Thousands gathered in Las Vegas at the Venetian hotel’s convention center to delve into Bitcoin and, to a lesser extent, other cryptocurrencies. Industry leaders, lawmakers, and influential figures from around the globe shared their perspectives.
A major highlight was US Vice President JD Vance, who attended a fundraiser before addressing the Bitcoin (BTC) conference. Vance urged Bitcoiners to become more involved in politics, suggesting their potential influence on the 2026 midterm elections.
The theme of “freedom” resonated throughout the event. Michael Saylor emphasized it during his “21 Ways to Wealth” speech, and Ross Ulbricht, recently released from prison, highlighted the importance of decentralization for securing freedom.
“So long as we can agree that we deserve freedom and that decentralization is how we secure it, then we can be united, we can have each other’s backs, just like you had mine,” said Ulbricht, acknowledging the support of Bitcoiners in his release.
Emphasis on Bitcoin and crypto policy
Following Trump’s appearance at Bitcoin 2024, regulation and policies remained a central focus. Speakers discussed how these factors could impact investors.
Hester Peirce, a crypto advocate at the SEC, spoke on the future of the agency under Chair Paul Atkins. Lawmakers like Senator Cynthia Lummis and Representatives Bryan Steil, Byron Donalds, and Tom Emmer discussed efforts to pass digital asset market structure and stablecoin legislation.
Steil explained the transformative potential of these legislative pieces.
Bo Hines and David Sacks, presidential advisors on crypto, conveyed Trump’s Bitcoin views. Sacks suggested a budget-neutral approach for the US to acquire more Bitcoin.
Representatives from other countries also made significant announcements. Pakistan is considering a Bitcoin reserve; Panama City Mayor Mayer Mizrachi proposed Bitcoin payments for canal transit; and Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party will accept crypto donations.
“No wonder so many people are going for Bitcoin and going for crypto — because they can’t close you down, and that is the ultimate freedom,” Farage stated.
Since the conference started on May 27, Bitcoin’s price has decreased by approximately 5%, from over $110,000 to $104,745 at the time of publication.