In my time as a writer in the crypto space, I’ve covered projects, NFTs, blockchain based games and even a how-to guide on buying your first BANANA on ApeSwap. So imagine my surprise when I was asked to take a look, not at a new project, but at a convention hosted by the oldest community token on Polygon.
My curiosity piqued, I dived into the research and even managed to speak to the organizers of the event. If poring through attendee guides and crawling through Twitter feeds sounds like too much effort, you’re in the right place — Luckily for you, I’ve done all the reading so you don’t have to.
Let’s get cracking.
PolyCon 2021
Touted as the first ever digital celebration of the Polygon network, the event is one that spans 3 days beginning the 16th of September 2021. Everyday between the hours of 1pm–5pm EST, there is a jam packed schedule filled with places to explore and more than few activities to try.
It might seem like a long time for a convention, but after realizing the number of projects that have signed up I don’t think 3 days will even be enough! Just take a look at this list of event sponsors and vendors that will be present at PolyCon.
Where is the event held?
For those of you reading this on the 16th of September 2021 and wondering how you’ll book flights and get to the event in time, worry no longer! Instead of gathering all of the brightest minds in the Polygon space along with an army of crypto enthusiasts in the same place, PolyCon is a 100% Covid safe event on account of it being virtual.
It’s not going to be another Zoom or Telegram voice call either! No, PolyDoge have created an immersive 3D world with the GamerJibe platform which gives attendees the ability to walk about and discover the different areas within PolyCon as individual cute avatars, decked out in custom branded merchandise based on your favorite projects on Polygon!
If you’re already sold on the event, pop on over to this link where you’ll be able to register and buy yourself a fancy NFT ticket for the event.
Why PolyCon?
We’ve talked about the what and the where, but what was PolyDoge’s reasoning behind hosting this event? Fortunately, I managed to speak to the core team and they were kind enough to give me some insight into their motivations and hopes for this event.
There is an age old adage that says “No man is an island” and we in the crypto space tend to forget that fact. Work is busy enough as it is and there’s never enough time to finish our own endless to do list, much less check out what other projects in the Polygon space are up to. PolyCon attempts to remedy that fact by bringing together projects and attendees around the world to give everyone the chance to build strategic partnerships across projects and platforms
“We have been using the mantra “We All Rise Together” as we’ve been buidling this event the last few months.”
— Bryan Sage, Event Producer for PolyDoge
At the same time, the event needed to be something different. Not just one more Slack or Teams call that’ll blend together with the regular meetings you have at work but something that would be fun, engaging and stand out from your day to day life. The 3D virtual world with GamerJibe was just the first step but, as we’ll touch on below, there are also mini games, free NFT airdrops and other prizes to be won!
PolyCon Events
Product Demos & AMAs
If you’re relatively new to crypto or just Polygon, PolyCon is an excellent place to quickly get clued up on all of the biggest projects currently happening in the Polygon space. Of the 59 projects on that list above, 57 will have their own booth to which you can waltz right up to and begin chatting with a member of the team. Can you think of a better way to get a summary of the various different projects out there compared to speaking to the project team themselves?
In addition, every day a panel comprised of popular influencers and some of the smartest innovators in the Polygon space will discuss topics ranging from how DeFi is currently disrupting traditional finance to how the blockchain will revolutionize the gaming industry. This is preceded by two, 30 minute AMAs where the audience can participate in by texting in their questions for the panel. If you want to stay updated with the latest in the crypto world, can you really afford to NOT listen in?
Networking Opportunities
What else did you think was going to happen when you put all the heavyweights of the Polygon space all in the same space? Networking will be a huge part of the event, not just for projects to talk shop, trade tips and build partnerships, but also for aspiring NFT artists, writers and freelance blockchain developers looking to find their next gig.
I can also confirm that PolygonTimes will be there, so don’t hesitate to come by and say hi! If not myself (cxsteam) then our co-founder Sergeant Pepper will be around to chat.
Play Some Mini Games
Fancy yourself a fisherman or a golfer of some decent level of skill? Well it might just be time to put that confidence to the test by participating in some of the mini-games that will be present throughout the event.
The clout from becoming the undefeated champion of the Scavenger Hunt mini game is one thing, but winners will also walk away with prizes provided by several of the amazing project sponsors! The chance to be immortalized forever as the winner of the Corn Hole competition AND a prize? Why are you still here? Sign up, quick!
Freebies, Giveaways & Airdrops
Let’s all not lose sight of what’s important here. We’re all here to learn, network with really smart people and maybe also grab a freebie or five. That’s just how conventions work and PolyCon will be no different!
Some project booths have special raffles that you can participate in to win some giveaway prizes so you’ll need to pop by each one. To make life easier for attendees, PolyDoge will have a custom PolyDoge Swag Booth where participants might snag some limited edition NFTs, airdrops, prizes, giveaways, special discounts and more!
As a reference, the NFT dropped at the previous PolyDoge event now has a floor price of 0.19 ETH. Not bad for an entry ticket that only costs 7.5 MATIC!
Closing Thoughts
PolyDoge has put together something that’s shaping up to be THE place to be if you’re interested in the Polygon space. With the amazing networking opportunities and the chance to meet, learn about and pick the brains of project team members (who are often very difficult to get ahold of!) via the AMAs/panels and just regular chatting at their booths, it’s my personal opinion that PolyCon 2021 is an event that you really don’t want to miss.
If you’ve scrolled all the way down here just to figure out how you can buy a ticket to PolyCon 2021, pop on over to this link where you’ll be able to register and buy yourself the 3 day entry pass for low, low price of 7.5 MATIC or, if you prefer paying with fiat, $10.
Did I mention the ticket itself is a fancy NFT? I know I’m getting one!
Signing off for now.
If you liked the article, check me out here on Twitter and Medium where I write about other crypto topics I stumble across.
Note: The views expressed are my own and should not in any way be taken as financial advice.
