FAQs
What time can I get in?
Everyone can arrive from 9:30 (the first talk on stage will be 10:10)
Co Founders will be provided with complimentary Tea and Coffee with the Speakers in the Ballroom.
All other ticket holders – Enthusiasts and Discovers – will head up to the Lounge area where the bar will be open and selling Tea and Coffee.
What if I’m late?
That’s fine – there should be someone around the entrance that can scan your QR code and give you a wristband.
If I can’t make it can I get a refund?
No, we are not issuing refunds.
Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?
Yes, that’s fine – simply give them a screenshot of your QR code (or there might be a way to transfer your ticket within Eventbrite).
Where can I find the schedule?
On the BSEConf X account.
There will also be posters up in the venue on the day should you need a reminder.
Will sessions be recorded or live streamed?
We are audio recording everything on the stage and will consider releasing clips or full discussions after the event.
We don’t intend to film the discussions (mostly due to cost constraints) but attendees are free to film clips or whole discussions if they wish to do so.
Is seating limited?
There will be around 150 seats in the Ballroom for attendees (and speakers wanting to watch). This should be more than enough.
In the workshops it’s a much smaller space but there is still room for at least 40 people to attend (and standing at the back would be OK!).
Can I ask questions during the discussions?
In the ballroom for the main stage talks you can’t ask questions.
In the workshops you are positively encouraged to interact and ask questions.
There are also two dedicated ‘ask me anything’ sessions where you can submit questions in advance and stand the chance to win a great prize if they are selected and read out on the day.
Is there wi-fi available?
Yes, and it’s free – you just need to give a few details to get access.
What will I need to bring with me to get in?
Your Eventbrite QR code. Your original email will give you access to this and allow you to add it to your phone wallet. Or you can download the Eventbrite app, log in and your QR code will be there.
Please check this before Saturday morning and if you have any issues email BSEBTC@proton.me as soon as possible so we can help you resolve any issues.
What time does it finish?
The bar closes at 5:30 and we need to have left the venue by 6pm.
There is a free-to-attend after party at Verve nightclub (exclusive use of the upstairs space) from 6pm, and plenty of other bars and restaurants in Bury St Edmunds should you want to do something less Bitcoiny!
Can I upgrade my ticket on the day?
Unfortunately not, sorry!
There is likely to be some filming or photos taken but I am worried about OpSec, what can I do?
It’s your responsibility to avoid being in situations where filming is taking place or photos are being taken, but obviously this isn’t always easy.
We are providing optional blue wristbands for you to wear – that will indicate to anyone filming on behalf of BSE Conf (or just general attendees) that you don’t want to be filmed or photographed and to respect your privacy where possible.
Failing that we recommend a balaclava ☺
How do you know who’s who?
We are using coloured wristbands.
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Speakers : Green
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Co Founders : Orange
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Enthusiasts : Purple
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Discoverers : Yellow
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OPSEC: Blue
Is there a dress code?
Absolutely not.
Is it a child friendly event?
The event isn’t ‘catering’ for children (i.e. there are no separate spaces for children) but children are welcome to attend.
Please ensure that children at the event are always under adult supervision.
Also be aware that there is no censoring of topics or language so some of the sessions could cover certain areas of discussion or have words that you don’t want your child to hear – that’s for you to manage!
Can I bring a backpack?
Yes, there are no restrictions on bringing a backpack but where possible please try and ensure they aren’t too bulky.
Are cloakroom facilities provided?
When you first enter the venue the tickets will be scanned in the room immediately on your left. You are free to leave jackets and anything else you’re comfortable leaving unattended here.
Please note this is done so at your own risk – the BSE Conf volunteers and the Athenaeum staff are not responsible for monitoring your property.
Can I sit anywhere in the Ballroom?
Co-founders and speakers have access to the first 5 rows of seating.
A further 5 rows are available for Enthusiasts (and Co Founders if they don’t want to sit at the front).
The remaining rows are for everyone.
There will be some round tables and chairs at the back of the theatre style seating – first come, first served and available for everyone.
Can I sit anywhere in the Workshops?
The workshops are intended to be a lot more interactive.
You are free to sit where you want and it’s likely there will be a lot of opportunities to ask questions (if you wish to do so…or you can just sit and listen!).
Will there be vendors?
Yes, upstairs in the Reading Room next to the Lounge
We are leaving it entirely at the discretion of each vendor as to what they are selling, prices and method of payment but hopefully most vendors will be accepting Bitcoin payments.
Don’t come with an empty bitcoin wallet (and don’t be afraid to spend and replace!)
Is there BSE merch available?
We are running what might be the world’s first Bitbola,
It’s 21,000 SATS for 10 tickets with lots of great prizes to be won.
If you don’t win a prize from your ten tickets then you can pick a free BSE branded item of clothing; mens (polo and standard T shirts), womens and kids.
ALL proceeds from this will go to the unpaid volunteers who have dedicated their time to help make the event happen.
Make sure your Lightning wallet is loaded up before you come!
Are you making lots of money from the event?
In short, no! This event was created to ‘take action’ and do our bit for Bitcoin and for Bury St Edmunds. Making money was never a criteria, just making enough to make it a great event.
Running a conference of this size and with the level of detail and investment we have made doesn’t come cheap – we have invested ticket money into making the event as great as possible for the attendees.
Without the additional sponsorship we gratefully received the event would have been scaled down significantly; fewer rooms in use at the venue, no after party and potentially no stage or significantly scaled back audio visuals.
Can I take photos and film the stage?
Of course – and it would be great to share your experiences on X to help build the ‘proof of work’ for the event!
Please just avoid using a flash and try not to include attendee faces in any of your recording. Remember: blue wrist band = OPSEC, so be respectful.
Will there be phone charging facilities?
The venue will only allow PAT tested electrical appliances so please do not bring a home charger.
We recommend bringing your own powerbank.
We will provide some first come, first served chargers for attendees (but these will not be attended so you would be leaving your phone at your own risk).
Can I buy alcohol?
The Athenaeum bar (situated in the lounge) will be open from 9:30 selling tea, coffee and soft drinks.
Alcohol will be served from midday (licencing restriction for the venue).
The bar will close at 5:30pm.
The bar will only accept FIAT; we tried, I promise ☺
Can I buy food?
The bar will have snacks like crisps and chocolate for sale but not anything more substantial.
The venue is in the centre of town and there are plenty of options for grab and go options. Meat & Greet also have a 'Bitcoin Lunch Special' on offer.
Can I bring my own food?
Unfortunately The Athenaeum do not allow you to bring in your own food to the venue. Light snacks such as fruit and bars should be fine though.
Can I bring a mate who doesn’t have a ticket?
We will be selling tickets online up until the morning of the event
Paying on the door would be an admin pain but we could sort something out and wouldn’t want to turn anyone away!
Is there a facility for me to buy Bitcoin at the conference?
In short, no.
However if two consenting adults agree to exchange £ for BTC then that is up to them, but it’s not something the venue or event is formally facilitating.
Can I just talk to the speakers?
If they want to talk to you, yes!
Just be mindful that they have schedules for panel discussions and workshops so might not have time to talk to attendees throughout the day.
Is there a way to interact with fellow attendees before and during the event?
Yes, we have created a dedicated Telegram group for all attendees.
The link to join this group will have been emailed to you via the Eventbrite system.
How does the venue handle attendees with accessibility issues?
There is a lift available between the ground floor and the first floor.
The venue isn’t a huge venue so there isn’t a lot of moving around required.
If you require specific assistance please email bsebtc@proton.me to discuss your requirements.
