2023 was characterized by a sense of forced optimism and survival; but this year, a tone of growing confidence defined the experience at NFT Paris.
It was my second time hosting interviews on the NFT Paris mainstage. My first was last year — literal winter and crypto winter. Many were still licking wounds from the FTX collapse. And yet, over 18,000 people showed up to champion NFTs in every form. This year, while still cold (and very rainy), it felt more like the early beginnings of crypto spring. The bear market was thawing. Green shoots had emerged through the rubble. It was time to reveal what everyone had spent the past year quietly building.
What the floor looked like
Thousands of people meandered through the vast space, weaving between booths showcasing immersive video game experiences, multi-modal art, and fashion. Two Teslas anchored one end of the exhibition hall — a lure drawing people toward the real attraction: an Elon Musk Tesla Optimus prototype. And just outside, a cluster of protestors chanted that NFTs are dead. People clearly still aggravated by a technology they don't yet understand.
The inside of the hall told a different story. Protests did nothing to deter the enthusiasm within.
Conversations on the mainstage
Against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, influential figures gathered in the Grand Palais Éphémère to talk about what web3 has actually built. Yat Siu of Animoca Brands explored how web3 reshapes capitalism. Austin Federa of the Solana Foundation argued that simplified user experience will drive mass adoption. Erick Calderon of Art Blocks examined the intersection of generative art and crafted products.
I hosted a conversation on "Web3 in Sport: Invisible Tech, Visible Impact" with representatives from Paris Saint-Germain, FC Barcelona, and Chiliz/Socios.com. The panel spoke of a shift in how brands engage with web3 — from superficial sponsorship deals toward deeper, more integrated partnerships. PSG announcing it would become the first network validator of the Chiliz network was one visible signal of that evolution.
Fringe events across the city
Beyond the main event, web3 culture permeated Paris. Bright Moments took over Le Marais. Music producer Agoria performed live at the Musée D'Orsay. World of Women hosted a gala for their community. Web3, as a vessel for arts and culture, continues to thrive whether the masses pay attention or not.
A tone shift worth noting
The relentless "WAGMI" chants of the bull market have been replaced by something more measured: "We are so back." A shift from having something to prove toward an assertive claim on value. In some ways, the industry has matured. In many others, it retains the same audacious, unapologetic energy that makes it feel like itself. And maybe, just maybe, things will be different this time around.
