Assange Family to Participate in Exclusive Lugano Conference on Freedom of Speech
In an exciting announcement, Tether, the leading digital asset company, and the city of Lugano have revealed the impressive lineup for the third annual Plan ₿ forum. This year, the forum will feature a keynote address by the renowned Assange family, who will shed light on the profound importance of freedom of speech and the far-reaching implications it has on a global scale.
The Plan ₿ forum is a two-day event that aims to emphasize the democratization of finance through the adoption of cryptocurrencies. The inclusion of the Assange family adds significant weight to the event, especially considering the recent release of Julian Assange, the iconic Australian editor, publisher, and activist known for his unwavering defense of freedom of information. Assange’s work with WikiLeaks has sparked crucial discussions on transparency and access to information. As passionate advocates for freedom, the Assange family will explore the future of communication and censorship in this digital age.
Building on the success of its previous editions, which attracted over 1,700 and 2,200 attendees respectively, Tether and Lugano’s Mayor, Michele Foletti, have secured an impressive lineup of speakers for this year’s event. Notable names include Filip Karađorđević, CSO at JAN3, Adam Back, CEO at Blockstream, Nick Szabo, legendary cypherpunk, Jameson Lopp, CTO at CASA, Elizabeth Stark, CEO and Co-Founder at Lightning Labs, and Fadi Elsalameen, Adjunct Senior Fellow of Bitcoin Policy Institute and American Security Project.
The forum will take place on October 25-26, 2024, promising to celebrate the role of Bitcoin and blockchain technology in securing financial freedom for individuals. Additionally, the event will contribute to the advancement of cryptocurrency transactions within Lugano.
Since March 2022, Tether and the City of Lugano have collaborated on the Plan ₿ initiative, which aims to establish Bitcoin and USD₮ as de facto legal tender in the city. Through this initiative and the forum itself, Tether and Lugano have been instrumental in promoting digital assets, online privacy, freedom of speech, and peer-to-peer communications. Their ultimate goal is to position Lugano as the blockchain epicenter of Europe.
Furthermore, Lugano has already made significant strides in blockchain education and entrepreneurship. The city has hosted the Plan ₿ Summer School, a 10-day intensive blockchain education program developed in conjunction with prestigious universities. Additionally, Lugano recently launched its first blockchain start-up incubator, attracting innovative Web3 pioneers and developers.
Lugano’s Plan B Co-working Hub also plays a vital role in fostering innovation and collaboration in blockchain, crypto, and peer-to-peer communication technologies. The hub serves as a platform for professionals, students, and newcomers to engage in discussions and collaborations related to these cutting-edge technologies.
With these endeavors, Lugano has solidified its position as the center of blockchain technology in Europe.
“We are excited to announce the third annual Plan ₿ forum, featuring illustrious figures such as the Assange family. The previous conferences in Lugano exceeded all expectations, and we are thrilled to repeat that success this year,” said Paolo Ardoino, CTO of Tether. “By bringing together industry leaders, we aim to foster discussions that will shape the future of communication, commerce, and the broader blockchain ecosystem.”
As a result of the Plan B initiative, Bitcoin, USD₮, and LVGA are now accepted at various shops and restaurants across Lugano, enabling residents and travelers to use cryptocurrencies for everyday purchases. Many of these businesses have even offered cashback promotions, providing customers with rewards of up to 30% for cryptocurrency payments.
“It has been an honor to welcome distinguished speakers and guests from around the world to our city over the past two years. We are thrilled to host the third Plan ₿ forum in October 2024,” said Michele Foletti, the Mayor of Lugano. “Our collaboration with Tether has been vital in raising awareness about the transformative power of digital assets, and we look forward to continuing this journey to establish Lugano as the blockchain hub of Europe.”
For those interested in attending the third Plan ₿ forum, ticketing details can be found at https://planb.lugano.ch/planb-forum.
About Plan ₿:
Plan ₿ is an initiative by the City of Lugano and Tether aimed at accelerating the use of Bitcoin technology to transform the city’s financial infrastructure.