Adam Back has been officially confirmed as a speaker at Bitcoin 2026, returning to the conference as one of the few people in the world whose contributions to Bitcoin predate Bitcoin itself. As Co-Founder and CEO of Blockstream and CEO of Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company (BSTR), Back comes to Las Vegas operating at the intersection of Bitcoin infrastructure and capital markets like never before.
In 1997, Back invented Hashcash — a proof-of-work system originally built to combat email spam that became the direct technical foundation for Bitcoin’s mining process. Satoshi Nakamoto cited Back by name in the Bitcoin white paper, writing that the network would need “a proof-of-work system similar to Adam Back’s Hashcash.” Before the genesis block was ever mined, Satoshi emailed Back directly.
Blockstream, which Back co-founded in 2014, develops Bitcoin infrastructure across three areas: consumer self-custody tools including the open-source Jade hardware wallet, enterprise settlement and asset issuance on the Liquid Network, and institutional products through Blockstream Asset Management — with with Liquid Network closing 2025 with close to $5 billion in TVL. At Bitcoin 2025, Back framed the company’s direction: “We’re laser-focused on Bitcoin. At Blockstream, we are here to provide the infrastructure to enable that.”
On the capital markets side, Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company has entered into a definitive agreement to go public through a merger with Cantor Equity Partners I (CEPO), structured with 30,021 BTC on its balance sheet and up to $1.5 billion in PIPE financing — the largest ever announced alongside a Bitcoin treasury SPAC merger. As of March 2026, BSTR is awaiting completion of the de-SPAC process, with shareholder approval targeted as early as April, after which the combined company is expected to trade on Nasdaq under the ticker “BSTR.”
From inventing the proof-of-work system that makes Bitcoin possible, to building the infrastructure layer on top of it, to now bringing over 30,000 BTC to public markets — Back’s is unlike anyone else on the Bitcoin 2026 stage. His appearance at The Venetian this April will be one of the most technically credible perspectives at the conference on where Bitcoin’s protocol, infrastructure, and capital markets are all heading at once.
Bitcoin 2026 Returns to Las Vegas Bigger Than Ever
Bitcoin 2026 will take place April 27–29 at The Venetian, Las Vegas, and is expected to be the biggest Bitcoin event of the year.
Focused on the future of money, Bitcoin 2026 will bring together Bitcoin builders, investors, miners, policymakers, technologists, and newcomers from around the world. The event will feature a wide range of pass types, including general admission passes designed specifically for those new to Bitcoin, alongside premium passes for professionals, enterprises, and institutions.
With multiple stages, immersive experiences, technical workshops, and headline keynotes, Bitcoin 2026 is designed to serve both first-time attendees and long-time Bitcoiners shaping the next era of global adoption.
Past Bitcoin Conferences in the U.S.
Bitcoin’s flagship conference has scaled dramatically over the past five years:
- 2021 – Miami: 11,000 attendees
- 2022 – Miami: 26,000 attendees
- 2023 – Miami: 15,000 attendees
- 2024 – Nashville: 22,000 attendees
- 2025 – Las Vegas: 35,000 attendees
🎟️ Get Your Bitcoin 2026 Pass
Bitcoin Magazine readers can save 10% on Bitcoin 2026 tickets using code ‘ARTICLE10‘ at checkout.
Stay at The official hotel of Bitcoin 2026, The Venetian, and get a guaranteed low rate plus 15% off your pass. Hotel Prices increase soon, be in the middle of where the fun is all happening, and where the networking never ends.
And don’t forget:
Volunteer at Bitcoin 2026 and get Pro Pass access plus exclusive perks.
All students ages 13+ can apply for a Student Pass and get free general admission access to Bitcoin 2026.
📍 Location: The Venetian, Las Vegas
📅 Dates: April 27–29, 2026
For more information and exclusive offers, visit the Bitcoin Conference on X here.
Why Attend Bitcoin 2026?
Bitcoin 2026 is the definitive gathering for anyone serious about the future of money. With 500+ speakers, multiple world-class stages, and programming spanning Bitcoin fundamentals, open-source development, enterprise adoption, mining, energy, AI, policy, and culture, the conference brings every corner of the Bitcoin ecosystem together under one roof.
From headline keynotes on the Nakamoto Stage to deep technical sessions for builders, institutional strategy discussions for enterprises, and beginner-friendly Bitcoin 101 education, Bitcoin 2026 is designed for everyone—from first-time attendees to the leaders shaping Bitcoin’s global adoption.
Whether you’re looking to learn, build, invest, network, or influence, Bitcoin 2026 is where Bitcoin’s next chapter is written.
Bitcoin 2026 Pass Types: Something for Everyone
Bitcoin 2026 offers a range of pass options designed to meet the needs of newcomers, professionals, enterprises, and high-net-worth Bitcoiners alike.
🎟️ Bitcoin 2026 General Admission Pass
Ideal for newcomers and those looking to experience the heart of the conference.
- Limited access on Days 2 & 3
- Entry to Main Stage
- Access to Genesis Stage
- Full access to the Expo Hall
🎟️ Bitcoin 2026 Pro Pass
Designed for professionals, operators, and serious Bitcoin participants.
Includes all General Admission features, plus:
- Full 3-day access, including Pro Day
- Entry to the Pro Pass Reception
- Access to Enterprise Hall, Enterprise Stage, and Networking Lounge
- Conference App networking features
- Access to the Bitcoin For Corporations Symposium
- Entry to Compute Village and Energy Stage
- Complimentary lunch, coffee, tea, and snacks
- Dedicated registration and check-in
- Reserved seating at Main Stage
- Huge savings when you bundle your hotel and Pro Pass
🐋 Bitcoin 2026 Whale Pass
The all-inclusive, premium Bitcoin 2026 experience.
Includes all Pro Pass features, plus:
- Reserved seating at Main Stage
- All-inclusive gourmet food and beverages
- Entry to Whale Night and Whale Reception
- Access to all official after-parties
- Networking app access to connect with other Whales
- Premium access to The Deep — an exclusive networking lounge with intimate speaker sessions
- Complimentary stay at The Venetian when you bundle your whale pass and hotel (use promo code ‘WHALEHOTEL’ here)
This is the most immersive way to experience Bitcoin 2026.
🎉 Bitcoin 2026 After Hours Pass
Your ticket to the night.
Most deals are done with a drink in your hand. Get exclusive access to 3 official Bitcoin 2026 after-parties across Las Vegas — each with a 2-hour open bar — where the real conversations happen and the best connections are made.
- Access to 3 official Bitcoin 2026 after-parties
- 2-hour open bar at each event
- Evening events across Las Vegas, April 27–29
- Network with Bitcoiners, builders, and industry leaders after hours
More headline speaker announcements are coming soon.
Don’t miss Bitcoin 2026.
Facts Only
* Adam Back is a speaker at Bitcoin 2026.
* Blockstream Co-Founder and CEO, and BSTR CEO.
* Hashcash, invented in 1997, formed the basis of Bitcoin’s mining process.
* Satoshi Nakamoto cited Adam Back by name in the Bitcoin white paper.
* Blockstream develops consumer tools (Jade wallet), Liquid Network infrastructure, and institutional products.
* The Liquid Network closed 2025 with approximately $5 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL).
* Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company merged with Cantor Equity Partners I (CEPO).
* The merger includes 30,021 BTC and potential $1.5 billion in PIPE financing.
* BSTR is awaiting de-SPAC process completion and shareholder approval.
* The combined company is targeting Nasdaq listing as “BSTR.”
* Bitcoin 2026 will take place April 27–29, 2026, at The Venetian, Las Vegas.
* The event expects 35,000 attendees.
* Multiple pass types are offered, from general admission to “Whale” passes.
* Bitcoin Magazine offers a 10% discount code: ‘ARTICLE10’.
Executive Summary
Full Take
The narrative presented in this article constructs Adam Back as a foundational figure within Bitcoin, positioning him as a key architect of its technological underpinnings—a heroic, almost mythical, role. This is achieved through a carefully curated history: his invention of Hashcash, Satoshi’s direct acknowledgement, and the subsequent development of Blockstream’s diverse initiatives. The article subtly elevates Back to a quasi-religious figure, emphasizing his singular contribution ("few people in the world whose contributions predate Bitcoin itself"), while framing Blockstream’s activities as a direct continuation of this foundational work. The emphasis on the $1.5 billion PIPE financing and potential $30,000 BTC treasury for BSTR serves as a highly persuasive, almost breathless, demonstration of the project’s burgeoning legitimacy – a calculated move to attract institutional investment, leveraging the perceived credibility of Back himself.
The framing of Bitcoin 2026 as “the biggest Bitcoin event of the year” immediately establishes a desired aspiration for participants. The event’s multifaceted programming – encompassing protocol, infrastructure, capital markets, and emerging trends – speaks to a broader, more ambitious vision of Bitcoin's future, attempting to capture a wider audience beyond just core developers. However, the strategic use of impressive numbers – 35,000 attendees, $5 billion TVL – feels more like performance marketing than an objective assessment. While the detailed pass options demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the market, they also serve to create a tiered system of exclusivity, subtly reinforcing the idea that participation in the "real" Bitcoin ecosystem requires a significant investment. The lack of critical analysis—the absence of discussion regarding potential regulatory headwinds, network scalability challenges, or the inherent volatility of Bitcoin—is a notable omission. Finally, the repeated emphasis on “credibility” and “technical perspective” hints at a carefully constructed brand identity designed to instill confidence and potentially preempt skepticism.
Patterns detected: ARC-0024 Ambiguity - The article relies heavily on framing Back and Blockstream as inherently credible simply by virtue of their historical association with Bitcoin's genesis. This uses implied authority rather than demonstrable evidence of ongoing innovation. ARC-0043 Motte-and-Bailey – The article simultaneously highlights Blockstream’s diverse activities (consumer tools, Liquid Network, institutional products) to suggest a broad and mature ecosystem, while focusing on Back’s foundational role to maintain the impression of a central, reliable core. The ultimate goal is to build a complex, seemingly solid foundation for the narrative of Bitcoin’s future.
Sentinel — Uncertain
This article heavily emphasizes a polished, promotional overview of Bitcoin 2026, characterized by repetitive phrasing and a lack of specific details or independent verification, raising concerns about potential AI assistance in its creation.