Blockchain Summit 2023

Registration opens

Please enter BIF from Sixth Street through the east side entrance to check-in.

Morning Remarks

As the blockchain industry continues to grow and evolve at a rapid pace, it’s important to stay informed about the latest developments and potential applications of this groundbreaking technology. In his remarks, Robert Brunner, chief disruption officer at Gies College of Business, will provide valuable insights into the current state of blockchain as well as the efforts Gies is undertaking to advance this important technology.
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How a Focus on User Experience Can Spark Mass Adoption of Web3

Recent months haven’t been kind to the giants of Web2 social media, traditional finance, and live entertainment. Broken tech and walled gardens have created endless headaches. Web3 infrastructure has the tools to challenge these global trends impacting people’s lives, interactions, and finances, but it starts with user experience and interoperability. Aptos Labs CTO Avery Ching will discuss how scalable, upgradable blockchain tech can turn the promise of Web3 into a worldwide reality along with Web2 mainstays.
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Lessons Learned from 2022 and Impact on Industry

This panel discussion will explore the significant changes that took place in the blockchain landscape, and the valuable insights gained by businesses and individuals involved in the industry. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how these lessons have influenced the use and perception of blockchain technology, as well as the challenges faced by the industry in areas such as scalability and regulation. By reflecting on the experiences of 2022, the session will shed light on the industry's direction and future growth opportunities.
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Fireside Chat: Impact & Blockchain

This session will explore the ways in which blockchain technology has brought about significant changes across various domains, including environmental conservation and community development. Our speakers will share their insights on the subject matter, and attendees will have the opportunity to engage with them and pose questions relevant to their interests. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to gain valuable insights into the impact of blockchain technology!
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Lunch - Sponsored by Synchrony and Yield Protocol

Enjoy a boxed lunch and network with other summit attendees.

Student Project Showcase

Interact with student teams involved in blockchain initiatives at Gies.

Supply chain on Blockchain

Join us for a panel discussion on the topic of supply chain on blockchain. The session will dive into the potential benefits and practical applications of blockchain technology in the supply chain industry. The speakers will examine how blockchain can increase transparency, traceability, and efficiency by creating a secure and immutable ledger of transactions. Additionally, the panelists will explore how blockchain can enhance supply chain management, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction by enabling real-time tracking of goods and verifying their authenticity. The discussion will highlight the challenges and opportunities of implementing blockchain in the supply chain, as well as provide insights into the current state and future potential of this innovative technology in the industry.
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NFTs & the Music Industry

Join us for a panel discussion on the innovative use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in the music industry. Led by experts in blockchain technology and music, the talk will examine how NFTs can transform the way musicians and fans interact, from owning unique digital assets like music to creating new revenue streams. The session will provide valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of implementing NFTs in the music industry, and how they can revolutionize the way we create, distribute, and consume music.
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Law and Blockchain

This session will feature a dynamic conversation between legal experts and blockchain professionals, exploring the intersection between these two fields. The panelists will dive into the legal implications of blockchain technology, including key issues related to smart contracts, digital identity, and regulatory frameworks. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges that blockchain poses to the legal industry, and how it could transform the way legal professionals operate.
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Practical Applications in Blockchain

This panel session will focus on the practical applications of blockchain technology in the healthcare industry, specifically on how decentralized finance (DeFi) can revolutionize insurance solutions. The panel discussion will cover the potential benefits of using DeFi to provide more accessible, transparent, and cost-effective insurance options for patients and providers. The talk will also delve into the challenges and opportunities that come with implementing DeFi insurance solutions in the healthcare industry, including regulatory compliance, adoption barriers, and the importance of stakeholder collaboration.
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Student Session I

Join us for an exciting two-part event! In Part 1, students will discuss why now is the perfect time to enter the blockchain industry, including how bear markets present opportunities and how blockchain is following in the footsteps of past emerging technologies. He will also cover which areas are ripe for disruption by blockchain.

Part 2 will feature casual conversations with diverse groups of Illini blockchain members who are currently working full-time in the industry. These members range from software engineers at large companies to open-source Bitcoin contributors, blockchain consultants, and startup founders. Learn why these individuals remain optimistic about blockchain, what their roles entail, and how they got started in the industry.

Student Session II

The Disruption Lab is hosting the Protocols Presentation at the Blockchain Summit. This session will provide a basic understanding of protocols, including popular examples found in the industry. The presentation will also cover technical aspects of designing a protocol. There are no prerequisites for attending. This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in learning more about the blockchain industry and its applications.

Student Session III

The Disruption Lab is hosting the Solidity Presentation at the Blockchain Summit. This session will provide a comprehensive foundation on the core concepts of solidity and how they are used to create smart contracts. The presentation will cover what smart contracts are, how they function, and will guide attendees through the creation of multiple smart contracts to demonstrate their various uses and applications.