What Is Penn Blockchain Conference 2026? Dates, Speakers & Agenda Deta

Penn Blockchain Conference 2026: What to Expect at This Web3 Event

The Penn Blockchain Conference 2026 is set to return in person on March 27–28, bringing together students, founders, investors, and some of the most active voices in the crypto industry at the University of Pennsylvania.

This is the 6th edition will include panel discussions, industry debates, and a student hackathon. The hackathon begins remotely and concludes during the in-person conference. 

Organizers are also introducing speaker office hours, giving students a chance to meet industry leaders one-on-one. This is a major upcoming crypto event in the US in 2026. 

When and Where Is the Penn Blockchain Conference 2026 Happening?

• Dates: March 27–28, 2026.

• Venue: Penn Museum (on the University of Pennsylvania campus).

• Host: Penn Blockchain — a student-run club for undergrad, graduate, PhD, and MBA students.

• Website: pennblockchain.com 

• Registration / RSVP: via Luma (event page and ticket/RSVP links).

• Hackathon: begins remotely (virtual start) and concludes with the in-person conference; remote kickoff is listed to begin the week prior (hackathon remote start noted on the hackathon listing).

• Rule: The conference is listed as operating under Chatham House Rule (speaker notes indicate closed attribution for candid discussion). 

Who Are the Key Speakers at Penn Blockchain Conference 2026?

Below is the public speaker roster as published on the event site and event listings. Each name is followed by the role or firm listed publicly.

• Cynthia Lo Bessette — Head of Digital Asset Management, Fidelity

• Phong Le — CEO, Strategy

• Santiago — CEO, Inversion

• Ben Forman — Managing Partner, Parafi

• Robert Leshner — Founder, Superstate

• Tom Schmidt — Partner, Dragonfly

• Jonathan Han — CEO, Euler Finance

• Rohan Bhrvani — Partner, Coatue

• Alexander Good — Founder, Post Fiat

• Federico Brokate — Global Head of Business Development, 21Shares

And many more with the top speaker list above reflects the lineup currently published on the official Penn Blockchain Conference website. Organizers noted that the list is still evolving, and additional speakers may be announced closer to the event.

What Topics Will Be Discussed at the Penn Blockchain Conference 2026?

The event agenda spans two days, starting around 10:00 AM and continuing till evening.

What Happens on Day One of the Penn Blockchain Conference?

The first day begins with a short opening session from 10:00 to 10:20 AM, followed by a panel exploring how traditional financial institutions are entering the US crypto space.

Later discussions will look at topics such as:

• Private Equity and Growth Investing in Crypto

• How to Win the Crypto Payments Race

• What Do Traders Want?
  

These conversations reflect a broader trend across the industry. Crypto is increasingly moving beyond retail speculation and toward institutional finance, venture capital investment, and global payment infrastructure in the US.

What to Expect on Day Two of the Penn Blockchain Conference 2026

The second day begins again at 10:00 AM and features several panels focused on emerging ideas.

Sessions include:

• Penn Founder Showcase

• Is Crypto for AI a Solution in Search of a Problem?

• The New Era in Crypto Venture

• Prediction Market: How Much Bigger Can They Get?

• The Next Alpha in Real World Tokenization

• Where’s Bitcoin Going?
  

The final session about Bitcoin’s future is likely to generate strong interest, especially as institutional adoption and ETF growth continue to reshape the US crypto market.

What Is the Penn Blockchain Hackathon and How Can Students Participate?

Penn Blockchain event will host a hackathon for students and developers.

Participants will work on blockchain-based projects, ranging from DeFi tools and payment applications to new Web3 infrastructure ideas.

Hackathons often become one of the most popular side events of crypto conferences in the US. They allow students not only to learn new skills but also to connect directly with venture investors, mentors, and startup founders who attend the event.

Many successful blockchain startups first began as hackathon projects, making these competitions an important launchpad for new Web3 ideas.

Why the Penn Blockchain Hackathon Is Important for Web3 Developers

University-run crypto conferences have become an important meeting point for the next generation of builders entering the Web3 industry.

The Penn Blockchain Conference sits at the center of that trend.

Unlike many top crypto events that focus heavily on marketing, the Penn conference emphasizes education, research, venture capital, and practical blockchain applications.

With venture capital firms, institutional investors, and founders all participating, the event has become a pipeline between university talent and the global crypto ecosystem.

How Students, Founders, and Investors Benefit From Attending the Event

For students, this blockchain event in the US offers a rare chance to speak directly with people working at major crypto companies and investment firms.

For founders and investors, it provides access to new ideas, emerging talent, and early-stage projects coming out of university communities.

The hackathon and founder showcase also give builders a platform to present their work to industry leaders.

How to Register for the Penn Blockchain Conference 2026 

The Penn Blockchain Conference 2026 can register through the official event Luma page, where ticket details and event updates are published.

Participants who want to join the hackathon should make sure they register separately through the PBC hackathon page, as the competition begins remotely before the in-person conference weekend.

Some students may also be eligible for travel support, which is mentioned on the event pages. Those interested should check the conference or hackathon registration pages for details about the travel subsidy form.

Since the past events are being held at the Penn Museum, attendees should also plan ahead for campus check-in and allow time to move between sessions.

Why Penn Blockchain Conference 2026 Is One of the Most Important Crypto Events in the U.S.

As the crypto industry continues to evolve, the Penn Blockchain Conference 2026 stands out as a key meeting point for students, founders, and investors. With thoughtful discussions, industry leaders, and a hands-on hackathon, the event offers a clear glimpse into where blockchain innovation is heading next. 

For more such events check out our 2026 crypto event calendar. 

Disclaimer (YMYL): This article is for informational purposes only. Event details are subject to change. Always verify dates and ticket information with the official organiser.