Bitcoin and cryptocurrency communities thrive online. It makes sense that they do, considering the digital nature of the object around which the community is formed. While I love the internet and interacting with individuals and communities there, sometimes it is nice to meet up with people in the physical world. Recently I have been going to more Bitcoin and blockchain meetups, and I think you should too.

Bitcoin and Blockchain Meetups Are Good for the Community

While digital cryptocurrency communities are amazing and fun, sometimes grabbing a drink and talking blockchain with people at a bar or a cafe is a refreshing change of pace. Among other things, it puts faces to names and also puts your face out there. I understand that the veil of internet anonymity (or pseudonymity?) is attractive, but it also is not necessarily the worst thing in the world if you meet some new people who get to learn your real name.

These meetups are also not only just about hanging out. Many of these meetup groups usually have project leads come and speak about the next new and exciting thing going on in the cryptosphere. Take for example the meetup group I sometimes go to in Chicago. Recently it held a party for the lock-in of SegWit, but it was more than a party. The group also held a talk about what SegWit meant for the network and overall ecosystem, and followed that up with a question & answer session. Most of these questions were incredibly thought-provoking and eloquent. It was half party and half conference, but a wholly good time.

The same group also hosted the project lead of Decred a month or so ago to talk about that project. He joined the group for drinks after his presentation and a lengthy Q&A session. This meant that I and others were able to hang out and talk about the future of blockchain technology with people actively shaping it.

What If There Are No Meetups By Me?

If you do wish to start attending meetups like the one I described above, you should start by seeing if there are any in your local area. You may be surprised to learn that your city or town has one already. If, however, you find that there is no such community, then you should start one yourself.

One of the largest barriers to widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies is lack of knowledge. So if there is not already a cryptocurrency or blockchain meetup in your physical community, then you should be the change that brings it into your community. You will make friends, bring veteran cryptocurrency users and enthusiasts out of the woodwork — I promise you they are there — and help bring the blockchain to new people. The more you evangelize the blockchain and cryptocurrency, the quicker widespread adoption will happen. Meetup communities are just one effective and fun way of helping support the blockchain, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies.