ETHCC

The EthCC conference in Brussels provided a unique window into the evolving world of Web3. This event, packed with panels, side events, and networking opportunities, offered a mix of excitement, frustration, and realism about the current state of the industry. Here are some reflections and takeaways on various aspects of the conference and the broader Web3 landscape.

Panels: The Meta Needs Improvement

The panels at EthCC often fell short of their potential. With five people given only twenty minutes, it was challenging to dive deeply into any topic. Instead of fostering genuine discussions, the format led to fragmented conversations where panelists mainly plugged their projects. A call for better-curated panels is necessary to ensure more meaningful exchanges.

Hard Truths: The Elephant in the Room

A recurring theme at the conference was the reluctance to address hard truths. Many speakers and attendees seemed more interested in promoting their messages than engaging in honest debates. Critical issues like the shortcomings of MEV, the unsustainability of restaking yields, and the persistent user experience challenges in the "Metamask era" were often glossed over. The oversupply of blockspace and the scarcity of app developers also went largely unaddressed, replaced by optimistic but vague promises about future Layer 2 solutions.

Industry Structure: Infrastructure Overload

A significant observation was the industry's current focus on infrastructure. Many companies are creating tools for a market that has yet to materialize fully, catering to developers who build apps for a non-existent consumer base. While the infrastructure is crucial, this imbalance highlights a need for a shift towards more consumer-facing applications.

Tech Progress: Incremental Innovations

Despite the challenges, the technological progress in Web3 is undeniable. Innovative projects in zero-knowledge proofs, account abstraction, and new client architectures are advancing steadily. However, the real test lies in how these technologies will be integrated into products that can genuinely enhance user experiences.

The Class of 21/22: Pragmatic Optimism

Meeting founders and contributors from the 2021/22 wave revealed a more pragmatic approach to the future. Many have pivoted their focus towards what they believe will be useful in the coming years, leaving behind some of the overambitious dreams of the past. This shift towards practicality is a positive sign for the industry's maturity.

Professionalism: A Mixed Bag

The level of professionalism at the conference was generally reasonable. Established projects showcased experienced and mature staff, while newer initiatives occasionally lacked polish. However, the overall vibe was a healthy mix of seriousness and levity, despite the inevitable presence of a few eccentric individuals.

Retail and Market Sentiment: A Mixed Presence

At the Dune booth, there was a notable presence of smart, industry-focused individuals and fewer retail participants, likely due to the high entry cost. However, the presence of sketchier types at free side events hinted at a mixed sentiment. While the serious builders are back, the broader retail enthusiasm remains uncertain.

Job Market: An Employee's Market

Contrary to the broader economic climate, the job market within Web3 seemed robust. Companies are actively hiring, but the talent pool is limited, suggesting an employee's market. This dynamic could be a double-edged sword, potentially leading to complacency among workers at fluff companies without long-term prospects.

Brussels: A Practical Venue

Brussels, as a host city, was practical if unremarkable. The events were close together, and getting around was manageable. While the city itself may not have left a lasting impression, it served its purpose as a conference venue adequately.

Side Events: A Double-Edged Sword

The sheer number of side events was both a blessing and a curse. While they provided opportunities for specialization and diverse topics, the quality often suffered due to a dilution of good speakers and venues. This issue highlights the need for a more balanced approach to event organization.

Events like EthCC play a crucial role in shaping its future. Up next: CANNES.

Proposal for Enhancing the Next Web3 Conference

Objective: To create a more engaging, insightful, and productive conference experience that addresses the shortcomings of previous events while fostering meaningful discussions, innovative thinking, and robust networking opportunities.

Curated Panels: Limit panels to a maximum of four participants with a focus on diversity in viewpoints. Ensure moderators facilitate in-depth discussions rather than surface-level presentations.
Extended Time: Allocate at least 40 minutes per panel to allow comprehensive exploration of topics.
Interactive Sessions: Incorporate Q&A sessions and live audience polling to foster engagement and immediate feedback.
Honest Conversations: Encourage speakers to tackle industry challenges head-on. Create a safe space for debating controversial topics like MEV, restaking yields, and UX issues.
Dedicated Sessions: Host specific sessions that focus on "State of the Industry" reviews where experts discuss the current challenges and potential solutions.
Consumer-Focused Tracks: Include tracks dedicated to consumer applications and real-world use cases to balance the heavy focus on infrastructure.
Startup Showcases: Provide platforms for early-stage startups to present their innovative solutions and receive feedback from seasoned professionals.
Innovation Labs: Set up dedicated spaces where attendees can interact with cutting-edge technologies like zk-proofs, account abstraction, and new client architectures.
Demo Sessions: Organize live demonstrations of emerging technologies to showcase their potential applications.
Mentorship Programs: Pair new founders and developers with industry veterans for mentorship and guidance.
Talent Showcases: Feature sessions where the Class of 21/22 can present their pivoted projects and future plans.
Professional Development: Offer workshops on professional development, focusing on skills like project management, communication, and business development.
Quality Control: Implement stricter vetting for speakers and panelists to ensure a high level of expertise and presentation quality.
Centralized Location: Choose a venue with excellent transport links and accommodations nearby to ensure ease of access for attendees.
Efficient Scheduling: Design the event schedule to minimize overlap of high-interest sessions and allow adequate time for networking and breaks.
Sustainability: Implement eco-friendly practices such as digital programs, reusable materials, and waste reduction initiatives.
Quality Over Quantity: Limit the number of side events to ensure each one maintains a high standard of content and organization.
Topical Specialization: Organize side events around specific themes or topics to attract targeted audiences and foster deeper discussions.
Coordination: Collaborate with side event organizers to ensure logistical coherence and avoid overlap with main conference activities.