My identify 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 this time, I wished to modify it up and provide you with an inside take a look at the Bitcoin 2025 Convention in Las Vegas by 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 provide you an actual, uncooked reflection of what I skilled over the course of the three day occasion, and why I consider you must completely attend the following Bitcoin convention. I need 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 aircraft, threw my suitcase in my resort room, and went to go and see the conference heart as the entire ending touches across the venue have been being added. I bear in mind pondering how large, lovely, and enjoyable the expo corridor was—and the place I might quickly meet so many new folks, make so many mates, and shake arms with people who I appeared 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 countless rows of chairs, quickly to be stuffed 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 greater. I noticed it’s an precise group and a spot of numerous alternatives.
The convention is actually cut up up into 3 days: Trade Day, Common Admission Day 1, and Common Admission Day 2. Trade Day was primarily tailor-made in direction of professionals, traders, founders, and others centered on Bitcoin companies. The overall admission days have been tailor-made extra in direction of the informal Bitcoiner, and people have been the times that I actually felt the vitality simply exploding across the conference heart.
INDUSTRY DAY
Strolling into the expo corridor early within the morning on Trade Day, I used to be overwhelmed after I noticed the entire distributors and firms establishing their tables, cubicles, phases, and even a mountain climbing 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 the venue that led you to each sales space.
I bear in mind being in whole awe as I appeared 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 appeared over my shoulder and noticed an enormous blow-up of a Bitcoin Puppet within the artwork exhibit, that includes every kind of different cool Bitcoin artwork. A few of these items of artwork have 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 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 might spend nearly all of my time over the following few days. My coworkers and I have been stationed up proper in entrance of the Bitcoin Journal information desk subsequent to the AV (audio-visual) workforce, the place I had an ideal view of every thing. Here, I spent all day day by day writing information articles for Bitcoin Journal based mostly 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 in all my favourite issues in regards to the convention. Everybody who spoke on it reside had an electrifying character that saved me locked into each dialog, particularly one of many hosts Pete Rizzo. After each speak 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 observe reside and expertise the manufacturing of all of it first hand.
The talks on Trade Day kicked off to such a terrific begin with Dan Edwards from Steak ‘n Shake, who recently became the first major fast food chain in America to begin accepting Bitcoin Lightning payments. So I was very excited to hear about Edwards’ speech and to go to Steak ‘n Shake’s unimaginable sales space, which additionally featured a bunch of enjoyable, dancing cows.
Whereas talking on stage, Edwards revealed that, “Bitcoin is faster than credit cards, and when customers choose to pay in Bitcoin, we’re saving 50% in processing fees.” 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 fee and why it might imply to retailers who undertake it.
Primarily based on every thing I heard in that speech, I believe Steak ‘n Shake may be the first to start a new trend of other big companies accepting Bitcoin. If they recognized the benefits of Bitcoin, it’s solely a matter of time earlier than different franchises do as nicely.
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 throughout the convention that I’ll get to in a while 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, “Many of our allies follow what we do. If we lead, others will follow. This is vital to our economic 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 if you happen to’re afraid to attend this occasion sooner or later, or don’t have anybody to go together with, don’t be! I walked into the brunch and it was virtually like all of those people who I didn’t know have been ready for me and have been completely satisfied that I used to be there.
In the course of the brunch, I received to mingle and speak with so many enjoyable ladies on this lovely ballroom with orange and pink feathers and balloons in every single 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 Highway founder Ross Ulbricht, launched her new nonprofit “Mothers Against Cruel Sentencing” and gave a tremendous speech on her story and what she stood for. “Multiple thousands of people, many of them nonviolent like Ross, are serving extreme sentences,” she mentioned. “We are giving families a voice.” Her phrases drew an enormous emotional response, and the Girls of Bitcoin Brunch turned one of the vital 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 through the years and the way a lot the group meant to her. The brunch genuinely made me really feel so emotional—however in one of the best ways. 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 center. The vitality within the room was so highly effective. As I used to be surrounded by so many robust girls who undoubtedly knew an entire lot about Bitcoin, I felt impressed leaving the brunch and feeling at dwelling.
As Trade Day continued, I watched and mirrored on every thing that I had discovered to this point 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 seriously on Bitcoin. This isn’t a phase. This is foundational to the future.” Chris Pavlovski agreed, stating, “The floodgates are opening. Bitcoin isn’t just an idea anymore—it’s strategy.”
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 any such cash, time, and energy into Bitcoin, then possibly myself and others needs to be taking this critically too.
Bo Hines, White Home Government Director, backed up this whole level as he spoke on the Nakamoto stage, saying, “We are well on our way to becoming the Bitcoin superpower of the world. This is something that is not partisan. This is a revolution in our financial system.” He ended his speak strongly by saying, “Bitcoin is truly the golden standard. We want as much as we can possibly get.”
Ending Trade Day on that observe was an unimaginable begin to the convention and laid an excellent basis for the upcoming common admission days. I can’t state this sufficient, when you might have executives from the White Home taking the day trip of their already loopy schedule to journey to this occasion and to inform everybody how vital Bitcoin is, realizing all they know, I really feel like others also needs to take heed 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 chicken will get the worm—and the worm on Common Admission Day One simply occurred to be JD Vance.
GENERAL ADMISSION DAY 1
That Wednesday morning, I awoke at 4:00am as I walked from my resort 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 be certain that every 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 totally different folks from every kind 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 thing 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 great to be here with Bitcoin at $108k and to be Vice President of the United States,” he mentioned. “This isn’t just a conference of people. This is a movement.”
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 done with ambiguity. We’re here to build a regulatory framework that lets Bitcoin thrive.”
He defined that Bitcoin is within the arms 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’ve the ability to alter the type of world we reside in and what we need 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 every single place, there was music, there have been DJs, refreshments and meals being served, plenty of laughter, thoughts blowing reveals, and all sorts of totally different folks.
At the present time was additionally file breaking for Bitcoin as a result of on Common Admission Day One, there was an try to interrupt the Guinness World File 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 have been in a position to 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 in need of unimaginable. Ryan Cohen, the CEO of GameStop, confirmed an enormous treasury play, saying, “We currently own 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 type 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 it is a enormous step into Bitcoin adoption—and I’m truthfully right here for it.
Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Mike Ho, and Matt Prusak spoke after. “Everybody wants Bitcoin. Everybody is buying Bitcoin,” Eric mentioned. Prusak added, “We’re stacking sats like crazy.”
Towards the top of the day, the aim of reaching the Guinness World File was getting nearer and nearer—and at that time, I knew we have been going to make it.
Then, I bear in mind trying up on the display, and seeing that the file 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 file 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 file.
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 have 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 variety of enjoyable content material. Between all these talking on the a number of phases throughout the venue, enjoyable music was blasting, assembly new mates, and operating round doing TikTok interviews—this convention was proper up my alley. I knew that I used to be in the suitable 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 ebook, The Bitcoin Commonplace, and that made an enduring impression on me. I actually wished 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 would possibly 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 virtually declaring a problem: to assume greater, and sooner.
The day had lastly ended, and the Guinness World File was hit. I had absorbed a lot new information—I type of felt like a brand new individual. I left the convention that day greater than able to go for tomorrow, and felt very lucky. Greater than ever.
GENERAL ADMISSION DAY 2
Common Admission Day 2 additionally had an excellent lineup. And at this level within the convention, I had two days underneath 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 return 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 can’t ignore it,” she mentioned, discussing digital asset regulation. “Regulatory uncertainty lets bad actors hide and pushes good actors out. That has to end.”
Talking on the subject of memecoins she said, “If you’re expecting to buy a memecoin and become a billionaire—buyer beware. Be an adult.” However on Bitcoin? “People deserve the ability to transfer value on their own terms,” she mentioned. “We need to protect that.”
Paolo Ardoino’s speak made my eyes extensive as he, the CEO of Tether, said the truth that Tether owns over 100,000 Bitcoin. Ardoino mentioned it’s “very realistic” that Tether might change into the biggest Bitcoin miner on the planet by the top of the yr—even outpacing all the general public mining giants.
He even performed round with the concept that 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 this time on the truth that Bitcoin actually is the long run—and there’s a lot happening behind the scenes that’s but to return out.
In a while, Lyn Alden gave a presentation on the U.S. economic system, and the way the brakes had been ripped out. She backed all of it up with arduous information, exhibiting how the fiscal deficit has surged previous 7% of GDP even whereas unemployment stays low.
Her rationalization that public debt overtook non-public 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 system—and the best protection from it,” I felt that. It jogged my memory why I’m right here, why I care, and why opting into Bitcoin appears 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 group on the principal stage began to choose up.
Jack Mallers, Strike and Twenty One Capital CEO, quickly took the stage and offered his keynote speech, hitting on how he believed 1913 was the final good time to purchase eggs with {dollars}. Then he dropped the large information: Strike is rolling out a Bitcoin-backed mortgage system with rates of interest between 9–13%. That’s enormous—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 probably be higher than Bitcoin?
He ended his time on stage by saying, “Life is short. Take the trip. But with Bitcoin, you just get to take a better one.” That’s the type 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 method that makes it simple for thus 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 decisions in life simply makes me understand that not every thing is as difficult as it might appear—and I’ve folks on my facet.
Michael Saylor offered his 21 Methods 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 vibrant smile on his face as he said:
“This speech is for you. I’ve traveled the world and told countries, institutional investors, and even the disembodied spirits of our children’s children why they need Bitcoin. This is for every individual, every family, every small business. It’s for everybody.”
As a scholar, and aspiring to be the very best that I probably could be, this speech meant lots to me. Generally wealth isn’t about the entire 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 thing.
His honesty and ease all through the speech makes such a terrific case for Bitcoin, which I consider resonates with so many—together with myself.
In his tenth level, he said, “Just because you can do a thing doesn’t mean you should,” he warned. “If you invest in Bitcoin, there’s a 90% chance it will succeed over five years. Don’t confuse ambition with accomplishment. Come up with a strategy—and stick to 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 mentioned, “We are all on equal footing with Bitcoin.” Bitcoin doesn’t care who you might be, the place you reside, or what you’ve been by—it provides 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. “When 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 vital than ever in a world that may generally really feel divided. “Those that oppose decentralization and freedom love it when 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 power. His speech was so emotional, and I felt so honored to be there.
Quickly, everybody began to go away the conference heart, and the entire cubicles have been being taken down. Actually, I couldn’t assist however stand and watch. All the issues that made me so completely satisfied, the entire people who made this come to life, have 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 might 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 wished to perform. I wrote my information articles, filmed some enjoyable TikToks, and did my fair proportion 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 aircraft, I simply thought to myself, “I’ve gotta come back,” 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 take care of the way forward for the world. You’ll have enjoyable, dancing, laughing, and even giving goodbye hugs saying, “Same time next year?”
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 gained’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 provide 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 understand that the long run is close to—and Bitcoin is in it.
Come be part of us for Bitcoin 2026 and expertise the occasion for your self.
