Inside the developer-focused conference series revolutionizing Bitcoin education worldwide
In the rapidly evolving world of Bitcoin development, quality education has become the cornerstone of progress. While countless conferences promise networking opportunities and industry insights, one series stands apart by prioritizing what matters most: deep technical knowledge and hands-on skills. That series is bitcoin++.
Since its inception in June 2022, bitcoin++ has carved out a unique niche in the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Rather than chasing massive audiences and broad appeal, the conference series has deliberately maintained an intimate, developer-first approach that emphasizes long-form lectures, intensive workshops, and the kind of technical depth that transforms curious coders into confident Bitcoin builders.
A Global Movement with a Local Touch
What began in Austin, Texas has blossomed into a truly international phenomenon. bitcoin++ has successfully executed nine conferences across four continents, touching down in cities as diverse as Mexico City, Berlin, Buenos Aires, and Florianopolis. Each event brings together the brightest minds in Bitcoin development, creating focused learning environments where complex technical concepts become accessible.
The conference series doesn't just travel—it evolves. Each edition focuses on a specific technical theme that reflects the cutting edge of Bitcoin development:
- Austin (Jun 2022): Bootstrapping Bitcoin Dev
- CDMX (Dec 2022): Onchain Privacy
- Austin (Apr 2023): Layer 2s
- Berlin (Oct 2023): nix-bitcoin
- Buenos Aires (Feb 2024): Payments
- Austin (May 2024): Script
- Berlin (Oct 2024): E-cash
- Floripa (Feb 2025): Hack + Sun
- Austin (May 2025): Pools (Mempools + Mining)
Looking ahead, the series shows no signs of slowing down. Upcoming events in 2025-2026 include stops in Taipei (Sovereignty), Istanbul (Scaling), Berlin (Lightning++), Vienna (Economic discussions), Nairobi (Working in Public), Toronto (Consensus), and beyond.
This ambitious global schedule ensures that developers worldwide have access to world-class Bitcoin education, regardless of their location.
The Numbers Tell the Story
bitcoin++'s impact extends far beyond its physical events. The series has conducted over 275 talks and workshops, attracting more than 1,500 attendees who are serious about Bitcoin development. But perhaps most impressively, bitcoin++ has awarded over $50,000 in hackathon prizes, directly incentivizing developers to turn their newfound knowledge into real-world contributions to the Bitcoin ecosystem.
All past presentations are freely available on the bitcoin++ YouTube channel, ensuring that the knowledge shared at these events continues to educate developers long after the conferences conclude. This commitment to open education aligns perfectly with Bitcoin's ethos of transparency and accessibility.
More Than Just Conferences: The Base58 Connection
What truly sets bitcoin++ apart is its deep connection to Base58, the world's premier Bitcoin protocol school. This relationship isn't coincidental—it's fundamental to bitcoin++'s educational mission.
If you’re in Austin, come celebrate bitcoin’s birthday with Base58 at Saturn 🪐 bar on Congress
— Base58: bitcoin protocol school (@base58school) January 3, 2026
Not in Austin? Today’s the last day to grab a free seat in our self-paced online class about bitcoin transactions. See next post for link 🔗 https://t.co/WkGyrqdAEV
Base58, founded and led by niftynei (Lisa Neigut)—a world-renowned Bitcoin and Lightning expert and protocol developer at Blockstream—provides the educational backbone that makes bitcoin++ conferences so effective. niftynei, who serves as the lead instructor and curriculum writer at Base58, brings deep technical expertise from her work on Core Lightning. She splits her time between advancing Lightning protocol development by day and running the bitcoin++ international conference series by night.
This synergy between Base58's structured curriculum and bitcoin++'s intensive conference format creates a comprehensive learning ecosystem. Developers can start with Base58's online courses, covering everything from transaction parsing and Bitcoin scripting to wallet development and Lightning Network protocols—and then deepen their understanding at bitcoin++ events where they interact with the experts and peers shaping Bitcoin's future.
What Makes bitcoin++ Different
In an era where many cryptocurrency conferences have devolved into marketing showcases and networking circuses, bitcoin++ has stayed true to its core mission: deep technical education. The conference series deliberately maintains smaller, more focused audiences, people who are genuinely excited to dive into the intricacies of Bitcoin technology.
The emphasis on long-form content is particularly notable. Instead of quick soundbites and shallow overviews, bitcoin++ sessions give speakers the time they need to thoroughly explore complex topics. Workshops provide hands-on experience with real Bitcoin code and protocols, ensuring that attendees leave with practical skills they can immediately apply.
As the organizers describe it, bitcoin++ is for developers who want to "get deeper into the cutting edge of bitcoin tech." This isn't aspirational marketing speak—it's a genuine commitment reflected in every aspect of the conference design.
Building for the Future
The Bitcoin ecosystem faces a critical challenge: ensuring that the next generation of developers has the knowledge and skills needed to advance the protocol responsibly. bitcoin++ addresses this challenge head-on by creating spaces where emerging developers can learn from established experts, where complex ideas can be explored without time constraints, and where hands-on practice complements theoretical knowledge.
The conference series has become a cornerstone of technical Bitcoin education, attracting some of the brightest minds in the space and creating a global community of developers committed to Bitcoin's success. Whether you're in Austin learning about mining pools, in Berlin exploring e-cash implementations, or in Taipei discussing sovereignty, you're part of a worldwide movement advancing Bitcoin technology.
As Base58 puts it, they're "leveling up the next generation of open source Bitcoin developers" and training "contributors whose work will outlive them." bitcoin++ is where that mission comes to life in real-time, three days at a time, in cities around the world.
Get Involved
For developers serious about deepening their Bitcoin expertise, bitcoin++ represents an unparalleled opportunity. Whether you're just beginning your Bitcoin development journey or you're a seasoned contributor looking to stay at the cutting edge, there's a bitcoin++ event designed for you.
The upcoming Austin edition (May 7-9, 2025) focusing on mempools and mining is already accepting registrations, with limited spots available. Future events in Taipei, Istanbul, Berlin, and beyond promise to continue bitcoin++'s tradition of excellence in technical education.
From Austin to Taipei and everywhere in between, bitcoin++ is training the builders who will shape Bitcoin's future. The question isn't whether you can afford to attend—it's whether you can afford to miss out.
Learn more and register at btcpp.dev
Explore Base58's courses at base58.school
