EthereumZuri.ch 2025

The Dark Side of ETH Events: Rethinking Community Event Funding
01-31, 16:20–16:30 (Europe/Zurich), Sepolia Stage

Ethereum events are a powerhouse of the ecosystem - where knowledge is shared, tools are created, and meaningful connections are made. Over the last 5 years, we've seen a boom of community-run events all over the world, underscoring their importance. However, it is crucial to make sure that the events remain independent, sustainable and focused on delivering real value.

As a serial event organizer, I've witnessed the darker side of this boom: the organizers are often left underfunded, undervalued and burnt out. In this talk I'll highlight the key issues faced by the organizers (along with the challenges that stop some communities from hosting a big event), and propose alternative approaches to funding and structuring events that will ensure their long term health and continued role in driving the ecosystem forward.

Alternative titles:
"Event Organizer's List of Complaints"
"The Trials and Tribulations of a Serial ETH Event Organizer"
"Bitching and Moaning from Someone Who's Been There"

ESP grantee for Hackathon Archives & Ecosystem Support, member of web3Privacy now, ETHBucharest, ETHSofia and Women in web3 Privacy.