The Ethereum Foundation and Wanxiang Blockchain Labs announced a blockbuster event combining Devcon2 and the 2nd Global Blockchain Summit in Shanghai from September 19-24, 2016.

(Last update: July 5, 2016)

The Ethereum Foundation and Wanxiang Blockchain Institute are pleased to jointly announce the International Blockchain Week in Shanghai. Hyatt on the Bund, September 19-24, 2016. Ethereum’s Devcon and Wanxiang Blockchain Labs’ Global Blockchain Summit were sold out last year with great interest and anticipation for this year’s events. Now people who want to attend both events can do so in the same week.

The combined event features a unique three-part format that allows people to attend on any combination of days that best suits their needs. Two new features include a demo day for startups and investors (powered by Blockchain Labs) and an optional day of organized sightseeing tours, organized on September 18, 2016, a day before the start of the main event. (Note July 5, 2016: If organized tours are offered, this Blockchain Week event will be listed on Wanxiang Blockchain Lab’s events page.)

There are many reasons why this integrated event could be one of the industry’s most anticipated events to date. Importantly, the format and variety of events provide greater interaction and opportunities for attendees to communicate, meet and engage across the events sector. Developers are already planning to attend or participate in sessions from other sectors, and industry leaders involved in blockchain technology plan to attend some of Devcon Day as they have in the past.

For attendees traveling to China for the first time, Shanghai is a global financial hub and home to many Asian blockchain pioneers. There, the blockchain community will continue to grow and share what China has to offer to the larger ecosystem. Coincidentally, from January 30, 2016, short-term travel to China became possible with the new 144-hour visa-free transit policy, which allows travelers from 51 countries or regions to transit in Shanghai for up to 144 hours (6 days). Without a visa. However, it may still be easier to get a visitor visa. I found Description of TWOV in China (Transit without visa) policy would be useful.

The format of the six-day International Blockchain Week in Shanghai is as follows:

Devcon2: Days 1-3 – September 19th, 20th, 21st

Ethereum’s Devcon2 will debut in Asia with support from co-organizer and event partner Wanxiang Blockchain Labs. Devcon2 will continue to feature Ethereum developers who will introduce, present and discuss their latest work in Ethereum research and development, as well as related considerations and topics of interest.

Demo Day: Day 4 – September 22

Co-hosted by Wanxiang Blockchain Labs and ChainB, one of China’s leading blockchain carriers, the Demo Day will feature presentations from the world’s most prominent blockchain-based companies. The event will be of particular interest to investors, venture capital firms and startups.

2nd Global Blockchain Summit: 5-6 – September 23, 24

Hosted by Wanxiang Blockchain Labs, this portion of the conference will feature panels and lectures from blockchain pioneers and industry leaders. Discussions will focus on current and future business use cases, economic and social impacts, and how blockchain technology can be utilized and deployed in trade and other industries.

Wanxiang Holdings Managing Director Xiao Feng said: “China Wanxiang Holding is very excited to have the opportunity, with the support of Wanxiang Blockchain Labs, to contribute to the process of turning Shanghai into an international financial and technology innovation center. I firmly believe that this year’s International Blockchain Week in Shanghai will be a great opportunity for China’s technology China Wanxiang Holding will continue to support Wanxiang Blockchain. Labs aims to become an internationally recognized platform for blockchain innovation.”

For Devcon2 sponsorship opportunities and other inquiries, please email: devcon@ethereum.org

Please email us for sponsorship of the 2nd Global Blockchain Summit and Demo Day, presentation opportunities, and other inquiries. summit2016@blockchainlabs.org

Save the date and check out this Ethereum Devcon2 blog post for regular updates until the event website launches in June.

(Update July 5, 2016: Thank you for your patience. Our web development team is finalizing the official Ethereum Foundation site for Devcon2. Site launch is imminent!)