Blockworks, the renowned crypto conference organizers, are making efforts to book Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris to speak at their upcoming crypto conference. The event, called Permissionless, is scheduled from October 9 to 11 in Salt Lake City, with a special focus on U.S. politics. The initiative to invite Harris comes from some of the largest Democratic donors, including Mike Novogratz, the CEO and founder of Galaxy Digital. These donors have even offered to facilitate communication between Harris’s representatives and the conference organizers. The aim is to bring together individuals from both sides of the political spectrum and make the event inclusive.
Mike Novogratz, a prominent figure in the crypto community and a known Democrat, will be speaking at the event and has been advocating for the community not to ignore Harris. However, there is no confirmation on whether Novogratz is assisting in securing Harris’s attendance at the conference. On the other hand, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump recently gave a pro-crypto speech at Bitcoin 2024 in Nashville, which attracted attention from crypto enthusiasts. Trump, who initially had a negative stance towards crypto, now vows to fire SEC Chairman Gary Gensler on his first day in office and establish a strategic Bitcoin stockpile for the U.S.
Blockworks has also been in discussions with Republican and Democratic politicians from the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate to speak at the event, with a focus on pro-crypto Democrats. At a recent event in Tennessee, attendees expressed disappointment that Harris did not respond to their invitation. However, it was pointed out by U.S. Secret Service agents that given the recent transition of President Joe Biden on July 21, it would have been challenging for Harris to attend the Bitcoin conference even if she had wished to. This suggests that invitations to such high-profile individuals need to be extended well in advance to ensure their attendance.
As the U.S. presidential election draws near, the crypto community is closely watching the candidates’ perspectives on crypto and blockchain technology. The increasing mainstream acceptance of crypto has prompted organizers like Blockworks to actively engage political figures in discussions surrounding the industry. Events like Permissionless aim to bring together individuals from diverse political backgrounds to discuss the future of crypto and its impact on the economy. By inviting politicians from both parties, the organizers hope to foster a bipartisan dialogue and promote the growth and adoption of crypto technology in the U.S.
The potential appearance of Kamala Harris at the Permissionless event could be a significant moment for the crypto industry, as it would signal a shift towards greater acceptance and recognition from mainstream political figures. The involvement of high-profile politicians like Harris and Trump in the crypto space highlights the growing influence and relevance of digital assets in the traditional financial landscape. As the industry continues to evolve and expand, collaborations between the government, regulators, and the crypto community will be crucial in shaping policies that support innovation and growth in the digital asset ecosystem. Blockworks’ efforts to bring together political leaders and crypto enthusiasts at their conference reflect a growing trend of engagement between the two worlds, as stakeholders seek to bridge the gap and work towards a common understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by cryptocurrencies.
In conclusion, the invitation extended to Kamala Harris to speak at the Permissionless crypto conference underscores the increasing interest and attention that mainstream political figures are paying to the crypto industry. By engaging with politicians from both parties and fostering dialogue around crypto technology, events like Permissionless play a crucial role in shaping the future of digital assets in the U.S. The participation of high-profile speakers like Mike Novogratz and the potential appearance of Harris signify a growing alignment between the political establishment and the crypto community, pointing towards a future where digital assets are recognized and integrated into the traditional financial landscape.
