Corporate Events, Incentives, Conference Management | First Event

World’s Largest Blockchain Event Cardano Summit 2021

Client

Overview

Cardano is a global leader in blockchain technology, renowned for its developer-focused ecosystem and innovative approach to cryptocurrency. In 2021, the foundation aimed to bring its worldwide community together after a disconnected period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal was to create an immersive hybrid event that connected developers, partners, and enthusiasts across continents, celebrating creativity, collaboration, and knowledge sharing in the world of blockchain.

The Cardano Summit 2021 was more than an online conference, it was a global gathering of innovators, providing opportunities for interaction, engagement, and inspiration across multiple virtual and physical touchpoints. First Event was brought in to transform this vision into the world’s largest-ever blockchain event, creating a seamless hybrid experience for attendees everywhere.

A panel of six people sit on stage at a blockchain event, in front of a large screen displaying the Cardano logo and a city skyline with water in the foreground. A man speaks into a microphone on stage beside a DJ at a blockchain event, while a lively crowd cheers, takes photos, and films the moment in a colorful, indoor concert setting. Four people are gathered around a laptop and camera setup, recording or livestreaming at a blockchain event. A patterned backdrop with words like “Cardano” and “impact” is behind them, along with visible cables and recording equipment. Three men wearing cowboy hats stand together talking under glowing purple and pink tree lights at a blockchain event. One man gestures with his hand while the others listen, creating a casual and festive atmosphere.

The Challenge

Delivering a global hybrid event of this scale presented several unique challenges:

  • Engage over 140,000 attendees from 180+ countries across multiple time zones.

  • Provide a highly interactive, immersive virtual experience that replicated the engagement of a live event.

  • Facilitate simultaneous watch parties in cities including New York, Miami, Wyoming, Berlin, Cape Town, and London.

  • Ensure seamless streaming of 130+ pre-recorded presentations, talks, and lectures from 25 global speakers.

  • Offer technical support around the clock to cater to a diverse international audience.

  • Maintain the excitement, community interaction, and brand presence of a live event despite the hybrid format.

Event Success

140,000+

attendees across 180+ countries

1.4 million

Page views on the event platform

130+

On-demand sessions

Our Solution

We approached the summit as a story of global connection, where every element contributed to an immersive, engaging, and seamless experience:

  1. Global Hub

    The Wyoming main stage was the epicentre, streaming live and pre-recorded sessions worldwide. Telepresence robots connected in-person and virtual attendees seamlessly.

  2. Interactive Virtual Worlds

    Seven themed worlds; Cardano, Utility, Impact, Governance, Adoption, Catalyst, Community let delegates explore, engage, play games, attend talks, and interact in real time with presenters.

  3. Immersive Watch Parties

    Local watch parties featured registration desks, networking, refreshments, merchandise, and live entertainment, combining streamed content with on-the-ground experiences.

  4. Seamless Content Delivery

    Over 130 talks were pre-recorded, edited, and streamed flawlessly to 140,000+ users. 25 speaker packs ensured presenters were fully prepared.

  5. 24/7 Attendee Support

    Our technical team was on hand around the clock to help delegates access content, navigate virtual worlds, and participate without disruption.

Why

It Worked

The summit’s success was driven by three core factors:

  1. Immersive hybrid experience: By merging interactive virtual worlds with live watch parties, we created a sense of presence and connection for every attendee.
  2. Seamless global engagement: Attendees could explore content, network, and participate across time zones, ensuring inclusivity and a truly worldwide community.
  3. Attention to detail and technical support: From avatar-based interactivity to round-the-clock assistance, every touchpoint was designed to maximise engagement and enjoyment.

Explore More

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