The Bitcoin Miami 2023 conference, held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, was a melting pot of ideas, debates, and revelations. The event, which is moving to Nashville in 2024, brought together Bitcoin enthusiasts, industry heavyweights, and political figures, sparking intense discussions and offering key insights into the future of Bitcoin.
The Clash of Bitcoin "Maxis" and the Ordinal Crowd
One of the most notable events at the conference was the clash between Bitcoin purists and the new Ordinals and BRC-20 “rebel alliance”. The Bitcoin Ordinals Debate, which took center stage, delved into the implications of ordinals, which have divided the Bitcoin community. While some see the extended use cases for BTC offered by BRC-20 as a boon, others view them as an attack on the world's biggest cryptocurrency due to the network congestion and fee spikes they bring.
A glance at overall Inscriptions on Bitcoin via Dune Charts via user @dgtl_assets
Michael Saylor, CEO of MicroStrategy and a prominent Bitcoin evangelist, weighed in on the issue. He emphasized the importance of the discussion of ordinal inscriptions for Bitcoin's long-term success, stating that for Bitcoin miners to be successful and for companies, governments, and individuals to adopt Bitcoin, it is necessary to develop applications on layer two and layer three.
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Key Takeaways from the Conference
The conference was not just about debates; it also offered key insights into the future of Bitcoin. Presidential hopefuls Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard highlighted Bitcoin's values and importance as a tool against governmental overreach. They criticized the hostile climate for crypto companies and investors in the US, such as the 30% Bitcoin mining tax, and pledged to ensure Bitcoin remains the global hub of crypto.
Another highlight was the announcement by Jack Mallers, CEO of Strike, that his Bitcoin payments company has expanded to 65 countries and is moving its global headquarters to El Salvador. This move is seen as a response to the friendlier regulatory environment in El Salvador vs the uncertain US regulatory environment.
The Move to Nashville
After three years in Florida, the world's largest Bitcoin conference is moving to Nashville in 2024. This move is seen as a fresh start for the conference, which has been a platform for passionate discussions about the impact of Bitcoin. With the next Bitcoin halving locked in for late April next year, and the Ordinals and BRC-20 movement growing, the 2024 conference in Nashville is expected to bring new dynamics and discussions to the table.
Conclusion
Despite the ongoing crypto winter, Bitcoin Miami 2023 served as a platform for passionate discussions about the impact of Bitcoin, including its role in the battle for society in a technological and authoritarian landscape. The conference may have been heavy on the Bitcoin rhetoric, but it provided a feast of worthwhile ideas, innovation, and discussions for everyone. As the conference moves to Nashville next year, it is setting itself up as a springboard to a much sunnier 2024.