Paolo Ardoino has been officially confirmed as a speaker at the upcoming Bitcoin 2026 conference, set to take place from April 27 to 29 at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. As the CEO of Tether, the issuer of the largest stablecoin in the world, and the CTO of Bitfinex, Ardoino plays a pivotal role in two of the most influential companies within the Bitcoin ecosystem. His extensive experience and unique insights into the future of Bitcoin make him a highly anticipated speaker at the event.
Ardoino graduated from the University of Genoa’s Computer Science program in 2008, where he initially focused on high-availability, self-recovering networks and cryptography through a military research project. He joined Bitfinex in 2014 as a senior software developer, advancing to the role of CTO by 2016. In December 2023, he took on the additional title of CEO at Tether. Notably, he recently attended a White House event where the GENIUS Act, a landmark piece of legislation for stablecoin regulation, was signed into law.
Under Ardoino’s leadership, Tether has evolved considerably, expanding its operations well beyond issuing stablecoins. At the Bitcoin Conference in 2025, he announced that the company holds over 100,000 Bitcoin and more than 50 tons of gold. Tether has also developed an open-source Bitcoin mining operating system, allowing a range of scalable applications from small home setups to extensive industrial deployments. Additionally, the company has shown a commitment to sustainable practices by investing in renewable energy for Bitcoin mining in Uruguay and venturing into AI infrastructure and peer-to-peer communication platforms.
The Bitcoin 2026 conference promises to be one of the busiest and most impactful gatherings within the cryptocurrency community, attracting Bitcoin builders, investors, miners, policymakers, and technologists from all over the world. With numerous ticket options available, including general admission passes aimed at newcomers and premium passes for industry professionals, attendees can expect a varied program featuring multiple stages, immersive experiences, and technical workshops.
The past conferences have seen significant growth in attendance, with figures like 11,000 in Miami in 2021, hitting a peak of 35,000 participants in Las Vegas in 2025. The 2026 event aims to cater to both those new to Bitcoin and seasoned professionals shaping the industry’s future, offering diverse programming from beginner education to deep technical sessions for seasoned developers.
Various pass types are available for Bitcoin 2026, providing tailored access to accommodate different levels of experience and interest. The general admission pass offers a taste of the main stages and expo hall, while the Pro Pass includes full access and additional networking opportunities. For the ultimate experience, the Whale Pass provides an all-access and premium experience along with exclusive networking opportunities.
As the conference date approaches, more headline speaker announcements are anticipated, further building excitement for what is set to be a landmark event in the Bitcoin calendar. The Bitcoin community is encouraged to secure their passes early and consider volunteering for an enhanced experience, while students aged 13 and above have the opportunity for free admission through student pass applications.
