The number of Bitcoin dedicated conferences to in 2015 suffered a considerable drop. Last year, Bitcoin conferences were held at least one per month on average. Currently, we have seen them drop down and being replaced with the showcasing of blockchain technology and payment innovation at various FinTech conferences..
Montreal has the most bitcoin ATMs per capita, and it would be the welcoming change for Montreal, home of the world’s first Bitcoin Embassy, to at least get one Bitcoin conference. Unfortunately, the Montreal Bitcoin Expo is being postponed, apparently because the organizers are having some difficulties in finding sponsors.
Now, the conference website no longer shows any details, rather a large headline, “Montreal Bitcoin Expo-Withdrawal Announcement”, followed by explanations of the situation in English and French. The message’s tone and the fact that all details have been scrubbed from the site seem to suggest that the indefinite postponement is in fact, a cancelation.
The conference would have brought together local and international pioneers in the field and offer discussions on both basic and advanced topics.
The organizers stated:
“Although we are all saddened by this turn of events, we look forward to continue to assist and educate the growing number of Montreals who use bitcoin in their daily lives. We remain committed to our ongoing efforts to spread knowledge about the wonders and possibilities of bitcoin as a solid alternative to traditional currencies. We wish to extend our best wishes of success to all bitcoin users in the island of Montreal and beyond, and we invite you to stay tuned for future updates.”
Part of the problem was that unlike most Bitcoin conferences, this one was to be free of charge for attendees, supported by sponsors. Due to the unfortunate circumstance of low financial sponsorship support the organizers wouldn’t be able to hold the convention conference free-of-charge for the attendees.
Whether it’s a devalued bitcoin or simply a matter of interest remains to be examined, but the trend will likely continue and there may even be fewer events in the years to come. For now, the organizers postponed the convention without making any mention of a possible reschedule.