For me, Bitcoin 2024 has become a bunch of politicians whose only goal is to win voters. They don't care about Bitcoin or its true value. As soon as they come to power, they won't hesitate to attack what is not part of the system. An event that I look forward to is the Bitcoin washout.
The coolest thing this year for me about the conf, was the side events we did for ZBD, PlebLab, Stacker News Live that was a blast because people were their to see us, also Beefsteak and the great PlebBnb we stayed at was a ton of fun taking turn making dinners for each other and goofing around.
Would do that again, all of which didn't require a ticket. 👌
I'd say I love and hate them at the same time. There are obviously some good gains. The biggest one is spreading Bitcoin buzz to many new people. There are negatives like 'Trump' obviously. The conference isn't bad but when it gets associated with politics and other such things, that's where it starts getting negative.
I went to miami last year. It was cool seeing all the people that I listen to on podcasts in person. Seeing all the huge mining rigs in person was interesting. Paying for beer with lighting awesome, but bitcoin was in the 20's at that time and I could have just bought more. I think about that often.