The inaugural BlockOn conference Redefining Finance 2018 event served to enrich the interest in blockchain and cryptocurrencies with the availability of panels and key notes accompanied by breakout sessions and technical workshops.

The BlockOn conference witnessed over 300 attendees comprising of local, regional and global blockchain innovators and professionals who explored the rising opportunities and challenges presented by the industry with a focus on training and development on the basics of blockchain. Cameron Mirza, Head of Strategy at the University of Bahrain said “A shift towards higher order competencies must be embraced through micro credentials and online (low cost, low risk) learning. In addition more employers will accelerate their own provision through academies and digital apprenticeships rather than rely on typically slow to react education systems. Finally C- suite leaders and HR professionals need to be ahead of the digital transformation curve and invest in training that is geared to future proofing their organizations rather than being reactionary”.

Michael Gourd, Founder & CEO of MLG Blockchain said that “the first step in preparing for this digital transformation begins with education, from government ministers to business executives to legislators”. In addition to the conference, BlockOn held several workshop tracks that offered a hands-on opportunity for C-Suite Executives and Developers to understand and implement blockchain learnings into business operations. The business track was for people who want to gain knowledge and understanding about blockchain, its core features, distributed ledger technology and how they work. Topics included basic technical blockchain concepts (private keys and addresses, hashing, merkle trees, transactions, UTXO state, mining and forks). Smart contracts and their uses for business were also discussed.One lucky winner from each track was enrolled in an online programme, offered by University of Oxford, Saïd Business School, in collaboration with GetSmarter, worth more than £2,000! business track winner was rewarded with the Oxford Fintech Programme while the technical track winner was registered for the Oxford Blockchain Strategy Programme.

During 2018, Bahrain FinTech Bay organized the BlockOn conference that hosted seminars, keynotes, and panels on blockchain technology. With a uniquely designed agenda, blockchain enthusiasts of diverse backgrounds were able to engage in different themes and investigate challenges and opportunities of blockchain technology in multiple perspectives.