SXSW Interactive 2015

2015: A Bitcoin Odyssey

Bitcoin is one of the first currencies born on the Internet to be used in the real economy. Despite an explosion in media coverage, virtual currencies such as Bitcoin are often misunderstood. This focus on Bitcoin as a volatile and even renegade currency may be distracting governments and businesses from its potential long-term significance as a disruptive new money technology.

This panel will debate future scenarios for Bitcoin from hyperbitcoinization to its marginalization and death. It will also dispute what will go mainstream: bitcoin the currency or Bitcoin the technology. The panelists will discuss emerging use cases for the technology from identity management to commodity trading and the challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities that will arise for both government and the private sector. The panelists’ views and hopes for Bitcoin range from optimistic to bearish, so expect a lively and heated conversation!