Devcon & Devconnect: More Than a Blockchain Conference

Three years, three countries, countless experiences and why these events are worth experiencing at least once.

I love Web3. One of the reasons is the existence of events like Devcon and Devconnect.

If you're curious about what these events are, I won't just tell you that they're among the most important gatherings in the Ethereum ecosystem, bringing together developers, researchers, founders, and communities from around the world.

I'll tell you that they're packages full of experiences, many of which have little to do with blockchain or crypto directly.

So, what's inside the package?

What's Inside the Package?

Imagine traveling to a new country, discovering its culture, and meeting people from around the world who share your interests.

Your days might be filled with talks and workshops, while evenings bring city explorations with new friends. Meanwhile, meetups, hackathons, parties, community gatherings, and side events happen across the city, offering more opportunities than you can possibly fit into your schedule.

You might meet researchers whose work you've followed for years, strike up meaningful conversations in unexpected places, or connect with founders, developers, and security experts shaping the blockchain ecosystem. You can also volunteer with an international team, build something together at a hackathon, and even win prizes that help cover your travel expenses.

And yes, there are the swags: T-shirts, caps, socks, stickers, and enough accessories to keep you stocked for a while. :)

You might even find yourself at a fancy restaurant or an expensive club because someone organized an event there.

The point is that Devcon and Devconnect offer much more than conference sessions. They're opportunities to experience the global blockchain ecosystem in person.

Devcon vs. Devconnect: What's the Difference?

Although people sometimes mention them together, Devcon and Devconnect aren't interchangeable.

Devcon is the Ethereum Foundation's flagship conference, bringing together the ecosystem for talks, discussions, technical learning, and collaboration around Ethereum and its broader vision.

Devconnect is organized around a different format: an Ethereum-focused gathering that brings together many parts of the ecosystem through a broader program of activities, including community-led events and specialized sessions. Its structure can vary by edition.

Both can offer opportunities to learn, meet people, and connect with the ecosystem, but the experience and format differ. And remember the main event is only one part of what's happening.

My Journey Through Devconnect and Devcon

Each event offered a different perspective, from discovering the ecosystem in Istanbul to volunteering and building community in later editions. Together, they changed how I approach these gatherings and make the most of them.

Devconnect Istanbul 2023: Discovering a New World

Istanbul was my first Devconnect, and it introduced me to a whole new side of the blockchain ecosystem. I attended with a CoinIran scholarship after winning first place in a smart contract programming competition.

Until then, I'd followed people through their articles, talks, research, and code. In Istanbul, I finally met some of them in person. We attended events, worked on hackathon projects, explored the city, tried local food, and spent almost the entire trip together.

It was also my first time experiencing crypto events at this scale. I discovered side events, Luma, volunteering, in-person hackathons, conference swag, and the countless activities happening beyond the main conference.

I also discovered the problem of choosing what to do.

So many interesting things happened simultaneously that attending everything was impossible. You'd hear about a great event while heading to another, or an invitation would lead to an unexpected opportunity.

My friend Shayan Eskandari puts it well: it's not FOMO. You'll definitely miss out on important things. :)

Istanbul taught me that these events aren't just about the schedule. They're about the people, unexpected encounters, and experiences in between. That first experience also helped plant the seeds for what would become DeCaffeth.

It taught me something about the pace, too. You wake up early, attend events all day, meet people in the evening, and continue conversations late into the night. After several days, coffee starts feeling less like a beverage and more like part of your bloodstream. And somehow, you keep going for seven to ten days.

Devcon 7 SEA 2024: Getting More Involved

For my second experience, I went to Bangkok for Devcon Southeast Asia.

Before the trip, we also hosted an in-person DeCaffeth #2: Devcon 7 SEA Warmup (opens in a new tab) to help our community prepare for Devcon Southeast Asia. It was our second in-person event, bringing people together to share expectations and get ready for the experience ahead.

This time, I had already experienced the excitement and chaos of a major Ethereum gathering. I knew more about what to expect and had some lessons from Istanbul to apply. I knew to register for side events on Luma in advance and plan my schedule around the ones I cared about most. Still, not every event turned out to be worth the time, and I left too little room to explore the city.

One experience I wouldn't trade, though, was cycling several kilometers through the forest to reach a villa hosting an event, where I got to experience Bangkok's nature differently. With the city's notorious traffic, getting around by motorbike was often the most practical way to make it between activities.

One of the things I tried for the first time was volunteering. Volunteering is another way to experience these events. Instead of participating only as an attendee, you contribute to making the event happen.

Devconnect Argentina 2025: Beyond the Conference

Devconnect Argentina was my most memorable experience of the three. It was my longest and most distant trip, with almost 24 hours spent on planes, but it was worth it.

Before the trip, we hosted DeCaffeth #11: Devconnect Argentina Warmup (opens in a new tab), an online session to help our community prepare for the event and get familiar with what to expect.

This time, my experience extended beyond the main event. I joined two popup cities before and alongside Devconnect and spent around three weeks there. That changed the scale of the experience.

Popup cities can bring people together for longer periods around shared interests, work, learning, and community. Depending on the format, they may include coworking, workshops, discussions, social activities, and opportunities to collaborate.

Spending weeks rather than a few conference days creates more room for relationships to develop naturally. You see people repeatedly, continue conversations that started elsewhere, and have time for experiences that a packed conference schedule doesn't always allow.

I also volunteered for three shifts, which gave me another opportunity to contribute to the event while meeting people from around the world.

Unlike my previous trips, I made more time to explore the city, too. It's easy to fill every day with conferences and side events, but experiencing the place you're visiting is part of the adventure.

Another highlight was that DeCaffeth became an official community partner of Asia Web3 Day (opens in a new tab) at Devconnect Argentina, alongside CoinIran and ShirYaKhat Podcast, representing the Persian-speaking blockchain and Web3 community.

Ethereum World’s Fair was another part of the experience, running for six days alongside the broader Devconnect program. We also recorded a Devconnect Tour (opens in a new tab) to give you a better feel for the space, its atmosphere, and what it was like to be there.

Volunteering at Devcon

If you're interested in volunteering, watch for announcements a few months before the event. Applications usually involve a form and a short video, followed by online onboarding and an in-person orientation.

During the four conference days, expect around three or four shifts, totaling roughly one and a half to two days. Roles may include registration, the information desk, swag distribution, floor coordination, or speaker support. You can often discuss your schedule with volunteer leads to balance shifts with talks you want to attend.

The main perk is a free Devcon ticket, potentially worth several hundred dollars. Volunteers also get exclusive access to opening and closing events attended by members of the Ethereum Foundation team, and a stipend depending on the edition and shifts completed.

I'd recommend volunteering if you're up for an adventure and want to meet people, but remember to account for the time and energy it takes.

How to Make the Most of Devcon or Devconnect

After three experiences, I'd suggest thinking about your goals before you arrive.

You don't need a rigid plan, but having some priorities makes a difference.

1. Plan Your Time, but Stay Flexible

Decide what you want to get out of the experience, whether it's learning about a technical topic, meeting collaborators, finding a job, joining a hackathon, or exploring the Ethereum ecosystem.

Check the conference schedule and side events on platforms like Luma. Pick your priorities, but don't overfill your calendar. Trying to attend everything can leave you exhausted and prevent you from enjoying the experiences you do choose.

Leave room for spontaneous invitations and unexpected conversations. Sometimes, the most valuable experiences are the ones you didn't plan for.

2. Network with Intention, Not Just for the Sake of Networking

A little preparation can make your connections more meaningful.

Start before the event. Identify people you'd like to meet, follow them on X, and explore attendee groups on Discord or Telegram. If possible, start a conversation online and arrange to meet in person.

Know how to introduce yourself. You might find yourself standing next to Vitalik Buterin or an expert whose work you've followed for years. But being in the same room is only the beginning. What do you have to talk about?

Prepare a short introduction about who you are, what you're working on or interested in, and why you'd like to connect. A project, a problem you're exploring, or a thoughtful question can be enough to start a memorable conversation.

Build relationships, not just a contact list. Listen, ask thoughtful questions, and look for shared interests. After the event, follow up, share useful resources, and continue conversations that could lead to collaboration. Note the lessons worth remembering and share them with your local community.

3. How to Make the Trip More Affordable

Attending Devcon or Devconnect can be expensive, especially when you factor in flights, accommodation, and multiple side events. Planning ahead and knowing which opportunities to look for can significantly reduce your costs.

Reduce ticket costs. Selected Devcon volunteers receive a free conference ticket, and additional benefits may be available depending on the edition. Check whether student discounts or other reduced-price tickets are available. You can also reach out to communities that receive community tickets in batches and ask whether they can share one with you. For side events, check their Luma pages for free registration, discounted tickets, or other eligibility requirements. Don't assume every event is free.

Check attendee perks and partner offers. Some conferences provide perks through sponsors and partners, such as free eSIMs, accommodation discounts, or access to other services. Check the official event website, registration emails, and attendee announcements to see what's available for that edition.

Find affordable accommodation. Check whether the Devcon Scholars Program is available. For selected first-time attendees, it may cover flights, accommodation, and the conference ticket, depending on the edition's terms. Some popup cities also offer free or subsidized accommodation to a limited number of participants. Hacker houses are another option, often providing shared accommodation and opportunities to collaborate with other builders. Apply early, as places and funding are limited.

Plan accommodation and transportation together. Staying near the main venue or a well-connected transport hub can save time and commuting costs, especially when events take place across the city. Some events also organize free transfers from designated pickup points at specific times, so check event announcements before paying for transportation.

Make use of event catering. Devcon provides food, and many side events offer meals or refreshments, although this varies. Check the event details on Luma to see what's included. When planned around events you already want to attend, this can help reduce your food expenses without needing to organize every meal separately.

Shop like a local. If you need groceries, essentials, or other items, ask locals for recommendations on affordable places to shop. Tourist-heavy areas can be considerably more expensive, so a little local knowledge can help you avoid unnecessary spending.

Flights are often a major expense, so research early, follow official announcements, and apply for scholarships or subsidies before opportunities fill up. Combining several savings can significantly reduce your total costs.

4. Consider Joining a Hackathon

Hackathons are a great way to build projects, explore new tools, meet collaborators, and compete for prizes.

ETHGlobal is one of the best-known options in Web3, often organizing in-person hackathons around major Ethereum events. These typically run for around 36 hours, with workstations, sponsor booths, and food available throughout. You can also meet sponsor teams, explore their tools, and get technical support.

Prepare in advance. Check the dates, sponsors, and prize tracks. Find teammates beforehand or through ETHGlobal's Discord or at the venue. Connect with sponsor teams early to understand their requirements, then submit and demo your project as required. Even without winning, you'll leave with practical experience, new skills, and connections.

5. Take Care of Yourself and Stay Aware

Devcon and Devconnect can be intense. Between early mornings, late nights, packed schedules, travel fatigue, and constant social interaction, it's easy to forget to take care of yourself.

Leave room to recharge. You don't have to attend every event or talk to everyone you meet. Your social battery can run low, and that's completely fine. Take breaks, get enough sleep, and stay hydrated. Not every valuable moment needs to be technical or professional.

Be mindful of food and health. Local food can be part of the adventure, but not everything will necessarily agree with you. Research food options in advance, especially if you have allergies, dietary restrictions, or a sensitive stomach, and bring any essentials you may need.

Respect privacy. Many people in the Web3 community take privacy seriously. Always ask for permission before photographing or filming someone, especially during conversations, private gatherings, or side events. Don't assume that being at a public event means everyone is comfortable being recorded.

Stay alert for scams. Not everyone you meet has good intentions, and not every side event or opportunity is legitimate. Be cautious with unfamiliar organizers, suspicious registration links, unsolicited offers, and requests for money. Verify event details through official channels, and never sign transactions you don't understand, or connect your wallet to unfamiliar links just because someone recommends them.

Finally, you don't have to do everything to make the trip worthwhile. Protect your energy, your privacy, and your assets and leave enough room to enjoy the experience.

Is It Worth Going?

If you work in Web3 or are curious about the people building it, I'd encourage you to experience Devcon or Devconnect at least once. You don't need to be an expert or have a project. Curiosity and a willingness to participate are enough to start.

These events let you experience the ecosystem beyond your screen, learn directly from builders, discover new ideas, and meet potential collaborators. But their value depends on how you engage and what you take from the experience.

Each edition is different. You might return with new knowledge, friendships, a project idea, or a clearer sense of where you want to go next. For me, that's what makes the trip worthwhile: you arrive for a conference, but leave with experiences that shape how you learn, who you build with, and how you see the ecosystem.

And that's what makes the package worth opening.

Written based on personal experiences at Devconnect Istanbul 2023, Devcon 7 Southeast Asia in Bangkok 2024, and Devconnect Argentina 2025.