ICP HUB Presents Global TownHall 2024: Expert Panels on DeFi, DAO & Scaling Web3

"The future is already here — it's just not very evenly distributed."

— William Gibson

The Global TownHall, a 4-hour event hosted by ICP HUB Canada, ICP HUB US, and Quantum Leap Labs, convenes on December 20th from 3 PM to 7 PM EST. This gathering brings together the architects of blockchain's next evolution, not for a hypothetical exploration of possibilities, but to forge a strategic blueprint for the future.

From the disruptive cycles of Bitcoin to the transformative potential of the ICP Ecosystem, the Global TownHall addresses critical challenges such as DeFi scalability and the future of decentralized governance.

Featuring insights from blockchain luminaries like Michael Terpin (the “Godfather of Bitcoin”), top Web3 innovators from MoonPay, CoinList, and CoinTelegraph, and creative pioneers like Hello Labs (producers of Killer Whales), this event bridges technology and culture. Even legendary saxophonist Scott Page of Pink Floyd joins the conversation to talk about blockchain’s impact on art and music.

This is where Web3’s most pressing challenges are dissected, debated, and solved by those who are building the very infrastructure of tomorrow. So mark your calendars, grab your digital seat, and get ready for an afternoon where ideas will ignite and strategies will crystallize.

The Agenda: Moments You Can’t Afford to Miss

The agenda spans thought-provoking and insightful keynotes, expert panels tackling real-world challenges, and showcases of innovations. This year’s Global TownHall promises to deliver strategies and discussions that bridge 2024’s achievements with 2025’s ambitions.

<embed>https://x.com/icphub_ca/status/1867014469592768563<embed>

Opening Remarks (3:00 PM - 3:10 PM)

Javier Arroyo (ICP HUB Canada & US) will set the stage by reflecting on the milestones of 2024 and outlining the ambitious roadmap for 2025. Think of this as the "Previously on..." for ICP's mission to advance blockchain adoption.

Javier's decade of experience across finance and blockchain makes him the perfect narrator for ICP's next chapter. Expect a crisp, strategic overview that reflects ICP’s relentless push towards mainstream blockchain adoption.

Accelerator & Developer Insights (3:10 PM - 3:30 PM)

Next, Anjali Banshal (Program Manager & Head of Dev Relations, Quantum Leap Labs) takes the stage to spotlight the Quantum Leap Labs Accelerator program, an incubator fueling the next wave of Web3 innovators.

She will also break down the latest Electric Capital Developer Report, interpreting its key findings and illustrating how these insights guide strategic decision-making across the ecosystem.

ICP HUBS Global Adoption Team Contributions (3:30 PM - 3:40 PM)

Following these insights, the ICP HUBS Global Adoption Team brings together a wide spectrum of expertise to guide Web3 toward broad-based, sustainable growth—

• Emilio Canessa: Offering a forward-looking vision for Web3 adoption and discussing the future of Web3 and ICP's plans..
• Shashi Shekhar: Will explain the Electric Capital Report and how to use it to attract more developers.
• Kiril Kovaleff: Talk about the crucial role of community engagement, and sharing practical tactics for building strong Web3 communities.
• Karina Liu: Emphasizing brand identity as a cornerstone of trust and credibility in Web3 and how cohesive storytelling drives ecosystem resonance.
• Clement Chaikov: Unpacking the importance of Web3-native experiences that combine security and seamlessness and how to create them.
• Erin Lamb: Demonstrating how operational efficiency and data analytics can help Web3 projects grow.

Collectively, their insights form a comprehensive roadmap for accelerating global Web3 adoption.

Bitcoin Supercycles: Fireside Chat (3:40 PM - 4:10 PM)

Michael Terpin (Co-Founder, BitAngels)—the godfather of blockchain PR—pairs up with Tom Serres, a pioneer in decentralized tech investment. The topic? Bitcoin Supercycles; those seismic, multi-year waves where Bitcoin doesn’t just rise — it roars.

They will discuss how ICP’s infrastructure can harness these cycles to deliver a decentralized future that doesn’t falter under pressure.

Panels: Addressing the Critical Challenges

The challenges facing Web3, from DeFi liquidity to DAO governance, require innovations that push the boundaries of current blockchain capabilities. ICP addresses these issues through—

• DeAI: Enabling AI models to run as verifiable on-chain smart contracts.
• Chain Fusion: Allowing seamless interaction between ICP and major blockchains like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and soon, Solana.

These concepts set the stage for the expert discussions that follow.

Overcoming Challenges in DeFi. Liquidity and Scalability (3:40 PM - 4:20 PM)

Liquidity and scalability are DeFi’s Achilles' heel, and this panel assembles some of the sharpest minds tackling these issues head-on.

• Frederic Fernández (Co-Founder & CMO, DEXTools): Expert in real-time DeFi analytics and security tools.
• Max Chamberlin (Co-Founder & CEO, Bitfinity): Innovator in DeFi infrastructure solutions.
• Aaron Bremser (KongSwap): Focused on decentralized exchange dynamics.
• Corara (ICP Exchange): Brings hands-on experience with decentralized trading platforms.

Moderated by CryptoDarren, this discussion will deliver a practical examination of how DeFi can achieve the liquidity and scalability needed for mass adoption.

Want to know how DeFi survives scalability bottlenecks? This is where you'll find out.

ICP Ecosystem Growth: Chain Fusion & RWA (4:50 PM - 5:30 PM)

Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) are more than a trend — they are molding a new governance and collaboration. This panel unpacks the strategies behind sustainable DAO growth. Key speakers include:

• Melissa Song (Partner, Gold DAO): Resilient DAO structures.
• Silvia Biestro (Co-CEO, ORIGYN Foundation): Innovating in asset verification through DAOs.
• Rishi Chadha (Founder YRAL): Expertise in community-driven growth.
• Kshitij Bhatawdekar (FuelEV): DAO scalability solutions
• Wyatt Benno (Founder, Kinic): Zero-knowledge proofs for DAO transparency.
• Vivi Lin and Sheldon Dearr (Partner, OMNITY Network): Focus on community innovation in DAOs.

Moderated by Aasim Rasheed (Hotcoin Global), this session unpacks the potential of DAOs, Chain Fusion, and real-world asset integration in Web3.

Scaling Web3: Funding and Technological Breakthroughs (5:30 PM - 6:10 PM)

Scaling Web3 is the Holy Grail — and the people on this panel are holding the map. With Web3 pushing towards mainstream adoption, the dual engines of funding and technology must work in tandem. This panel gathers industry leaders who know how to make that happen.

• Scott Keto (President, CoinList): Accelerating Web3 startups.
• Halsey Huth (Head of Growth & Partnerships, MoonPay): Advancing crypto payment infrastructure.
• Sander Gortjes (Co-Founder & CEO, HELLO Labs): Bridging entertainment and Web3 with innovative content.
• Jeff Milligan (CoinTelegraph): Providing a journalistic perspective on blockchain trends..

Moderated by Ken Nim of OffChain Global, this panel promises to be a no-nonsense exploration of what it takes to scale Web3 beyond its current boundaries. This panel isn’t just theory — it’s the blueprint for funding Web3 into reality.

Miami Art Week Recap (6:10 PM - 6:40 PM)

In a world where technology and culture intersect more than ever, Scott Page (of Pink Floyd, Supertramp, and Toto) joins Scott Spiegel (Founder, BitBasel) and Scarlett Arana from BitBasel to discuss takeaways from recent Miami Web3 events. From NFTs to immersive experiences, this segment will explore how blockchain is redefining art and music.

When Scott Page (yes, the saxophonist from Pink Floyd) joins forces with BitBasel’s Scott Spiegel and Scarlett Arana, expect fireworks. This segment blends art, music, and blockchain — a perfect reminder that Web3 is as much about culture as it is about code.

Launch Announcement: ICP HUB USA (6:40 PM - 7:00 PM)

Closing the event, Oszie Tarula announces the launch of ICP HUB USA. This initiative aims to expand ICP’s presence and support deeper engagement with the Web3 community in the United States. If you're looking for the next chapter in ICP's story, this is the prologue.

Why You Need to Be There

The Global TownHall isn’t just another event — it’s a Web3 rendezvous where the future is sketched out in real-time by people who are building it. Whether you're a DeFi dev, DAO enthusiast, or just someone who wants to know what’s next, this is where the signal breaks through the noise.

As Steve Jobs once said, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”

The question is: which one will you be?

Join the conversation here: Global TownHall Twitter Space

For more details and registration: Global TownHall on Luma