Global NFT Summit

Online events enable global audience engagement, data collection, and growth potential. Embracing this platform enhances reach, fosters connections, and drives results. Their scalability and accessibility boost visibility and provide actionable insights, positioning brands for sustainable success in a competitive landscape.

In July 2021, I led the creation of the Global NFT Summit, an innovative online event that attracted over 4,000 participants worldwide. My main goal was to shift the perception of the NFT industry beyond art and collectibles, driven by my passion to redefine its potential.

I designed a remote summit that addressed this narrative, highlighting diverse applications of NFT technologies and connecting Web 2 and Web 3. This initiative evolved into a larger event in its second year, expanding to include both online and in-person experiences in London. This case study focuses specifically on the second more hybrid iteration of the summit:

The Numbers

• 10,000+ attendees.

• £350K sponsorship revenue.

• £200K ticket sales.

Content & Structure

The Online Iteration of the Global NFT Summit in both 2021 and 2022 featured two distinct tracks:

Future of NFTs: Technology & Progressions

• Sessions on minting, staking, burning, tokenomics, and community-building.

• Technical discussions on NFT standards, Web 3.0, 5G, blockchain scalability, and Ethereum 2.0.

  Panels on identity, social sustainability, DAOs, and decentralizing data control.
  
  Applications to Industry

• Use cases in art, gaming, digital land, DeFi, e-commerce, music, sports, supply chain, and charity.

• Addressed ownership, piracy prevention, and title transfer opportunities.

Planning and Execution

• Timeline: Over five months, I assembled a dedicated team to organise this event. The agenda was curated by me, while I hired then project managed a team, supporting marketing, platform management, and sales.

• Key Collaborators & Sponsors: Working with one other sales person, we secured £350K in sponsorship from major partners:

  • Naver, Forte, Crowdbotics, Axelar Network, Algorand, SuperWorld, Venly, Reality+, MintLab, Alien Worlds, and others.

• Platform: Assessed the market and eventually partnered with Airmeet to co-build a customised platform tailored for interactivity, networking, and lead generation.

• Features included live Q&A, polling, roundtables, speed networking, virtual sponsor booths, and audience moderation tools.

Event Highlights & Impact

• Attendance: Over 10,000 unique registrants attended across two days.

• Speakers & Panels, featuring prominent organisations such as:

  • Adobe, Microsoft, Sotheby’s, Beeple, NBA Digital, Decentraland, OpenSea, and more.

• Diverse representation spanning art, gaming, music, sports, fashion, ecommerce, finance, supply chain, ESG and more.

• Topics Covered: Comprehensive agenda encompassing technology advancements and industry applications, as outlined in the introduction.

• Feedback: Positive participant feedback and high engagement across social media.

• Outcomes: Sparked post-event collaborations, showcased innovative use cases, and set a benchmark for NFT-related conferences.

Challanges & Lessons Learned

• Virtual vs IRL: To meet the needs of IRL events in a virtual format, I analysed key interactive components for genuine connection. Collaborating with Airmeet, I gathered user feedback over the course of 150 online events, to improve participant interaction. The pandemic has highlighted the necessity for immersive experiences that mimic face-to-face dynamics. Worknig with Airmeet to evolve features like live Q&A, breakout rooms, speed networking and roundtables and interactive polls, fosters engagement and community, preserving the essence of in-person events, however ultimately, the goal is to use technology to seamlessly blend interaction and engagement, adapting to attendees' evolving expectations in a digital world. This is something central to the planning of any remote event.

• Navigating the challenges posed by anonymity in the formation of this event required a strategic approach that balanced the principles of engagement with the need for accountability. Recognising that traditional methods of audience interaction might not apply effectively in a Web 3 context, I focused on establishing frameworks that encouraged participation while maintaining respect for anonymity. This involved creating inclusive platforms for feedback where users could express their opinions without fear of exposure, thus promoting open dialogue. Additionally, I implemented clear guidelines that outlined acceptable behavior, which helped mitigate potential issues stemming from misinformation or negative interactions within anonymous groups. By fostering a sense of community and emphasizing shared values, I was able to build trust with participants, ensuring that the event not only embraced the decentralized nature of Web 3 but also upheld the integrity and objectives of our brand.

• Technical Issues: During the event, a security breach from an engagement competition disrupted the system. I announced the issue to attendees and closed the competition to protect the live stream. I then coordinated with the technical team to enhance future security measures. These actions helped maintain a seamless online experience and focused participant attention on the main program, preserving event integrity and leading to improved security protocols.

• Market Conditions: The success of NFT events was, in part, driven by the bull market, which enhanced interest and participation. I capitalised on this momentum during a pandemic when IRL events were on hold. As market conditions turned bearish and investments declined, it was essential for me to reassess the viability of our initiatives. I made the decision to close NFT events and explore establisted opportunities outside of Web 3. Despite the downturn, continued demand for NFT events indicates potential market interest when conditions improve. Notably, we expanded our offering before this decision, to include conferences like Web 3 Live, the Global DeFi Conference and Enter The Metaverse, demonstrating the sustained interest in NFT and blockchain themes

• Evolving Demand: As in-person events regained popularity post-pandemic, online offerings were scaled down but retained for specific needs like global outreach and team education.

VIEW NFT SUMMIT EVENT RECORDINGS

THE CASE STUDY IN SERVICES

Strategic Planning and Development

• Conducted comprehensive market research and competitor analysis to inform the summit's strategy.

• Developed a detailed project timeline and milestones to ensure timely execution of key deliverables.

Stakeholder Management

• Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, including sponsors, speakers, and participants to foster collaboration.

• Facilitated regular communication between stakeholders to align expectations and obtain feedback throughout the planning process.

Risk Management

• Implemented a proactive risk management strategy to identify potential challenges and develop contingency plans.

• Monitored project progress and adapted plans as necessary to mitigate risks and ensure project success.

Post-Event Analysis

• Conducted a thorough analysis of event outcomes against predefined success metrics to assess performance.

• Gathered participant feedback through surveys and interviews to identify areas for improvement and enhance future events.

Content Creation and Curation

• Developed engaging content and multimedia materials to enrich participant experience and promote key messages.

• Coordinated with speakers and industry experts to ensure high-quality presentations and discussions.

Technical Support and Training

• Provided on-site technical support during the event to ensure seamless execution of all virtual components.

• Trained team members and volunteers on platform functionalities to facilitate a smooth attendee experience.

These additions will provide a more comprehensive view of your skills and demonstrate a well-rounded approach to project management and execution, ultimately strengthening the overall case study.

Why Choose Me for Your Online Event?

Proven Track Record: I have successfully hosted over 150 online events during the pandemic, including prestigious gatherings such as the Global NFT Summit. This extensive experience ensures that I understand the nuances of online engagement and can deliver exceptional results.

Custom Solutions: I specialize in creating tailored platforms and agendas designed specifically to maximize engagement and return on investment (ROI). Every event is customized to meet the unique needs and goals of my clients, ensuring a memorable experience for participants.

Industry Connections: My robust network includes a global array of thought leaders, influential brands, and potential sponsors. These connections can be leveraged to enhance your event, bringing in high-caliber speakers and additional resources that boost visibility and value.

Versatility: With a comprehensive expertise in both online and hybrid event formats, I am equipped to adapt to the changing preferences of audiences. Whether your audience is fully virtual or a blend of in-person and online participants, I can craft an engaging and dynamic experience that resonates with all attendees.

Ready to Create Your Own Global Event?

Whether you’re looking to launch a thought leadership summit, build an engaged community, or showcase innovations, I can help you achieve your goals. Let’s collaborate to design an unforgettable online event experience.