Adam Back has been announced as a key speaker at the upcoming Bitcoin 2026 conference in Las Vegas, marking a significant return for the influential figure whose contributions to Bitcoin date back to before the cryptocurrency’s inception. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Blockstream, as well as the CEO of the Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company (BSTR), Back will be presenting at this year’s event, highlighting the intersection of Bitcoin infrastructure and capital markets.
In 1997, Adam Back created Hashcash, a proof-of-work system designed to combat email spam. This innovation later became the technical foundation for Bitcoin’s mining mechanism. Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin’s mysterious creator, referenced Back in the original Bitcoin white paper, indicating that the network would require “a proof-of-work system similar to Adam Back’s Hashcash.” Prior to the mining of Bitcoin’s genesis block, Satoshi even reached out to Back via email.
Back’s work with Blockstream, established in 2014, focuses on developing Bitcoin infrastructure across multiple sectors. This includes consumer self-custody tools like the open-source Jade hardware wallet, enterprise settlement and asset issuance on the Liquid Network, and institutional products via Blockstream Asset Management. By the end of 2025, the Liquid Network was projected to approach nearly $5 billion in total value locked (TVL). At last year’s Bitcoin 2025, Back emphasized Blockstream’s unwavering focus on Bitcoin, stating, “We’re laser-focused on Bitcoin. At Blockstream, we are here to provide the infrastructure to enable that.”
On the financial front, the Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company is currently in the process of going public through a merger with Cantor Equity Partners I (CEPO). With a balance sheet featuring 30,021 bitcoins and a potential for up to $1.5 billion in private investment in public equity (PIPE) financing, this represents the largest Bitcoin treasury SPAC merger ever announced. As of March 2026, BSTR is awaiting the completion of its de-SPAC process, with shareholder approval anticipated as early as April. The merged entity is expected to trade on Nasdaq under the ticker “BSTR.”
Back’s presence at Bitcoin 2026 promises to deliver unparalleled insights into Bitcoin’s protocol, infrastructure, and capital markets. The conference will take place from April 27-29 at The Venetian in Las Vegas and is projected to be the largest Bitcoin event of the year. Bringing together Bitcoin builders, investors, miners, policymakers, and newcomers from around the globe, Bitcoin 2026 is designed to cater to both novice attendees and seasoned Bitcoin enthusiasts.
The event will feature an array of options for participation, including general admission passes for newcomers and premium passes for professionals and enterprises. Activities will encompass multiple stages, immersive experiences, technical workshops, and keynote speeches. The conference aims to unify various facets of the Bitcoin ecosystem, including open-source development, enterprise adoption, mining, energy, policy, and culture.
Historically, the Bitcoin conference has experienced exponential growth, with attendance numbers swelling dramatically in recent years: 11,000 in Miami in 2021, 26,000 in 2022, 15,000 in 2023, and 22,000 in Nashville in 2024. Last year saw attendance peak at 35,000 in Las Vegas.
For attendees looking to maximize their experience, Bitcoin 2026 offers a variety of pass types, ensuring there is something for everyone—from introductory sessions for beginners to advanced discussions for industry leaders.
General admission passes provide limited access on the latter two days and entry to various stages, while Pro Passes offer a broader range of access, including dedicated networking opportunities and meals. The exclusive Whale Pass offers an all-inclusive experience, featuring reserved seating and access to special networking events alongside complimentary accommodations. There is even an After Hours Pass, granting access to official after-parties where attendees can continue networking in a more casual setting.
With a packed agenda and more speakers set to be announced, Bitcoin 2026 is shaping up to be an unmissable event for anyone serious about the future of money and the Bitcoin ecosystem.
