John Paller is a Denver-based blockchain entrepreneur, inventor, and futurist. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Steward of ETHDenver, the world’s largest Web3 and Ethereum-focused hackathon and festival, which has brought together over 95,000 participants from around the globe over seven seasons. John is also the visionary behind Opolis, a groundbreaking employment ecosystem designed for independent workers.
How has ETHDenver evolved over the past eight years to become a leading community-driven web3 event?
ETHDenver has always prioritised the community. Since its launch in 2018, it has been more than an event — it’s a space for people to build, learn, and collaborate.
A major turning point came in 2022, when over 13,000 people attended, far exceeding our initial expectation of 4,000 to 5,000.
By 2023, applications surpassed 30,000, solidifying ETHDenver as a central hub for the web3 community. Despite its growth, the core ethos remains unchanged: it’s a place for individuals to unite and contribute to a decentralised future.
What emerging trends or challenges in the Ethereum ecosystem will ETHDenver focus on this year?
This year, topics include the global impact of stablecoins, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) — particularly AI agents — and the potential of zero-knowledge (ZK) technology to enhance privacy and security.
Additionally, tokenisation of real-world assets, such as property and supply chains, is bringing web3 closer to practical applications.
With a new US administration, regulatory discussions are key, focusing on balancing innovation with compliance and sustainability. ETHDenver aims to transform these challenges into opportunities.
With figures like RFK Jr. attending ETHDenver last year, how does the event approach technology, culture, and politics?
Technology doesn’t exist in a vacuum — it’s part of the cultural and political fabric.
Hosting figures like RFK Jr. at past events opened conversations on privacy, freedom, and public policy’s intersection with web3.
ETHDenver doesn’t advocate for specific agendas but provides a space for meaningful dialogue.
As for this year, you can expect thought-provoking discussions that push boundaries.
How did the Bufficorn Venture’s Buffitank Pitchfest evolve after 2024, and what improvements can attendees anticipate this year?
Buffitank in 2024 blew us away. It wasn’t just the pitches — it was the energy, the collaboration, and the connections that happened in that room. It proved how much our community thrives when builders and investors get face-to-face.
For 2025, we’re making it even better. Expect more networking opportunities, mentorship, pitches, and ways to connect founders with capital — not just in the room, but long after the event ends. We are also launching our Bufficorn Ventures Syndicate; where investors from all over the world can plug into the ETHDenver community and get access to the ecosystem’s hottest trends.
How has SporkDAO influenced ETHDenver’s community-led approach, and what can other organisations learn from this model?
SporkDAO embodies ETHDenver’s commitment to shared ownership and decentralisation.
The community isn’t just a group of attendees; they’re integral to ETHDenver’s structure. Decisions are made collectively, profits are transparently distributed, and participants have a tangible stake in its success.
For other organisations, the key takeaway is to trust your community and empower them to lead — it’s a model that fosters deeper engagement and sustainable growth.