Quantum Computing, AI, Digital Assets Expert to Conclude UW Blockchain Stampede

One of the nation’s leading experts in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital assets is the concluding keynote speaker at the ninth annual Wyoming Blockchain Stampede Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the University of Wyoming.

Dan Conway, chair of the US Blockchain National Body and leader of the Global Business Blockchain Council standards mapping initiative, will discuss “The Four Blades of the Future: Blockchain, AI, Quantum, and 6G.” Conway is a teaching professor at the University of Arkansas and a visiting lecturer at UW.

The Wyoming Blockchain Stampede is presented by the UW Center for Blockchain and Digital Innovation (CBDI) and features public sessions showcasing state, national and academic experts in blockchain and innovative technologies.

This year’s event will commemorate the late Steve Lupien, the CBDI’s Ada Lovelace Director, who died this summer following an illness.

Activities begin with a public meeting of the Wyoming Legislature’s Select Committee on Blockchain, Financial Technology and Digital Innovation Technology Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 28-29, in the Wyoming Union at 13th and Ivinson streets in Laramie. Committee meetings begin at 8:30 a.m. each day in Room 212.

An industry networking event and dinner honoring Lupien will be held Sept. 29 starting at 4:30 p.m. in the Business Building atrium.

The Wyoming Blockchain Stampede is free and open to the public. Preregistration is required for the Tuesday night dinner and to receive a pass for the Wednesday lunch. Visit www.uwyo.edu/stampede for registration and event information.

Doors open at 8 a.m. Sept. 30 to pick up registration credentials. A light breakfast will be available, with a welcome featuring Caitlin Long and event emcee Tyler Lindholm, former legislator and Americans for Prosperity state director, starting at 8 a.m. Panel presentations begin at 9 a.m.

Other speakers are Long, founder and CEO of Cheyenne’s Custodia Bank; Anthony Apollo, executive director of the Wyoming Stable Token Commission; Jeremy Bishop, Wyoming banking commissioner; state Sen. Chris Rothfuss, co-chair of the Legislature’s Select Committee on Blockchain, Financial Technology and Digital Innovation Technology; Julie Hill, dean of the UW College of Law; Eric Alston, UW assistant professor of Law; Tyler Gentry, founder of NEED-AID; Dalton Gregory, UW graduate and co-founder of Plentitude; Rylan O’Bryan, Wyoming Business Council portfolio analyst and Wyoming Venture Capital Program senior associate; J. Christian Barlow, founder, and John C. Barlow, co-founder, RWAP; Marc Kenton, CBDI faculty member, a technology entrepreneur and cybersecurity executive with over 25 years of experience in IT, investment and business development; and Ben Cook, UW College of Business senior assistant dean and CBDI interim director.

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis are scheduled to make pre-recorded video remarks.

For more information or interest in becoming a Stampede sponsor, email blockchain@uwyo.edu.