valuable because they bring together every part of the ecosystem to discuss the same challenges from different perspectives, creating opportunities to learn, collaborate and shape best practice. The quality of the conversations, insights and connections makes it a must-attend event.”
Christina Thakor-Rankin, Principal Consultant, 1710 Gaming
Christina, participating in the discussion on Prediction Markets & New Betting Models: Regulatory Blind Spots or the Next Big Disruption?, commented:
“Prediction markets are a clever way of exploring a regulatory silence or gap, much like daily fantasy sports did.”
Discussing the relationship between innovation and regulation, she noted:
“There will always be a perceived crossed line due to innovation and tech moving faster than laws and regulations.”
Reflecting on the value of industry events such as London iGaming RegCom, Christina added:
“The way events are these days (multiple tracks and bigger expo floors), it’s almost impossible to have deep, focused discussions about key topics. Boutique-style events like this offer a dedicated space and time to do this.”
Margarita Cruz, Director & Founder, Diamond28 Consulting Limited
Margarita will contribute to the discussion on Responsible Gaming: Balancing Player Protection, Product Design and Commercial Performance. Sharing her perspective on the relationship between responsible gaming and business success, Margarita commented:
“Responsible gaming and commercial performance should go hand in hand. Operators that invest in player protection, early intervention, and data-driven engagement build greater trust, stronger retention, and a more sustainable business for the long term.”
Discussing the role of product design in supporting safer gambling outcomes, she noted:
“Product design is central to safer gambling. By combining transparency, player controls, and AI-driven insights, operators can create engaging experiences while encouraging responsible play.”
Reflecting on the importance of industry collaboration and dialogue, Margarita added:
“London iGaming RegCom provides a valuable platform for industry leaders to exchange insights, discuss regulatory developments, and collaborate on the future of responsible and sustainable gaming.”
Mark Potter, Founder, Mark Potter Consulting Ltd
Mark will join the discussion on Responsible Gaming: Balancing Player Protection, Product Design and Commercial Performance. Sharing his perspective on the evolving responsible gaming landscape, Mark commented:
“Operators are under more scrutiny than ever, with social responsibility, AML, and financial risk all serving as key metrics within compliance. Alongside safer gambling messaging, I also feel that 2 other vital components of creating a sustainable consumer base, which often get overlooked, are financial and betting literacy.”
Discussing the role technology can play in supporting safer gambling outcomes, he noted:
“The tech that would best complement the profiling, in my opinion, is a consumer-focused solution that puts the emphasis on early education and prevention, allowing bettors to better understand and get a feel for their own usage and behaviours. If we can combine behavioural profiling from operators with consumer-focused solutions to promote responsible play, we can create a truly sustainable betting industry.”
Highlighting the importance of industry collaboration and dialogue, Mark added:
“With regulatory sanctions, campaigning, taxation increases and remaining questions around a new white paper and statutory levy, there needs to be more coming together and sensible dialogue from all stakeholders to find a positive way forward for the industry. Events like this, and bringing people together, can only help with this.”
These insights highlight the importance of collaboration, innovation and balanced regulation as the industry continues to evolve. Such conversations, and many more, will take centre stage at London iGaming RegCom as stakeholders come together to address the opportunities shaping the future of gaming.
Be Part of the Conversation
With only three weeks to go, now is the ideal time to secure a seat. Join industry leaders and decision-makers for two days of productive networking, practical discussions and the opportunity to build lasting industry connections.
Register today: https://www.eventus-international.com/london-regcom
Sponsorship enquiries:
Lou-Mari Burnett, Chief Operating Officer, Eventus International
Ashley Strydom | [email protected] | +27 76 491 1874
]]>SPARK unifies the SEE region – it’s where strategy, technology, and growth collide to shape what’s next.
What to expect:
Day 1 & Day 2 will deliver a packed agenda across keynote sessions, panels, fireside chats, and networking opportunities designed to maximise connection and insight.
Day 1 Highlights
- An opening address by Kristof Szucs (Kyborg.ai) charting the future of gaming in Southeast Europe across product evolution, regulation, and affiliate ecosystems.
- Operational Revenue Engines: Fireside chats exploring Live Ops and dynamic player experiences.
- The Digital-Retail Evolution: High-level panel discussions mapping the modernisation of the land-based gaming floor.
- Frictionless Conversion & Compliance: Practical sessions rewriting the playbook on payments
Day 2 Highlights: Scaling with Confidence
- The AI Search Revolution: A forward-looking keynote by Nicolas Monti-Potsolakis from Black Lantern Marketing on transitioning from traditional SEO to AIEO (AI Engine Optimisation) – ensuring brands become the direct answers in AI-driven search models.
- The Affiliate Power Shift: A deep-dive panel tracking the evolution of traffic brokers into core strategic partners.
- Modern iGaming Operations: Practical strategy sessions on turning operational frameworks into immediate revenue.
- Proactive Compliance & Growth: A legal-first evaluation of proactive compliance as a competitive advantage.
Meet Expert Speakers
The event brings together a curated audience of decision-makers and industry leaders, including:
- Andrei Frimescu – PR & Marketing Director, Game World Romania (Members of ROMSLOT – The Association of Slot Operators in Romania)
- Antony Jordan – Head of Payments & KYC, ODDSET Sportwetten GmbH
- Kristof Szucs – Co-Founder & Principal, Kyborg.ai
- Robert Brassai – Principal Consultant, Sense4Gaming
- Robert Stoica – Chief Operating Officer, Winbet
- Tasos Vasios – Co-Founder & Head of Compliance, KIVON
AND MANY MORE!
Expected Attendees
SPARK attracts senior executives, innovators and key decision-makers, offering a unique platform for collaboration and industry engagement, including:
- C-level executives and founders
- Heads of product, growth, and strategy
- Payments, fintech, and gaming operators
- Regulators and policy stakeholders
- Marketing, affiliate, and acquisition leaders
- Investors and ecosystem partners
This is a closed, high-value environment built for meaningful conversations and real business outcomes.
Don’t miss out – registrations are open
With just one month to go, prospective attendees are encouraged to secure their seats today and join industry peers, experts and decision-makers for a dynamic programme of discussions, networking and industry insights.
Register Now: https://www.eventus-international.com/spark
Sponsorship enquiries:
Lou-Mari Burnett, Chief Operating Officer, Eventus International
Ashley Strydom | [email protected] | +27764912874
]]>MELBOURNE, Australia – 28 May 2026 – Data Center World Australia and The AI Summit Australia today unveiled a keynote speaker line-up set to address the co-located conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 7-9 September 2026. Featuring distinguished representatives from the Australian Department of Defence, Mercedes-Benz, DHL, Amazon Web Services and more, the programme will open with an introductory keynote address from The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, Victorian State Government.
“Bringing this calibre of global talent to Melbourne for the inaugural event creates a rare opportunity for attendees of Data Center World Australia and The AI Summit Australia to learn from, connect with and challenge the leaders driving one of the most significant technology shifts happening anywhere in the world today,” said Frankie Brewer, General Manager and Event Director, Informa Australia. “These will not be theoretical conversations about the future of AI and digital infrastructure — these are the executives, engineers and policymakers building it in real time.”
Data Center World Australia Speakers
The Data Center World Australia conference speakers will share real-world insights on topics including sustainable expansion, modular construction, power and grid resilience, quantum computing, and the growing demand for sovereign and connected digital infrastructure. An expansive speaker lineup will explore how Australia can remain globally competitive as AI accelerates investment, energy demand and large-scale data centre development. Speakers include:
● Cameron Evans, Director, Data Centre Planning and Delivery, APAC, Amazon Web Services
● Belinda Dennett, Chief Executive Officer, Data Centres Australia
● Ben Boudreau, Chief Technology Officer, Zerra DC
● Kieran Habojan, Head of Sales APAC, SharonAI
● Joao Almeida, GM and Director of Global Business, XENON Systems ● Dino Georgiou, Executive, Customer Success, Telstra
● Alex Moffatt, Sr. Director Acquisitions APAC, BDX
● John Burgess, Head of Microsoft Datacentre Academy, Victoria University
● Craig Scroggie, CEO and MD, NEXTDC
● David Dzienciol, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer/Executive VP Technology, NEXTDC
The AI Summit Australia Speakers
The AI Summit Australia features distinguished addresses on digital transformation alongside comprehensive presentations from senior representatives of the Australian Department of Defence, the Australian Taxation Office, and leading technology enterprises. The carefully curated programme addresses critical AI deployment concerns including infrastructure requirements, cybersecurity protocols, ethical governance frameworks, and practical implementation guidance for organisations seeking to harness artificial intelligence capabilities responsibly within the Australian business landscape. Speakers include:
● Andrew Watson, Deputy Commissioner and Chief Data Officer, Australian Taxation Office
● Professor Tanya Monro, Chief Defence Scientist, Defence, Science and Technology Group, Australian Department of Defence
● Anu Karunakilaka, Chief Technology Officer, Intrepid Travel
● Ben Morley-John, GM, Digital and Data, Anglicare
● Milind, Principal AI Scientist, Mercedes-Benz
● Nicole Livingstone, CEO, Victorian Institute of Sport
● Elicia McDonald, CEO & General Partner, AirTree
● Pretit Mishra, Domain Director, DHL
● Jayne Howley, AI Strategy and Assurance Lead, Dept. of Government Services, Victoria
● Himanshi Juneja, Head of Data and Analytics, CBRE
The two events address the unique position Australia is in to tackle the Asia-Pacific market’s region-specific opportunities and challenges, from regulatory compliance to scaling AI and digital infrastructure responsibly.
Registration is now open at Data Center World Australia and The AI Summit Australia. Each event features dedicated sessions and conference tracks, complemented by shared keynote presentations and access to a combined exhibition floor. An optional pass upgrade provides full access to the conference tracks of both events.
For speaker submissions and partner inquiries, please contact Laura Horwell. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact David Espitia. Interested press and analysts may register here to attend.
ABOUT DATA CENTER WORLD AND THE AI SUMMIT SERIES
Data Center World and The AI Summit Series are leading global event platforms bringing together innovators, technologists and infrastructure leaders shaping the future of digital transformation.
Data Center World serves data center facilities and IT infrastructure professionals through expert-led education, technology showcases and strategic insights focused on building and operating the next generation of digital infrastructure.
If you’re building, buying or backing AI, The AI Summit Series is where ideas become outcomes. We cut through the buzzwords to spotlight real use cases, live demos and candid playbooks that help you deploy faster, govern smarter and prove ROI with confidence. No hype, just AI that transforms business.
Together, the events connect the rapidly converging worlds of AI and digital infrastructure, bringing the global ecosystem together to explore how intelligent technologies are built, deployed and scaled.
Learn more about the Australia edition at www.datacenterworldaustralia.com/ and www.australia.theaisummit.com/.
Contact:
Anthony Anemogiannis
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