I've noticed a few comments about ETHDenver being dead this year. I think what's really happening is we're seeing a growing inequality between the big teams and the floor projects.

There are many respectable, product-led protocols with conference budget now, e.g. EigenLayer, Uniswap, Coinbase/Base, and so on. At the same time, we're seeing fewer talented outfits racing to find product-market fit. Hacking has become a side event comparatively to my last attendance at ETHGlobal NYC.

Outside of ETHDenver, the meta has shifted from "first to market" to "best at market." Teams can't just be scrappy — they need to be focused with time here if they want to get noticed and attention moves toward organized side events.

It's not better or worse, just different. The ecosystem is growing up, and the conference circuit is changing with it.

I've noticed a few comments about ETHDenver being dead this year. I think what's really happening is we're seeing a growing inequality between the big teams and the floor projects.

There are many respectable, product-led protocols with conference budget now, e.g. EigenLayer, Uniswap, Coinbase/Base, and so on. At the same time, we're seeing fewer talented outfits racing to find product-market fit. Hacking has become a side event comparatively to my last attendance at ETHGlobal NYC.

Outside of ETHDenver, the meta has shifted from "first to market" to "best at market." Teams can't just be scrappy — they need to be focused with time here if they want to get noticed and attention moves toward organized side events.

It's not better or worse, just different. The ecosystem is growing up, and the conference circuit is changing with it.