13 November, 2024 — Plan ₿, an initiative founded in collaboration with Tether and the City of Lugano to promote the use of Bitcoin and blockchain technology, proudly concluded the third annual Plan ₿ Forum on October 25-26, 2024, marking a significant milestone in their collaborative journey toward financial democratization. The Lugano-based event saw record attendance of around 2,900 participants from over 60 countries, a notable 70-80% increase from its inaugural year in 2022 and a 25-30% rise from 2023’s turnout.

A major highlight of the 2024 forum was the unveiling of a life-sized statue of Satoshi Nakamoto in front of Lugano’s Villa Ciani. Created by artist Valentina Picozzi, the statue plays with perception and appears to vanish from view as observers change their perspective, symbolizing Nakamoto’s mysterious retreat after sparking a decentralized financial revolution. This tribute serves as a reminder of the principles of decentralization and financial sovereignty that continue to inspire Lugano’s journey to becoming a blockchain epicenter.

This year’s Plan ₿ Forum also witnessed a substantial surge in Bitcoin and USD₮ payments in Lugano, further establishing the city as a leader in cryptocurrency adoption. During the week of the forum, from October 23-30, Lugano recorded 6,121 transactions totaling $160,200 in Bitcoin Lightning and USD₮ payments. 

These figures reflect the robust adoption of crypto payments among local businesses and highlight Lugano’s commitment to making digital currency a practical tool for residents and visitors alike.

“This year’s Plan ₿ Forum has been nothing short of remarkable, with record attendance and incredible enthusiasm from participants around the world. It’s inspiring to witness Lugano emerge as a beacon for blockchain innovation, and we are excited about the momentum this brings, not only for our city but also for global adoption of digital assets,” said Michele Foletti, Mayor of Lugano. “The future of Lugano as a leader in blockchain innovation looks brighter than ever, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact grow in the years to come.”

“The extraordinary attendance and energy at Plan ₿ Forum 2024 reflect the powerful momentum behind bitcoin and digital assets,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. “Lugano has truly become a vibrant meeting point for global innovation, embodying a vision of financial freedom and decentralized technology. We are thrilled to help drive this movement forward, supporting a future where blockchain can unlock unprecedented opportunities, transform economies, and empower individuals worldwide. This is just the beginning of an exciting journey.”

Following the success of this year’s forum, the Plan ₿ Initiative will host two upcoming events to continue the discussion in 2025:

• Plan ₿ Forum El Salvador: Scheduled for January 30-31, 2025, the forum’s debut in El Salvador will focus on the transformative power of Bitcoin in emerging markets and bring together international thought leaders to explore cryptocurrency’s impact on economic empowerment. Tickets can be purchased here.

• The Fourth Annual Plan ₿ Forum in Lugano: Set for October 24-25, 2025, next year’s forum will continue fostering dialogue on financial freedom, innovation, and blockchain’s role in shaping the future. Early tickets are available here.

The success of this year’s forum, coupled with significant advancements in cryptocurrency adoption and digital payments infrastructure, underscores the Plan ₿ Initiative’s success in positioning Lugano as a blockchain epicenter. With two premier events already underway for next year, the Plan ₿ Initiative is poised to continue to grow blockchain adoption in 2025 and beyond.

For more details on the Plan ₿ Initiative, including the upcoming forums in El Salvador and Lugano, visit planb.lugano.ch/planb-forum.