Web3 ATL, the largest Web3 conference in Atlanta for the second year in a row, boasted 350 attendees, 94 speakers, and 44 panels over three days the first weekend in November right in the heart of Tech Square.

Hosted by 404 DAO, founders Pruitt Martin, Cole Schendl, Jack Sanniota, and Manny Jonson (a collective of Web3 enthusiasts in Atlanta who are working to transform the city into a global tech hub) organized the three-day event to invite thought and tech leaders alike to learn more about utilizing Web3 in a variety of verticals.

This year, Web3 ATL explored the convergence of three emerging technologies: AI, Blockchain, and XR. From conversations with leading Fortune 100 technology companies, industry experts are seeing a change in how Web3 is defined. Rather than solely referring to blockchain and crypto, these corporations are seeing it more as an umbrella term that encapsulates several tech trends. For example, the future of the internet will not include just blockchain, but also artificial intelligence and hybrid interactions (physical and digital) powered by virtual and augmented reality (XR). Additionally, with blockchain technology in a high growth stage, one of the most exciting use cases for Web3 for large corporations is increasing customer loyalty.

Speaking of large corporations, participants were also able to uncover how companies bridge the gap for crypto into mainstream tech communities from enterprises such as FedEX, Amazon, and Google. They were also educated on these companies are utilizing Web3 technologies, specifically blockchain, AI, and AR/VR.

Another unique component of the conference was ticket tracking. Attendees were issued Verifiable Credentials (VCs) as their tickets to Web3 ATL. Powered by Heirloom, VCs are non-transferable decentralized IDs. By using VCs, 404 DAO was able to gain extra insights into attendee behavior and attendees were able to use one QR code to access the main conference and the three other official side events. These VCs can also be used as the building blocks for future events hosted by 404 DAO and future Web3 ATL conferences.

Overall, the conference was a great success, uniting several tech industries and diverse players in diverse fields. See below for a deeper dive into the schedule and topics discussed throughout the weekend!

Friday, November 3, 2023 – Enterprise Day:

From noon to 6:00 p.m. at The Clubhouse, attendees were invited to learn how enterprises are adopting Web3 technologies, such as blockchain and AI, to drive innovation and growth, and network with key players to gain exclusive access to insights from industry leaders.

Atlanta: The Next Web3 Hub

Hosted By: Pruitt Martin (CEO at 404 DAO) and Donnie Beamer (Lead Technology Advisor for the City of Atlanta)

This was a Fireside Chat about the potential for Web3 in Atlanta. Discussions included emerging technologies and initiatives the city is working on surrounding Web3.

How C-Suite Executives Should Be Looking at Web3 Technologies

Hosted By: Adam Healy (Former CISO of BlockFi & Bakkt), Jeremy Cohen (SVP & Head of Web3 Investment at Publicis Media), Dale Chrystie (Blockchain Strategist at Fedex), JoAnn Holmes (IP & Digital Asset Attorney), and moderated by Nick Fouriezos (Founder of Scalable Storytelling)

Web3 can impact the business model of many existing incumbent corporations. This panel discussed how executives should be looking at Web3 from a security, legal, growth, and investment standpoint.

From Attention to Affection: How Web3 is Changing Consumer Behavior and Impacting Loyalty

Hosted by: Claire Goodill (Head of Business Development at Mojito), Cynthia Glasbrebber (Executive VP & Web3 Growth at LionVault), Vic Piano (SVP & Executive Creative Director at Epsilon), Arif Bhanji (Co-Founder & CEO of Lazer Technologies), and moderated by Jeremy Cohen

One of the most exciting use cases for Web3 for large corporations is increasing customer loyalty. With Web3, companies can increase engagement with their power users/super fans. Web3 lets businesses turn consumers into collectors and communities.

Exploring the Future of Business - Enterprise Use Cases of XR

Hosted by: Randy Romanaux (Ecosystem Expansion at Magic Leap), Andrew Jamison (General Manger of Special Projects at Immersive Display Solutions), Dave Beck (Senior Director at Axon), and moderated by Adam Kornuth (ATL Chapter President of the AR/VR Association)

XR is changing how corporations view remote work and things like training. Companies can train employees in simulated environments or have senior operators view problems in the field in real time.

Why it Will Take a Pro-Competitive Coopetition to Scale Blockchain

Hosted by: Dale Chrystie and Nick Fouriezos

A Fireside Chat about the concept of “Coopetition,” described as the phenomenon where competing businesses will have to work together to implement a new technology that benefits both companies.

Building an Effective AI Enterprise Strategy

Hosted by: Joe Ellis (Co-Founder & CEO of Vidrovr), Paul Wallace (Co-Founder & CEO of Hannibal AI), Kent Keirsey (Founder & CEO of Invoke AI), and moderated by Jessica White

Friday evening featured the Opening Party as well, where attendees were encouraged to unwind, share ideas, and build relationships in a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere.

Saturday, November 4, and Sunday, November 5 2023 – Speaker Series

Participants were able to hear from over 60 speakers from renowned companies like Amazon, Coinbase, Hedera, and The Graph. They gained valuable insights into the latest trends and advancements in Web3 technology and discovered how Web3 is reshaping the future.

Tech Square Hosts Largest Web3 Conference in Atlanta Once Again