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Time to rethink massive nft conventions in 2026

Rethinking NFT Events | Users Favor Smaller Gatherings

By

Vitalik Buterin

May 12, 2026, 09:22 PM

Edited By

Liam O'Connor

Updated

May 13, 2026, 09:45 PM

2 minutes of duration

A cozy private dinner setting with a small group of people discussing NFTs at a table.
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A growing coalition of people is asserting that NFT conventions need a major overhaul. Discontent is rising, signaling a demand for more intimate settings where authentic networking can thrive amid the chaos of larger gatherings.

The Discontent with Mega Conventions

Many attendees find themselves drained after participating in these large-scale events. As one attendee put it, "You pay like $800 for a ticket just to stand in a dark, loud room, it's just exhausting." The relentless noise and distractions hinder meaningful talks, forcing participants to grapple with the overwhelming atmosphere.

Voices of Frustration

Several individuals expressed their beliefs that lucrative networking opportunities have faded away. "Are you pumping your pudgy bag?" one comment illustrates the skeptical sentiment about the motivations of attendees at these conventions, seeing them more as profit seekers than collaboration-minded individuals.

"It's not worth it, I just want real conversations!" noted another participant, reflecting widespread discontent with the current state of these events.

Shift Towards Smaller Events

Some brands are pivoting away from this trend, looking to reinvent how connections are made. Celebrated projects like Pudgy Penguins and Stratosphere now prefer hosting smaller, curated dinners rather than renting vast convention halls. This move underscores a desire for genuine dialogue and substantial interactions, as one local noted, "Real conversations and genuine connections will always matter more than loud hype and endless shilling."

Community Perspectives

The latest comments reveal key themes in the NFT community:

  • Desire for Authenticity: Many favor unique art over mainstream, derivative projects, blasting the 10k profile picture trend as overplayed.

  • Side Conversations: A sentiment echoed by many is that real networking often happens away from the main events, at quieter side parties and smaller gatherings.

  • Skepticism and Burnout: The overall tone reflects skepticism about massive events and a feeling of burnout among attendees,

    prompting calls for a major shift.

"My social battery can't take another mega-conference," one attendee lamented, capturing the shared fatigue throughout the community.

What Lies Ahead?

Experts believe the trend towards smaller, niche events is likely to continue. As dissatisfaction grows, it’s estimated that around 60% of future conventions will lean towards quality rather than quantity, prioritizing targeted networking opportunities.

Collective Lessons from Music Festivals

The current situation draws comparisons to the evolution of music festivals. Just as massive gatherings were replaced by more curated experiences, the NFT space may follow suit, prioritizing community and deeper conversations over sheer attendee numbers.

As this shifting narrative unfolds in the NFT ecosystem, the question remains: Will your next NFT convention be a bustling arena or an intimate gathering focused on authentic engagement?