Corporate Events, Incentives, Conference Management | First Event

Building on Cardano, Together The Cardano Summit 2022

Client

Overview

Who is The Cardano Foundation

A non-profit at the centre of one of the world’s most active blockchain communities; on a mission to drive global adoption of Cardano for positive change.

When it came to their annual global summit, they went bigger than ever. For the first time, the flagship stage left the US for Lausanne, Switzerland, uniting the community under #BuildingOnCardano. With over 30,000 people joining in person, online, and at community-led events worldwide, this was set to be their most ambitious, impact-driven summit yet.

Cardano Summit 2022 Cardano Summit 2022 Cardano Summit 2022 Cardano Summit 2022

The Challenge

Pulling off a global summit of this scale usually takes a year. We had four months.

As well as making it the largest gathering of the Cardano community ever, in that time, we needed to:

  • Build a seamless hybrid experience linking Lausanne with 51 watch parties worldwide.

  • Design and run a world-class conference packed with sessions, workshops, and the first-ever blockchain-based community awards.

  • Create a standout exhibition and inspiring networking spaces.

  • Deliver VIP experiences that felt premium and unforgettable.

  • Manage travel and logistics for hundreds of international guests.

  • Craft a virtual platform that gave remote attendees the same buzz as being there in person.

Global Event Attendees

1,700

in-person attendees

30,000+

virtual attendees

51

community-led events worldwide

“First Event is the dream extension to our small but mighty team. They not only think about our needs as the client, but the delegate experience; ensuring every tiny noticeable thing is taken care of.’’

Our Solution

We brought together a 36-strong dream team covering every area of expertise; creative, technical, logistics, hybrid production, to bring the vision to life.

  1. Conference & Awards

    We transformed two auditoriums into fully accessible spaces for back-to-back talks, panels, and workshops. For the first time, we introduced community awards powered by the Cardano blockchain; giving attendees a transparent, hands-on voting process they could trust.

  2. An Exhibition Like No Other

    Forget generic stands. We built the Cardano Market; glowing neon huts, living moss walls, and an energy that matched the innovation of the brand.

  3. Memorable VIP Moments

    From a welcome dinner overlooking Lake Geneva to exclusive dining experiences in Geneva, we designed evenings that felt as special as the occasion. Add a gala dinner, a closing party, and multiple networking receptions, and the social calendar was as strong as the conference agenda.

  4. Smooth Journeys, No Stress

    Flights, hotels, transfers; every detail of travel was handled so attendees could arrive ready to connect and enjoy.

  5. A Hybrid Experience Worth Logging In For

    Lausanne became the heartbeat of 51 global watch parties. We built custom APIs, an event app with an NFT scavenger hunt, and a virtual replica of the venue where avatars could network, join sessions, and explore. Every keynote and workshop was streamed and later available on demand, extending the experience far beyond the event weekend.

Why

It Worked

We didn’t just plan an event, we created a global moment.

  • Community-first focus: Every detail, from blockchain voting to gamified app challenges, was built to celebrate and connect the Cardano community.
  • Hybrid with equal weight: Virtual attendees weren’t an afterthought; their experience was just as engaging as those in Lausanne.
  • Design that told a story: From neon-lit moss huts to lakeside dinners, every touchpoint reflected Cardano’s forward-thinking brand.
  • Tech-driven engagement: Custom-built tools and integrations kept people interacting before, during, and after the event.
  • Agility under pressure: Four months, no compromises. We hit every deadline without losing creative ambition.

The result? A flagship summit that united the Cardano community like never before, smashed attendance records, and set a new standard for blockchain events.

Six people are seated on stage in a panel discussion at the Cardano Summit. One woman is speaking while others listen. A sign in the foreground reads Cardano Summit 2022, with blue and green lighting highlighting the scene. A large screen displays “Cardano Summit Awards 2022 EMURGO” in a dark event hall, illuminated by dramatic yellow and red stage lights, with plants and event equipment setting the scene at the Cardano Summit. Aerial view of a busy convention hall during Cardano Summit, with multiple booths, groups of people networking, and large windows letting in natural light. Booths display company names like SoundSwap, Coinloan, and Taurus. A DJ performs at a vibrant, colorful nightclub during the Cardano Summit, surrounded by hanging flowers and foliage. People dance in the background under blue and purple lights, adding to the lively, festive atmosphere.

Explore More

Want to see how we create an unmissable event? Explore our conference services or get in touch with our expert event team.