As virtual currencies soar past expectations and reach new heights, the interest in Blockchain technology grows. The implications are huge across the board. Diverse sectors are hoping to harness Blockchain technology’s potential to replicate successes seen in the financial services arena.
2ND ANNUAL BLOCKCHAIN CONFERENCE WASHINGTON D.C. 2017
The Harvard Business Review explains how this potential is already being explored in healthcare as a way to process transactions efficiently and securely. Estonia’s health care system is one such case study. It adopted Blockchain technology in response to a 2007 breach that left patient data vulnerable. This aggressive and innovative response is an example of how the technology can be applied to improve processes and reduce vulnerabilities in healthcare.
To help decision-makers learn more about the technology and how it can be applied, the second annual Blockchain Conference in Washington, D.C., is being held July 28, 2017. The one-day event, which takes place at George Washington University, provides an opportunity for leaders in healthcare, government, finance, tech, venture capital, and logistics to meet and discuss Blockchain/DLT technology.
It’s billed as a fast-paced conference that includes top speakers and offers attendants networking time to connect with each other. Here’s a review of some of the most important agenda items taking place at the D.C. Blockchain Conference:
Where we stand with Blockchain technology today
The first panel of the day, Blockchain State of Play, looks at the current marketplace and provides an evaluation of how things have changed over the past year to understand what the landscape looks like now, where it’s come from, and where it’s likely headed next.
The resurgence (and rise) of virtual currency
A keynote will explore the resurgence of virtual currencies, coins, and token-based systems. Looking at the recent booms in Bitcoin and Ethereum, in particular, this session discusses what has driven prices up and sparked a lot of interest in Blockchain technology.
A look at regulations and standards
Later, experts will provide an update on how regulations are impacting digital currency. Currently, innovation and adoption of Blockchain technology are outpacing laws and regulations, but this is likely to change in the near future.
An Introduction to Initial coin offerings (ICOs)
Learn about this crypto-financing technique, an unregulated method of fundraising for cryptocurrency venture that side-steps traditional capital-raising processes, and what are considered to be the pros and cons of this fast-evolving process.
How Blockchain can be used for good
The second keynote looks at how Blockchain is changing global development programs and explores its potential to be useful in other capacities. Experts agree the Blockchain could ameliorate such grand problems as poverty, hunger, and corruption, but exactly how to get there is still up for debate.
Blockchain beyond financial services
Learn more about how Blockchain technology can be used in capacities other than as a digital currency, such as transparent supply chains, secure transmission of patient data, and records management.
Expert predictions for the short-term future
There have been a lot of exciting developments in Blockchain technology during the past year, but what’s next? Close out the day at the conference by hearing Blockchain experts share their predictions on what’s ahead for this game-changing technology. They will offer an outlook on what to expect from Blockchain technology by 2020.
Event organizers anticipate the 2017 conference will build on the success of last year’s inaugural Blockchain Conference in Washington, which had a diverse audience and impressive line-up of speakers. This list included representatives from Microsoft, IBM, the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer’s Research, GWU, and the Federal Trade Commission.
Some of the speakers lined up for this year’s conference include:
- Luis Carranza, Fintech Founder and CEO
- Susan Poole, Blockbridge Advisory Founder
- Tom Plunkett, Oracle Consulting Solutions Director
- Brendan Blumer, Block.one CEO
- Jack Shaw, Blockchain Executive Co-Founder and Executive Board Member
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Brennan is a blockchain technical adviser in the healthcare sector and blockchain entrepreneur who has worked on developing proprietary concepts for both artificial intelligence and enterprise blockchain. He is a graduate of Rutgers University School of Health Professions where he earned a M.S. in biomedical informatics.