The European Commission, INATBA, the EU Blockchain Observatory and Forum and Alastria join forces to organise Convergence – the Global Blockchain Congress

A joint organising team composed of the European Commission, INATBA, the EU Blockchain Observatory and Forum and Alastria are putting on the first edition of Convergence, the Global Blockchain Congress to be held from November 11-13, 2019 in Málaga, Spain.

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Convergence aims to bring together a worldwide community of regulators, policy makers, industry influencers, C-suite and other corporate representatives, developers, researchers and entrepreneurs for an intense dialogue. It offers participants a chance to take part in direct discussion with the movers and shapers of the blockchain industry, and thereby help define not just the future of blockchain but the next-generation Internet and digital economy.

Roberto Viola, European Commission Director-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, said:

“The European Commission supports the development of blockchain technology as an important tool for innovation in our economy, the public sector and society as a whole. As policymakers, we are keen to hear what stakeholders in the blockchain industry have to say. Convergence is a key contribution to this effort. With its size, high-quality speakers, and broad exploration of convergent themes in blockchain technology, regulation and research, Convergence has all it takes to become the pre-eminent gathering of the global blockchain community.”

A unique event

Attendees will enjoy a number of opportunities not available at any other blockchain gathering. These include:

• A chance to talk directly with regulators and policy makers. Unlike other conferences, Convergence offers participants a chance to take part in direct discussion with regulators and policy makers as well as other important stakeholders. It is a unique opportunity to interact with many of the people and organisations who will be influencing the future of blockchain.
• Opportunity to help set blockchain priorities for the coming year. Participants will be able to take part in a conference-wide discussion of important priority directions and topics for blockchain, with the aim of catalysing industry efforts to solve potential hurdles and enable innovation.
• Participation in a global event. The inaugural edition of Convergence will be held in Málaga, Spain, but the conference is conceived on an international scale, with speakers and participants drawn from the global blockchain community.
• Exposure to and discussion of the blockchain “big picture.” The conference offers a unique opportunity to explore and help build a common vision through its utility in terms of networking, collaborating, innovating and facilitating a direct dialogue with regulators and peers.

Julie Maupin, Chair of the Board of Directors of the International Association for Trusted Blockchain Applications (INATBA) and Director of Social Impact & Public Regulatory Affairs at IOTA Foundation, said:

“At INATBA our goal is to offer those developing and those using DLT a global forum to interact with regulators and policymakers and so bring blockchain technology to the next level. For three days in November, Convergence will be providing just such a forum. Our organisation is delighted to be leading the effort to bring this very special gathering to life on behalf of our over 150 members as well as the global blockchain community. We encourage everyone involved or interested in blockchain to take advantage of this unique opportunity to have their voice heard.”

Convergence will bring together approximately 1,500 participants over three days for a program of presentations, panels, workshops, and cultural events.

It will include:

• A set of keynotes and panel discussions, conducted by high-level speakers and focusing on entrepreneurship, use cases, research, regulation and technology.
• The definition and announcement of blockchain priorities for the coming year, with associated competitions and prizes.
• A Global Blockchain Challenge bringing together developers, regulators and business experts to address priority challenges.
• Creative activities and side programmes aiming to make the conference engaging and enjoyable, with an eye to providing an atmosphere that is both stimulating and conducive to networking and the informal exchange of ideas.
• ‘Ask me anything’ sessions around blockchain technology to foster knowledge sharing.

Ken Timsit, Member of the Management Committee of the EU Blockchain Observatory and Forum and Managing Director at ConsenSys, said:

“At the EU Blockchain Observatory, we have been looking closely at blockchain developments globally and in Europe over the past year. This is clearly a pivotal moment for our young industry. Convergence provides a unique opportunity for all stakeholders in and around blockchain to come together, talk directly with decision-makers, and contribute meaningfully to the effort to solve today’s blockchain hurdles and enable innovation. If there ever was a conference where participants can make a difference, this is it.”

Montse Guardia, Alastria General Manager and President of the Quantum Blockchain Alliance, said:

“Alastria strongly fosters the development and the adoption of DLT technologies worldwide in active cooperation with the key players from industry, public institutions and academia. With more than 460 members, Alastria brings together diverse stakeholders on an equal footing to bootstrap an ecosystem and this is precisely the spirit Convergence brings to the worldwide blockchain community. We are proud to be a founding member of INATBA and we actively support the organisation of Convergence. With its long history as a gateway from Europe to the world, we believe Málaga provides the perfect setting for the inaugural edition of what will be a truly global event.”

Find out more about the event

INATBA, the International Association for Trusted Blockchain Applications, offers developers and users of DLT a global forum to interact with regulators and policymakers and bring blockchain technology to the next stage. Initiated by the European Commission and launched in April 2019, the association already has a membership base of more than 150 organisations, from start-ups to key industry players of various sectors. The association is additionally supported by an Advisory Board including organizations like the OECD, World Food Program, the World Bank, and the United Nations.

• The core objectives of the association are to:
• Establish a permanent dialogue with public authorities and regulators.
• Promote open, transparent and inclusive global governance models for blockchain and DLT.
• Support the development and adoption of interoperability guidelines and global standards.
• Develop sector-specific guidelines and specifications.

You can find out more about INATBA by visiting https://inatba.org.