My title is Jenna Montgomery, and possibly you’ve learn a few of my information articles right here earlier than, or seen me on the Bitcoin Journal TikTok. However at the moment, I needed to modify it up and offer you an inside take a look at the Bitcoin 2025 Convention in Las Vegas by means of my eyes as an intern, employed only one month earlier than the convention, having little data about Bitcoin beforehand and by no means attending an occasion like this earlier than.
I’m scripting this to offer you an actual, uncooked reflection of what I skilled over the course of the three day occasion, and why I consider it’s best to completely attend the following Bitcoin convention. I need you all to know what goes down, what to anticipate, and to understand how impactful I believe this occasion actually is. Bitcoin 2025 made a long-lasting impression on me and my life, and it simply feels proper to inform you why, so yours can possibly be modified too.
I received off the airplane, threw my suitcase in my resort room, and went to go and see the conference middle as the entire ending touches across the venue had been being added. I keep in mind pondering how large, lovely, and enjoyable the expo corridor was—and the place I’d quickly meet so many new folks, make so many mates, and shake palms with those who I regarded as much as and admired.
I’ll always remember strolling in and seeing the primary convention stage, The Nakamoto Stage, for the primary time. Seeing that big room with a symphony and limitless rows of chairs, quickly to be crammed with 1000’s of passionate Bitcoiners, actually put in perspective to me how Bitcoin 2025 wasn’t only a convention, it felt like one thing larger. I spotted it’s an precise neighborhood 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 the direction of professionals, buyers, founders, and others centered on Bitcoin companies. The final admission days had been tailor-made extra in the direction of the informal Bitcoiner, and people had been the times that I actually felt the vitality simply exploding across the conference middle.
INDUSTRY DAY
Strolling into the expo corridor early within the morning on Trade Day, I used to be overwhelmed once I noticed the entire distributors and firms organising their tables, cubicles, levels, 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 complete 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 plenty 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 artwork exhibit, that includes all types of different cool Bitcoin artwork. A few of these items of artwork had been price effectively 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 gifted artists pouring their hearts into their work helped me consider 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) staff, the place I had an ideal view of every little thing. Right here, I spent all day every single day writing information articles for Bitcoin Journal primarily based on the speeches, keynotes, and different panels occurring 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 among my favourite issues concerning the convention. Everybody who spoke on it reside had an electrifying persona that saved 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 might break down what occurred, offering viewers with professional 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 not too long ago 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 gaggle 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 an entire 50% on every transaction? This actually opened my eyes to the advantages of accepting Bitcoin as cost and why it might imply to retailers who undertake it.
Primarily based on every little thing I heard in that speech, I believe Steak ‘n Shake will be the first to start out a brand new development of different large 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 effectively.
One other large spotlight from at the present time 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 US 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 observe what we do. If we lead, others will observe. That is 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 girl within the house to attend sooner or later because it was the spotlight of the convention for me personally. I received to satisfy so many superb folks and was welcomed with open arms. So in case 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 nearly like all of those those who I didn’t know had been ready for me and had been glad 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 in all places, 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 impression of Bitcoin.
Lyn Ulbricht, mom of Silk Highway founder Ross Ulbricht, launched her new nonprofit “Moms In opposition to Merciless Sentencing” and gave a tremendous speech on her story and what she stood for. “A number of 1000’s of individuals, a lot 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 highly effective facet occasions of the day.
Calli Bailey, co-founder of BTC Inc., the father or mother firm of Bitcoin Journal, delved into all the expansion that she’s seen on the firm over time and the way a lot the neighborhood meant to her. The brunch genuinely made me really feel so emotional—however in the easiest way. Bailey, particularly, has a method along with her phrases that all the time makes me cry. I can inform that her son, David Bailey and Bitcoin are her complete world, and each phrase she speaks actually comes from the guts. The vitality within the room was so highly effective. As I used to be surrounded by so many sturdy ladies who undoubtedly knew an entire lot about Bitcoin, I felt impressed leaving the brunch and feeling at house.
As Trade Day continued, I watched and mirrored on every little thing that I had discovered 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 Reality Social are backing Bitcoin with a $2.5 billion treasury. Trump Jr. additional defined, “We’re significantly on Bitcoin. This isn’t a section. 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 similar to Donald Trump Jr. are placing such a cash, time, and energy into Bitcoin, then possibly myself and others must be taking this significantly too.
Bo Hines, White Home Government Director, backed up this complete level as he spoke on the Nakamoto stage, saying, “We’re effectively on our option to changing into the Bitcoin superpower of the world. That is one thing that isn’t partisan. This can be a revolution in our monetary system.” He ended his discuss strongly by saying, “Bitcoin is actually the golden commonplace. We wish as a lot as we are able to presumably get.”
Ending Trade Day on that notice was an unbelievable begin to the convention and laid a great basis for the upcoming common admission days. I can’t state this sufficient, when you may have executives from the White Home taking the outing of their already loopy schedule to journey to this occasion and to inform everybody how essential Bitcoin is, understanding all they know, I really feel like others also needs to hearken to their message.
As Trade Day got here to an finish, I used to be able to relaxation up and collect all my vitality for the primary common admission day the next morning. As a result of the early hen will get the worm—and the worm on Normal Admission Day One simply occurred to be JD Vance.
GENERAL ADMISSION DAY 1
That Wednesday morning, I wakened at 4:00am as I walked from my resort room right 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 be certain every little thing ran as easily as attainable for the 35,000+ incoming attendees. This was additionally a spotlight for me because it was attention-grabbing to see the entire completely different folks from all types of various locations coming to this convention for Bitcoin.
Vitality 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 little thing Vance was saying to make use of to publish a information article on.
Then JD Vance then took the stage and the gang simply roared from the Nakamoto stage.
“It’s nice to be right here with Bitcoin at $108k and to be Vice President of the US,” he mentioned. “This isn’t only a convention of individuals. This can be a motion.”
Vance made it very clear that Bitcoin is in the way forward for the US and even said that he’s the primary Vice President to ever maintain Bitcoin. He went on to say, “We’re completed with ambiguity. We’re right here to construct a regulatory framework that lets Bitcoin thrive.”
He defined that Bitcoin is within the palms of the American folks and that we deserve respect and assist from our authorities with nobody making an attempt to tear us down. He gave such a powerful speech, saying that now we have the ability to alter the form of world we reside in and what we wish to do with Bitcoin.
After Vance, the vitality within the expo corridor and Nakamoto Stage—I’m telling you—it was simply actually indescribable. There have been folks in all places, there was music, there have been DJs, refreshments and meals being served, plenty of laughter, thoughts blowing reveals, and all forms of completely different folks.
Today was additionally document breaking for Bitcoin as a result of on Normal Admission Day One, there was an try to interrupt the Guinness World Report for essentially the most Bitcoin & funds in at some point. There was additionally the Bitcoin Journal retailer truck the place plenty 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 the 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 an enormous treasury play, asserting, “We at the moment personal 4,710 Bitcoin,” as he broke down the corporate’s reasoning for getting 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 form of social norms.
Subsequent, Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York Metropolis, introduced 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 aim of reaching the Guinness World Report 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 huge effect 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 intense lights, enjoyable props, and different cool stuff made an distinctive alternative for me to create lots of enjoyable content material. Between all these talking on the a number of levels throughout the venue, enjoyable music was blasting, assembly new mates, and working round doing TikTok interviews—this convention was proper up my alley. I knew that I used to be in the appropriate place. I actually felt essentially 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 one more information article on somebody who modified the way in which that I take a look at finance and Bitcoin as an entire: Saifedean Ammous. Earlier than going to Las Vegas, I learn his e-book, The Bitcoin Commonplace, and that made a long-lasting 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 changing into the middle of a brand new monetary system. Ammous’s ultimate forecast was that the USD period is ending, and Tether will finally be redeemable immediately in BTC. He ended nearly declaring a problem: to assume larger, and sooner.
The day had lastly ended, and the Guinness World Report was hit. I had absorbed a lot new data—I form 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/standing/1927914310212407481
GENERAL ADMISSION DAY 2
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 dangerous actors cover and pushes good actors out. That has to finish.”
Talking on the subject of memecoins she said, “If you happen to’re anticipating to purchase a memecoin and change into a billionaire—purchaser beware. Be an grownup.” However on Bitcoin? “Individuals deserve the power to switch worth on their very own phrases,” she mentioned. “We have to shield that.”
Paolo Ardoino’s discuss made my eyes huge as he, the CEO of Tether, said the truth that Tether owns over 100,000 Bitcoin. Ardoino mentioned it’s “very life like” that Tether might change into the biggest Bitcoin miner on the earth by the top of the yr—even outpacing all the general public mining giants.
He even performed round with the concept at some point there may very well be an AI agent with a non-custodial pockets that may maintain Bitcoin and be just right for you, reinforcing what I discussed earlier at the moment on the truth that Bitcoin actually is the long run—and there may be 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 arduous knowledge, exhibiting 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 might rein issues in.
When she mentioned, “Bitcoin is the mirror of this method—and the most effective safety from it,” I felt that. It jogged my memory why I’m right here, why I care, and why opting into Bitcoin seems like opting out of one thing damaged.
At this level within the afternoon, I might really feel the momentum beginning to go up. As I sat behind the information desk, listening to the recap of Lyn Alden, the gang on the principal stage began to select 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 way in which he broke it down, evaluating Bitcoin’s volatility to Tesla and Apple, made all of it click on for me. What different asset might 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 form 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 effectively in a method that makes it simple for therefore many, together with myself, to grasp 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 decisions in life simply makes me notice that not every little thing is as difficult as it might appear—and I’ve folks on my facet.
Michael Saylor introduced his 21 Methods to Wealth, the place he broke it down in easy phrases. The second Saylor took the stage, the gang simply went insane. He had a vivid smile on his face as he said:
“This speech is for you. I’ve traveled the world and informed nations, institutional buyers, and even the disembodied spirits of our youngsters’s kids why they want Bitcoin. That is for each particular person, each household, each small enterprise. It’s for everyone.”
As a scholar, and aspiring to be the most effective that I presumably will be, this speech meant rather a lot to me. Generally wealth isn’t about the entire financial worth round you—you want assist and love from your loved ones, as generally only one small little bit of assist can imply every little thing.
His honesty and ease all through the speech makes such an amazing case for Bitcoin, which I consider 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. “If you happen to spend money on Bitcoin, there’s a 90% likelihood it’ll succeed over 5 years. Don’t confuse ambition with accomplishment. Provide you with a method—and follow 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 converse after spending over a decade in jail was a reminder of what this motion is all about.
When he mentioned, “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 provides everybody the identical shot at sovereignty.
However the half that caught with me most was Ross speaking concerning the assist he acquired whereas he was locked away. “After 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 adore it after we are divided,” he mentioned.
Ross’ story exhibits what’s at stake, and why we combat 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 the entire cubicles had been being taken down. Actually, I couldn’t assist however stand and watch. All the issues that made me so glad, the entire 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 method I’d ever be pulled again out.
As I stood there, I additionally felt a way of peace. A way of satisfaction. I had achieved the entire issues I needed to perform. I wrote my information articles, filmed some enjoyable TikToks, and did my fair proportion of mingling. I felt, effectively, good.
So, the following day, I left Vegas. And I actually didn’t wish 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’ll have enjoyable, dancing, laughing, and even giving goodbye hugs saying, “Identical time subsequent yr?”
If you’re a scholar or intern like me, older, youthful, wealthy or poor, make it a aim and a actuality to attend The Bitcoin Convention. I promise, you received’t remorse it. Whether or not you understand about Bitcoin or not, it doesn’t matter. That’s what the convention is all about—to show you, to offer you a style.
One can find your folks, and you’ll 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.
