“Growing Wyoming” is the theme of the seventh annual Wyoming Blockchain Stampede Sept. 16-21 at the University of Wyoming.
The seventh annual Stampede is presented by the UW Center for Blockchain and Digital Innovation (CBDI). The Stampede features top experts in innovative technologies; economic development; startups; fintech; quantum computing; Bitcoin mining; digital literacy; and digital asset regulation and law.
The week includes a meeting of the Wyoming Legislature’s Select Committee on Blockchain, Financial Technology and Digital Innovation Technology; the UW College of Business Career Fair; the Second Wyoming Computing Symposium: “Data Analytics and Computing Advances for Drone Applications (DACADA);” a meeting of Wyoming Stable Token Commission; Cardano Day; and the Stampede eSports Meetup and Competition.
These events are free and open to the public. For more information on the Symposium, visit www.uwyo.edu/soc/news-events/events/full-page-events/wyoming-computing-symposium-2024.html.
Also, as part of the CBDI Bitcoin Mining Initiative, representatives of the Bitcoin Mining industry and energy sector will meet in the “Bitcoin Mining & Energy Summit” during the Stampede.
Download Wyoming Blockchain Stampede program (pdf) |
Among featured speakers will be Caitlin Long, CEO and founder, Custodia Bank, Cheyenne, Wyo., which specializes in digital asset payment and custody solutions for US businesses; Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon; Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray; Matt Fields, CEO of Cheyenne-based VMAccel, a global AI Infrastructure and Platform (AI-P) company; Anthony Apollo, Executive Director, Wyoming Stable Token Commission; UW President Ed Seidel; Gabrielle Allen, UW School of Computing director; Bradley Rettler, UW Associate Professor of Philosophy and UW Bitcoin Research Institute director; State Sen. Chris Rothfuss, co-chair, Select Committee on Blockchain, Financial Technology and Digital Innovation Technology; Julie Hill, dean, UW Law School; Steve Lupien, CBDI Ada Lovelace director, CBDI; Adam Ortolf, U.S./International business development manager, Upstream Data; Bradley Rettler, UW Bitcoin Research Center director; Pierre Rochard, vice president of research, Riot Platforms; and Wyoming state Sen. Chris Rothfuss, co-chair of the Select Committee on Blockchain, Financial Technology and Digital Innovation Technology Also scheduled to speak are John Belitsky, chief strategy officer and co-founder of Balcony Technology; Jerimiah Bishop, Wyoming banking commissioner; Rocky Case, Manufacturing Works director; Jacqueline Cooper and Matt Rogers, Blockchain Legal Institute; Betsey Hale, CEO, Cheyenne LEADS; Robert Jenkins, CEO, Dark Forge Solutions; Tyler Lindholm, Americans for Prosperity state director; Amanda Martinez, founder, ClimateChain; David A. Pope, CPA CGMA, and Wyoming Stable Token Commission member; Marko Ruble, Yerguides.io; Kyle Schneps, vice president of public policy, Foundry; Ian Northon, co-founder and chief legal officer at Bitcoin Ocean LLC; Collin Crossman, deputy secretary of state of Wyoming; Thomas Amdemariam, Strategic Partnerships & Business Development Director, AI, Foundry; Cody Harris; Joe Mayo; Alex Pruden, executive director of Aleo Foundation; Stephanie Reece, gBETA Wyoming Program Manager; Jack Terranova, CEO of 44 West Mining; and Rachel Silverstein, founding partner, Firm21m. “Thanks to the Wyoming Legislature and Gov. Mark Gordon, Wyoming has become a worldwide leader in laws laying the groundwork for creating and applying blockchain and other innovative technologies,” said Lupien. “The Wyoming Blockchain Stampede is not only a celebration of what has been accomplished, but a recognition of achievements at the University of Wyoming and innovators around the state. This year, the Stampede will examine how innovation and imagination is a catalyst for growing Wyoming.” The title sponsor of the stampede is IOG. Other sponsors include Custodia Bank, 44 West Mining, Aleo, Block Time Financial, CleanSpark, Owlting Blockchain Services, VMAccel, the UW Bitcoin Research Center, UW College of Business, the UW Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; and the UW School of Computing and UW School of Energy. To contact the Stampede, email blockchain@uwyo.edu. News media is welcome. Please register at eventbrite.com/e/wyoming-blockchain-stampede-2024-tickets. While the event is free, pre-registration helps ensure that there will be enough staff, food, drink and other resources to support attendees. |
The Bitcoin Mining and Energy Summit on Wednesday, Sept. 18, is designed to foster economic development in Wyoming by educating Bitcoin miners, utilities, energy extractors, and policymakers about the state's opportunities in Bitcoin mining.
“This event aims to establish a foundational understanding of Bitcoin mining for Wyoming energy professionals, enabling them to form meaningful relationships with leading companies in the Bitcoin mining sector and create tangible economic benefits for Wyoming,” says Matt Skrlac, CBDI Summit organizer.
This summit aligns sponsored by 44 West Mining, with the mission of the Bitcoin Mining Initiative under the Center for Blockchain and Digital Innovation by informing key stakeholders about the potential of Bitcoin mining in the state. It also supports the UW’s broader mission to drive economic development in the Cowboy State, leveraging Wyoming's abundant energy resources and favorable legislation. The Summit will be held in Room 506 of Coe Library.
Stampede eSports Meetup and Competition
Presented in part by the UW eSports Club, the public is invited to patriciate in the Stampede eSports Meetup on Friday, Sept. 20, from noon to 6 p.m., Wyoming Union lower level at the Pokes Pub and Game Room. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own devices or they can use the gaming PCs provided in the Gaming Room. On Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Wyoming high school, Wyoming community college, and regional university eSports teams will face off in the Union Gaming Room against each other and the UW Rocket League team.
"This event is to showcase the educational value of eSports at all levels of academia and the great talent we have in Wyoming," says Joey Marchand, CBDI event coordinator.
Cardano Day
Cardano Day on Saturday, Sept. 21, is designed to provide participants with a foundational understanding of blockchain technology, focusing on Cardano and smart contracts. This event is for those looking to explore beyond the hype of cryptocurrencies and gain practical knowledge on building applications using Cardano. The event is an immersive experience, ensuring that participants leave with actionable insights and skills.
Stampede tentative agenda:
College of Business Department 3275
1000 E. University Avenue | Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-3807
Email: blockchain@uwyo.edu