Brisbane Australia getting BlockConscious

The BlockConscious Summit, hosted by Paul Seils of Crypto Masterminds, took place in Fortitude Valley, sometimes referred to by cryptocurrency enthusiasts as The Crypto Valley. With over 50 speakers, the Summit addressed most of the key issues, that are currently hot topics in the industry.

Paul Seils and the Team behind BlockConscious Summit 2018

Vital questions have been raised on the legal aspects and taxation of Cryptocurrency. In the talk “How to Stop the Taxman from Hacking Your Crypto Wallets,” former ATO Auditor and self-titled Rogue Accountant Warren Black, who founded WealthSafe, discussed the possibilities that Cryptocurrency and Blockchain opens for accountants.

Ever since the onset of the Crypto-currency industry, questions such as its legality continue to be argued, as some countries are taking drastic actions to limit the continuing influence of cryptocurrencies on the economy.

It was encouraging to hear about the ways that local governments are involved in, and even financially supporting emerging technologies. The Advance Queensland Innovation Initiative, for example, allocates large amounts of funds for startups, demonstrating its commitment to progress for local businesses and people.

Red carpet NEM launch

Attendees have also been invited to a red carpet launch of the first NEM Hub in Australia . NEM is the world’s first smart Asset Blockchain, and the first to use Proof-of-Importance (POI) algorithm. The launch was in conjunction with TravelbyBit. Launching like this promises a good future for the industry.

NEM Blockchain Hub launch Brisbane Australia

TravelByBit as a forward-thinking company has already guaranteed its presence in Agnes Waters 1770 town, along with setting up many retailers at Brisbane Airport with cyptocurrency payments.

NEM launch in conjunction with TravelbyBit

It has often been argued that decentralization will open the future economy to people who have been previously excluded from it, particularly women. It was good to see this shift already taking place in the number of women present at the conference, particularly with Kelly Slattery and Lisa Pace-Renata, whose book Love and Money: Embracing the New Economy came out last May. Kelly emphasized the limitlessness that draws so many people to emerging technologies.

Love and Money book by Kelly Slattery and Lisa Pace-Renata

Abheeti Kathryn Pass of Crypto Clothesline Podcast addressed the ways children can take part in cryptocurrency, paving the way for a healthier relationship with money.

So often, we have tried to shelter our youngest generation from interacting with money, much to their disadvantage. They come of age lacking essential money-handling skills and expertise. Cryptocurrency — and the community that gathered at the conference to support it — fosters this kind of inclusivity that can help us make forward progress and better prepare our kids to take on the real world.

“What is the real value of cryptocurrency?” asked Jet Yap of the CanYa Project, which supports the decentralisation of online services. “It depends on how many people are using it, and what value it brings to them.”

Jet Yap of The CanYa Project

It’s a matter of relevance, and it brings the question: how can we move these valuable lessons from the rooms of the conference out into the world?

Networking

The influence and role which Artificial Intelligence and Robotics will play in the future also featured within the summit, with discussions on ethical consequences that would follow.

Garrett LoPorto, author of The Wayseer’s Manifesto, brought this into perspective with his talk (via videolink) about the radical changes in our perceptions of success. Winning isn’t about money anymore, he said, “Winning is being the most generous person, showing courage and compassion.” The rules of the game are changing, and wealth for wealth’s sake no longer holds the same value. Instead, we want what has truly become rare in the digital age: vulnerability, honesty, and human connection.

John McAfee’s keynote speech

One of the highlights of the conference was undoubtedly John McAfee’s keynote speech — also via videolink. McAfee asked us to examine the technology that we’ve worked so hard to create and promote. If we truly believe in its potential, we have to step up our game. His message was clear: “Are we truly committed or are we just plodding along? Have we created something worth fighting for? Are we willing to jump in with both feet, and use blockchain to improve our lives?”