ETHDenver 2025 has sparked a conversation in the Ethereum community. Some voices are saying that it is time to rethink the way the event is run, while others are still finding gems of inspiration in the side events and local connections. Let’s break down the discussions and see why ETHDenver is facing critisism.
Attendance and Venue: What’s Gone Wrong?
Several attendees noted that the main event felt empty this year. One speaker recalled no long lines and a quiet room, a far cry from the crowd of previous years. Many also mentioned that the venue a place known for rodeos and livestock fairs—was not the right fit. The smell and atmosphere didn’t match what one might expect from a tech event. In contrast, some suggested that the old venue, Sportcastle, might have created a warmer, more inviting vibe.
ETHDenver'25 was far more subdued despite all the regulatory tailwinds. If you recall, in 2024 we were euphoric w/ “supercycle” whispers all around.
— Ben Lakoff (@benlakoff) March 5, 2025
Some takeaways from 2025 ETHDenver:
1 - Fewer eye-catching projects
There aren’t many new 0 to 1 concepts (although there are…
Side Events: Where the Real Action Is
Despite the quiet main stage, many found that the side events were fuming with energy. From deep-dive sessions on decentralized AI to hackathons filled with creative builders, these gatherings showed that when it comes to collaboration and innovation, smaller groups can often spark big ideas. This trend has led some to argue that side events have become the heart of ETHDenver, offering more personal connections and lively debates than the main event.
A Call for Clearer Direction
A common theme among the critiques is confusion about Ethereum’s next steps. Even those who follow the project closely expressed confusion about the roadmap. Many believe that the Ethereum Foundation and its leaders need to speak more clearly about the future. A better explanation of upcoming projects and goals could help re-energize the community and restore confidence in the network.
Read: New Leadership at Ethereum: A Fresh Start for the Blockchain Community
Time to seriously rethink ETHDenver
— Hari (@_hrkrshnn) March 4, 2025
- This was the lowest attendance I saw at the main event. I gave a talk on Monday morning, and unlike the past few years, there were no lines to get into the main venue—very low attendance at the audience.
- My first impression at the main…
Community, Local Flavor, and the Value of U.S. Roots
Not everyone was ready to write off ETHDenver though. Some appreciated the event’s unique flavor and the opportunity to meet a diverse crowd,from college students to industry veterans. For many, the fact that the event takes place in America matters. It’s not just about the technology; it’s about building a community where everyone feels at home. There’s even talk of a more decentralized approach in the future, with local gatherings in different cities sharing the same spirit and ideas.
Ideas for a Better ETHDenver
There are plenty of suggestions on how to improve ETHDenver in the future:
- Choose the Right Venue: A space that reflects the energy and creativity of Ethereum could help bring back the buzz. A familiar and comfortable venue might inspire more engagement.
- Embrace Side Events: Given their popularity, consider giving side events a larger role or even integrating them more closely with the main event.
- Clear Communication: Ethereum’s leaders could benefit from sharing a clearer vision of the network’s future, helping to unite the community and reduce confusion.
- Local and Decentralized Meetups: Inspired by ideas to “reimagine gatherings,” local events in various cities could build stronger community ties and bring fresh perspectives to ETHDenver.
Finally
ETHDenver 2025 may have shown some signs of struggle, but it also sparked valuable conversations about how to move forward. The challenges highlighted from low attendance and venue issues to the need for a clearer Ethereum roadmap are not dead ends. Instead, they are opportunities to reimagine and improve one of the most unique gatherings in the crypto world.
By listening to the community’s honest feedback and embracing innovative ideas like decentralized local events, ETHDenver can evolve into an even more vibrant and inspiring festival. Whether it’s through better venues, enhanced side events, or a renewed focus on clear communication, the future of ETHDenver looks promising if we take these lessons to heart.
If you have any thoughts or feedback that you would like to share, you can write them to team@etherworld.co or @ether_world
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