Ethical concerns mount as AI takes bigger decision-making role in more industries
The Top 15 Bitcoin Conferences In 2025 To Attend From Around The World
Former US President Donald Trump speaks at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, Tennessee, US, ... [+] on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Trump said he would ask the government to create a massive reserve of Bitcoin if he returns to the White House in a bid to court cryptocurrency enthusiasts and harness the industry's growing influence in the political arena. Photographer: Brett Carlsen/Bloomberg
© 2024 Bloomberg Finance LPWith the growth of the global Bitcoin ecosystem, conferences continue to serve as a way to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, and newcomers to discuss, share, and present solutions and case studies, highlighting how Bitcoin technology continues to evolve and address real-world challenges.
Here are the top 15 conferences from March to December 2025 to mark in your calendar (in particular order):
Baltic HoneyBadger 2025The Baltic Honeybadger conference 2025 poster
Hodl HodlWebsite: baltichoneybadger.Com
Location: Riga, Latvīa
Dates: August 9-10, 2025
The "most OG Bitcoin" conference is back for its seventh edition. The Baltic Honeybadger conference is held in one of Europe's hidden gems, Riga, Latvīa, offering a window into Baltic culture, cuisine, and picturesque scenery.
The two-day conference brings together top industry minds—engineers, entrepreneurs, and cypherpunks—to dive into critical topics in the Bitcoin ecosystem and Bitcoin's role as a freedom tool, all while rejecting "altcoin hype and blockchain gimmicks."
For the first time ever, the conference is offering a limited "Honeybadger Ticket," an exclusive pass for attendees that gives them access to perks and premium experiences like the afterparties that capture the event's vibrant and community-driven spirit.
Last year's edition featured Jack Dorsey, CEO and Chairman at Block, alongside numerous prominent voices in the Bitcoin industry.
Bitcoin Conference 2025NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JULY 27: Former President and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Donald ... [+] Trump gives a keynote speech on the third day of the Bitcoin 2024 conference at Music City Center July 27, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesWebsite: b.Tc/conference/2025
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Dates: May 27-29, 2025
As the biggest conference in the world, it has featured speakers who span politics, sports, technology, and Bitcoin, including US President Donald Trump, Wyoming Senator Cynthia, Microstrategy chairman Michael Saylor, Co-founder and CEO Blockstream, Adam Back, CEO VanEck, Jan Van Eck, Chairman and CEO of Marathon Digital Mining Fred Thiel, and many more.
The event hosts a variety of panels and sessions that directly address the most major topics in the Bitcoin industry, from Bitcoin mining to policy to technology. With the conference held in Las Vegas this year, it is sure to provide attendees with the best of the city and Bitcoin.
Oslo Freedom Forum 2025The Oslo Freedom Forum (OFF) is an international human rights conference series hosted and produced ... [+] by the Human Rights Foundation (HRF).
Oslo Freedom ForumWebsite: oslofreedomforum.Com
Location: Oslo, Norway
Dates: May 26-28, 2025
While not a Bitcoin conference per se, The Oslo Freedom Forum has established itself, with its financial freedom track, striking a unique balance between those using Bitcoin technology at the frontlines of tyranny and those developing it. Past speakers include Jack Dorsey, CEO and Chairman at Block, and Lyn Alden, Macroeconomist and Author of Broken Money.
It delivers inspiring stories while emphasizing Bitcoin's role as a tool for financial freedom and socio-economic progress, cutting-edge innovations within the Bitcoin ecosystem, ongoing and new challenges, and leveraging real-world successes to enhance global freedoms.
BTCPrague 2025Micheal Saylor Keynote BTCPrague 2024
BTCPragueWebsite: btcprague.Com
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Dates: June 19-21, 2025
BTC Prague, one of the biggest conferences in Europe, draws thousands of Bitcoin enthusiasts, developers, and industry leaders for conversations covering the highest levels of developments in the Bitcoin industry, from policy and Bitcoin mining to more technical topics in its dev hack day that precedes the 2-day conference.
Set in one of the Bitcoin capital cities of the world and home to companies like Satoshi Labs, brings together over 100 speakers from all over, with 100+ companies that cut across the entire Bitcoin industry.
Bitcoin++ 2025bitcoin++ dives deep (Austin, TexasMay 7+8+9, 2025)
Bitcoin++Website: btcpp.Dev
Location: Austin, Texas, United States
Dates: May 7-9, 2025
Organized as a series of conferences in various locations around the world, the Bitcoin++ conference features the most up to date technical deep dives, hackathons, and all things developments for developers, researchers, and builders looking to contribute and keep a pulse on Bitcoin's development.
Later in the year, Bitcoin++ will be holding conferences with varying themes across the world. The next edition bitcoin++ goes private will be happening in Riga, Latvia on 7+8 August, followed by bitcoin++ scales in Istanbul, Turkey on Sept 2025, lightning++ strikes in Berlin, Germany on 2-4 Oct, and finally bitcoin++ stands sovereign in Taipei, Taiwan in Dec.
Africa Bitcoin Conference 2025Jack Dorsey Fireside chat at the Africa Bitcoin Conference 2024
Africa Bitcoin ConferenceWebsite: afrobitcoin.Org
Location: Port Louis, Maritius
Dates: TBA, December, 2025
With Africa's leading Bitcoin adoption and growing emergence as Bitcoin's development capital, the Africa Bitcoin Conference continues to serve as the largest convener of global Bitcoin leaders and leaders from Africa. It showcases focused conversations around visionary developments, leading Bitcoin circular economies and mining innovations, and entrepreneurs and businesses, including past speakers like Chairman and CEO Jack Dorsey.
This year's three-day event in Mauritius will feature workshops, a hackathon, and a network. G to explore Bitcoin's impact on financial inclusion and economic empowerment, highlighting Africa's standing as a global leader in Bitcoin.
Plan B Forum 2025Plan B Forum 2024
Plan B ForumWebsite: planb.Lugano.Ch
Location: Lugano, Switzerland
Dates: October 24-25, 2025
Now in its fourth year, The Plan ₿ Forum, born as a partnership between Lugano and Stablecoin giant Tether, has drawn 3,000 attendees from 60+ countries, including staple Bitcoin leaders. Held in the city of Lugano, Switzerland, with over 350 local merchants accepting Bitcoin, it is a good destination for those seeking to experience what it's like to spend their Bitcoin and USDT on everyday purchases from coffee to steak.
The gathering has become a hub for global Bitcoin leaders, technologists, and entrepreneurs to explore Bitcoin adoption, circular economies, and financial freedom.
SatsConf 2025Satsconf 2024 from @satsconf_ on X (formerly Twitter)
SatsConfWebsite: satsconf.Com.Br
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Dates: November 7-8, 2025
As the biggest Bitcoin conference in Brazil, SatsConf, is returning in November November at Audio in São Paulo, which brings together global Bitcoin experts, developers, and enthusiasts for two days of talks, workshops, and networking.
With the growing vibrant Bitcoin community in Brazil, Satsconf will be bringing a spotlight to Bitcoin developments from the global majority.
TabConf 2025TabConf 2024 from @masamitsu3232 on X (Formerly Twitter)
@masamitsu3232Website: tabconf.Com
Location: Georgia, United States
Dates: October 13-16, 2025
TABConf, one of the leading technical Bitcoin conferences focused on fostering community, education, and developer support, is returning in October. It has garnered a reputation since 2018 for its community-driven approach, which draws Bitcoin developers and researchers for hands-on workshops and expert talks.
With its open-source agenda curated via GitHub, TABConf blends innovation with engagement, making it one of the standout technical events for 2025.
BTChel Conference 2025BTCHEL Conference poster
BTChelWebsite: btchel.Com
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Dates: August 15-16, 2025
As the youngest entry here, BTCHEL, set to be held at Kulttuuritehdas Korjaamo in Helsinki, Finland, marks the Nordic region's first large-scale Bitcoin conference.
As Finland continues to grow in importance as a potential Bitcoin mining hub due to its mining capacity, cold climate, and energy policies, over the next few years, it will draw global Bitcoin enthusiasts, developers, and industry leaders to explore Bitcoin's evolving landscape through keynotes, panels, and workshops.
Mining Disrupt 2025Mining Disrupt 2024 from @TheCoinDad on X (Formerly Twitter)
TheCoinDadWebsite: miningdisrupt.Com
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Dates: March 25-27, 2025
With Bitcoin mining's growing importance in the global energy conversation, the "world's largest Bitcoin Mining Conference & Expo," Mining Disrupt, is taking place at the Broward Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
2025 marks its seventh year as a cornerstone event for the global Bitcoin mining community. Since 2018, it has grown to attract thousands of Bitcoin mining leaders, professionals, innovators, enthusiasts, and companies from over 50 countries. The event hosts panels and sessions on the opportunities, insights, and latest technology in Bitcoin mining, hardware, and sustainable energy solutions.
In 2025, it will be an ideal destination for those interested in Bitcoin mining.
Bitcoin MENA 2025Eric Trump at Bitcoin MENA 2024
Bitcoin MENAWebsite: b.Tc/conference/mena
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Dates: TBA, 2025
As a growing leader in digital assets regulation, Abu Dhabi is home to the Bitcoin MENA conference, organized by BTC Inc (the organizers behind the biggest Bitcoin conference in the world). It has become the leading Bitcoin conference in the Middle East.
In only its second year, the conference brings global industry leaders, investors, enthusiasts, and companies, previously featuring Eric Trump and Changpeng Zhao ('CZ'), for keynotes, panels, and discussions around Bitcoin's role in the region's feature.
Bitcoin Asia 2025Bitcoin Asia main stage 2024
Bitcoin AsiaWebsite: b.Tc/conference/asia
Location: Hong Kong, China
Dates: August 28-29, 2025
Convened by BTC Inc (the organizers behind the biggest Bitcoin conference in the world), the Digital assets-friendly hub of Hong Kong is home to the leading Bitcoin conference in Asia, which brings together thousands of global Bitcoiners, builders, and thought leaders.
In its second year, the event features top-tier keynotes, panels, and an expo hall showcasing cutting-edge Bitcoin innovations alongside unique offerings like the Bitcoin Art Gallery. The gathering will showcase the region's role in Bitcoin adoption in 2025.
Bitcoin Amsterdam 2025Bitcoin Amsterdam Main Stage
Bitcoin AmsterdamWebsite: b.Tc/conference/amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dates: TBA, 2025
As one of the biggest conferences in Europe, Bitcoin Amsterdam is set for a return in October. Hosted by BTC Inc (the organizers behind the biggest Bitcoin conference in the world), it brings over 5,000 attendees and 100+ Bitcoin enthusiasts, developers, and industry pioneers from around the world with a focus on Bitcoin's technological advancements, global adoption, and the evolution of Bitcoin policy and the mining revolution.
Bitcoin Rodeo 2025Bitcoin Rodeo Poster from X (formerly Twitter)
Bitcoin RodeoWebsite: bitcoinrodeo.Com
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Dates: June 28-29, 2025
The Bitcoin Rodeo is returning for another run in June 28-29 Canada, similar to last year's edition, it will promise to deliver a unique blend of Western Canadian charm and cutting-edge Bitcoin discourse. The conference takes place right before the legendary Calgary Stampede, making it a standout for those looking to soak up self-titled "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth."
Attendees include prominent Canadian Bitcoiners such as Bitcoin educator Ben Perrin (BTC Sessions), Co-founder of The Investors Podcast and General Partner at Ego Death Capital, Preston Pysh, and Founder of Canadian bitcoin company Bull Bitcoin, Francis Pouliot.
Using AI To Reduce Waste In The Construction Industry
On a construction site, building materials might arrive from anywhere in the world. "The construction sector is one of the most fragmented ever," says Catherine De Wolf, SM '14, PhD '17, assistant professor of circular engineering for architecture at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich).
While that fragmentation might make the industry more productive, producing and transporting materials causes an incredible amount of carbon emissions. As buildings are demolished, they produce nearly 700 million tons of waste each year.
"About half the materials we consume go into our buildings," De Wolf says—and they account for about a third of all waste worldwide. So she's employing artificial intelligence and other technologies to match builders with materials they can reuse from structures being demolished.
When De Wolf came to MIT from her native Belgium in 2012 to pursue a master's and PhD in building technology, global discussions on sustainable design focused on factors such as insulation and heating efficiency, not on the carbon emissions associated with the production and transport of a structure's materials.
"Everybody was talking about operational energy; nobody knew what 'embodied carbon' even was," she says . But she collected industry data for the first benchmarking study on embodied carbon in buildings in 2014. Though many in the construction industry resist change, she was inspired by the "hacking culture" of MIT, where "you are taught that everything is possible, so when people say 'Nothing is going to change,' you say, 'Let's try it anyway.'"
Her lab at ETH Zurich has catalogued buildings around the world. It uses computer vision and machine learning to analyze buildings through Google Street View images, archival records, public demolition information, and auditing data. This enables the team to determine what materials within the buildings might be reused.
Her team has also deployed robots and drones to rapidly inventory materials at building sites before demolition. And they use AI to help architects draw up building plans based on materials available for reuse.
De Wolf's lab is now developing tools to rapidly match companies with other nearby sources of reusable materials for new projects and aims to create a larger platform to make similar connections across the world.
"To really solve the problem of fragmentation in the industry, we must make the cataloguing, reuse, and assembly of materials faster and easier than the wrecking ball," she says.
The Download: Underage Celebrity Chatbots, And OpenAI's Latest Model
This is today's edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what's going on in the world of technology.
An AI companion site is hosting sexually charged conversations with underage celebrity bots
Botify AI, a site for chatting with AI companions that's backed by the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, hosts bots resembling real actors that state their age as under 18, engage in sexually charged conversations, offer "hot photos," and in some instances describe age-of-consent laws as "arbitrary" and "meant to be broken."
When MIT Technology Review tested the site this week, we found popular user-created bots taking on underage characters meant to resemble Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams, Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, and Millie Bobby Brown, among others.
The conversations—along with the fact that Botify AI includes "send a hot photo" as a feature for its characters—suggest that the ability to elicit sexually charged conversations and images is not accidental. Instead, sexually suggestive conversations appear to be baked in. Read the full story.
—James O'Donnell
OpenAI just released GPT-4.5 and says it is its biggest and best chat model yet
What's new: OpenAI has just released GPT-4.5, a new version of its flagship large language model which it claims is its biggest and best model for chat yet. The new model, which is already available for subscribers to OpenAI's ChatGPT Pro tier, is part of its non-reasoning lineup.
Why it matters: OpenAI won't say exactly how big its new model is. But it says the jump in scale from GPT-4o to GPT-4.5 is the same as the jump from GPT-3.5 to GPT-4o. Experts have estimated that GPT-4 could have as many as 1.8 trillion parameters, the values that get tweaked when a model is trained. Read the full story.
—Will Douglas Heaven
How a volcanic eruption turned a human brain into glass
They look like small pieces of obsidian, smooth and shiny. But a set of small black fragments found inside the skull of a man who died in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Southern Italy, in the year 79 CE, are thought to be pieces of his brain—turned to glass.
The discovery, reported in 2020, was exciting because a human brain had never been found in this state.
Now, scientists studying his remains believe they've found out more details about how the glass fragments were formed. Read the full story.
—Jessica Hamzelou
To read more about this fascinating story, check out the latest edition of The Checkup, our weekly biotech newsletter. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every Thursday.
The must-reads
I've combed the internet to find you today's most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
1 A judge has blocked mass firings of US federal workersAfter ruling the terminations were probably illegal. (WP $)+ Trump's purges align with his personal campaign against the federal government. (The Atlantic $)+ The DOGE cuts are likely to get much, much worse. (Wired $)
2 Donald Trump's migrant crackdown is fuelling a surveillance boomFirms are rushing to ready tracking tech to meet the administration's demands. (The Guardian)+ Things aren't looking so rosy for other big government contractors, though. (WSJ $)
3 The US is weighing up vaccinating chickens against bird fluThe country's egg supply is under serious strain. (Wired $)+ More than 35 million birds have been culled this year alone. (BBC)+ Businesses are struggling, and consumers are suffering. (The Atlantic $)+ How the US is preparing for a potential bird flu pandemic. (MIT Technology Review)
4 An AI model is capable of solving million-step math problemsFar beyond the capacity of any human. (IEEE Spectrum)+ Why does AI being good at math matter? (MIT Technology Review)
5 How map apps deal with government disputes over place namesIncluding the Gulf of Mexico/America. (Rest of World $)
6 A new AI system neutralizes call center staff's Indian accentsThe industry's largest operator is preparing to roll it out in Latin America, too. (Bloomberg $)+ How this grassroots effort could make AI voices more diverse. (MIT Technology Review)
7 The future of xenotransplantationCross-species organ transplants are on the rise, but risks remain. (Knowable Magazine)+ A woman in the US is the third person to receive a gene-edited pig kidney. (MIT Technology Review)
8 This Abu Dhabi royal is obsessed with AI And he's willing to splash his colossal wealth to transform his tiny emirate into a major AI player. (WSJ $)
9 Alibaba's new video model is a big hit among AI porn fansAnd they're already sharing their creations. (404 Media)+ Three ways we can fight deepfake porn. (MIT Technology Review)
10 No good can come from having your read receipts turned onDo yourself a favor and switch 'em off. (Vox)
Quote of the day
"I recommend being in the office at least every weekday… I think we have all the ingredients to win this race, but we are going to have to turbocharge our efforts."
—Google co-founder Sergey Brin urges the company's AI teams to work harder to beat its competition to become the first firm to achieve artificial general intelligence, the New York Times reports.
The big story
The US wants to use facial recognition to identify migrant children as they age
August 2024
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to collect and analyze photos of the faces of migrant children at the border in a bid to improve facial recognition technology, MIT Technology Review can reveal.
The technology has traditionally not been applied to children, largely because training data sets of real children's faces are few and far between, and consist of either low-quality images drawn from the internet or small sample sizes with little diversity. Such limitations reflect the significant sensitivities regarding privacy and consent when it comes to minors.
In practice, the new DHS plan could effectively solve that problem. But, beyond concerns about privacy, transparency, and accountability, some experts also worry about testing and developing new technologies using data from a population that has little recourse to provide—or withhold—consent. Read the full story.
—Eileen Guo
We can still have nice things
A place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet 'em at me.)
+ Congratulations to Hilda Jackson, 105 years young and still raving!+ If you're a chronic procrastinator, here's some helpful tips to break the cycle.+ All aboard the dog bus! (thanks Beth!)+ In more canine news, I need a one-way ticket to Puppy Mountain, stat.
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