John Paller, the founder of ETHDenver, indicated that the popular Ethereum-focused conference is unlikely to relocate from Colorado despite strong attendance and interest in moving. The 2025 event attracted around 25,000 participants from February 23 to March 2, which included the state’s governor, several representatives from the crypto industry, and U.S. lawmakers.
ETHDenver, inaugurated in 2017, commenced this year with its traditional BUIDLWeek, offering technical presentations, boot camps, and networking sessions for developers. Despite the discourse surrounding the decline in major token prices, the prevailing atmosphere was largely optimistic.
The event embraced a family-friendly vibe, with children entertained by various mascots, including the beloved ETHDenver Bufficorn, a hybrid of buffalo and unicorn. In addition to family entertainment, adults enjoyed activities like poker, Dogecoin-themed vehicle giveaways, and merchandise managed by SporkDAO.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis delivered remarks at the opening ceremony on February 27, lightheartedly claiming credit for Denver’s unusually warm weather, exceeding 60Âş Fahrenheit. While various panels addressed topics such as cyber threats and cryptocurrency’s role in banking, the conference also dedicated a day to policy discussions on February 28.
Governor Polis highlighted Colorado’s forward-thinking stance by mentioning the acceptance of cryptocurrency tax payments since 2022 and the limited use of digital identification for residents. He reasoned that these innovations contribute to why ETHDenver plans to stay put, emphasizing, “We are central, easy to get to, fun, and we are a center of innovation.”
In the backdrop of recent SEC activities, Joe Lubin, CEO of Consensys, hailed the SEC’s decision to dismiss an enforcement action against his firm, marking it as an opportunity to intensify advocacy for Ethereum and the industry at large. However, one notable absence was Bo Hines, executive director at former President Donald Trump’s crypto working group, who canceled his appearance to prepare for a forthcoming crypto summit at the White House on March 7, where several industry leaders are anticipated to gather.
