How Step Dubai and Token2049 Are Transforming the Blockchain Event Market

The rapid development of blockchain and Web3 technologies has led to the emergence of major industry events shaping the industry’s future. Among them, Token2049 and Step Dubai have become key platforms for innovation, discussing regulation and seeking investment opportunities.

Anastasiia Malkina, an experienced event organiser, spoke about the behind-the-scenes of these events and their impact on the development of Web3.

The Rise of Web3 Conferences

As the Web3 industry has grown, so has the number of conferences. In 2022, Token2049 in Singapore attracted over 7,000 attendees, 200+ speakers, and 250 exhibitors. A year later, the number of attendees increased to 10,000 and the number of exhibitors to 300. In 2024, Token2049 Dubai attracted 10,000 attendees from 4,000 companies from over 100 countries. In 2025, interest in the event is expected to grow further.

Web3 events are becoming an important platform for networking between different projects. Some of the most influential ones remain Token2049 and Step Dubai, where Anastasiia Malkina helped Rocketech participate. She optimised the startup’s presence at the event and built strategic connections for it.

Token2049: A Global Platform for Web3 Dialogue

Token2049 is one of the most prestigious blockchain conferences held in Dubai and Singapore. It brings together top executives, investors, developers and opinion leaders to discuss market trends, regulation and technological advances.

For Rocketech, participation in Token2049 Dubai 2024 was a strategic step. Anastasiia Malkina coordinated the company’s activities including:

• Participating in discussions on blockchain scalability, institutional adoption of digital assets and decentralised infrastructure
• Organising networking and meetings with investors and strategic partners
• PR activities, which helped to attract the attention of key industry players

Token2049 Dubai 2024 attracted 40,000 participants, 10,000 companies and 500 speakers, confirming its status as the largest blockchain event.

Step Dubai: The Tech Heart of MENA

Step Dubai started as a series of small meetings, but over 11 years it has grown into the largest tech festival in the MENA region. Today, it brings together entrepreneurs, investors and technology companies.

For Rocketech, participation in Step Dubai 2024 was an opportunity to present its solutions and establish partnerships. Anastasiia Malkina was responsible for:

• Rocketech’s appearances in panel discussions on Web3 and Fintech, which helped build the company’s reputation
• Negotiations with investors and participation in closed networking events
• Demonstrating innovative solutions at booths and in the startup zone

The event attracted 400+ startups, hundreds of investors and 8,000+ participants, becoming a key platform for blockchain companies.

Key Insights from Token2049 and Step Dubai

Participating in these two major Web3 conferences provided critical strategic insights into event organisation and industry trends. According to Anastasiia Malkina, the Web3 landscape is evolving in the following directions:

Blockchain Integration into Traditional Finance

Blockchain is becoming a critical tool for cross-border payments, fraud prevention, and regulatory-compliant digital assets. Fintech startups and financial institutions are leveraging blockchain for faster transactions, enhanced security, and decentralised identity verification.

Discussions at Token2049 also emphasised the rise of stablecoins and CBDCs, indicating a growing synergy between crypto and traditional finance rather than outright competition.

DAO Organisations Gaining Traction

DAOs are evolving from niche experiments to mainstream governance models. Token2049 and Step Dubai showcased decentralised decision-making frameworks, where communities shape the direction of blockchain projects.

This shift highlights DAOs’ role in corporate governance, digital collectives, and community-driven ecosystems, pushing for more transparent and democratic business models.

Investment Trends: The Rise of DePINs

Institutional investors are moving towards infrastructure-based blockchain projects (DePINs). Token2049 featured decentralised wireless networks, blockchain-powered cloud storage and tokenised energy grids as emerging real-world applications. This trend signals a shift from speculative assets to real-world decentralised infrastructure that transforms industries.

AI and Smart Tech in Blockchain

AI is increasingly integrated into blockchain, helping to automate trading, enhance security and simplify compliance. This is pushing the boundaries of Web3 by combining blockchain with DeFi, cybersecurity and automated business processes.

Regulatory Developments

Regulators are increasing oversight, but forming a clear legal framework. The EU, UAE and Singapore are becoming key jurisdictions for crypto businesses. Against the backdrop of upcoming changes in the US cryptocurrency policy in 2025, businesses will have to adapt to the new requirements.

Emerging Web3 Event Trends From Step Dubai and Token2049

Based on her experience of participating in such events, Anastasiia Malkina identified three main trends that define the development of Web3 conferences:

1. Decentralised event management

Community members can participate in organising events through DAO-voting on topics and formats, reinforcing the principles of decentralisation.

2. Integration with the metaverse

Events increasingly incorporate virtual interaction to increase engagement with global audiences.

3. Optimising networking with AI

Personalised algorithms improve contact selection and facilitate meaningful meetings.

Through her experience in organising high-level blockchain events, Anastasiia Malkina demonstrated how effective event management can grow the industry, drive innovation and strengthen Web3 ecosystems.

The most effective conferences follow a structured approach to maximise value for attendees:

1. Strategic planning

Advance preparation, specialised discussions, and customised networking schedules help companies optimise their event experience and maximise ROI.

2. Targeted business meetings

Private meetings with investors and executives often yield better results than large-scale discussions because they facilitate face-to-face dealmaking and partnerships.

3. Data-driven marketing

AI and analytics allow organisers to track audience engagement, measure the impact of an event, and continuously improve their approach.

In addition to logistical planning, successful Web3 interventions include three main elements:

1. Strong industry relationships

The impact of an event is largely determined by the quality of its participants and partnerships. Up to 70% of success depends on creating and leveraging the right connections in the blockchain space.

2. User experience innovation

Gamification, interactive experiences and personalised content help increase audience engagement, making the event more memorable and meaningful.

3. Adapting to trends

The Web3 industry is evolving rapidly, and successful event organisers must stay ahead of the trends by integrating the latest technological advances and regulatory changes into their programs.

Through a combination of effective planning, strategic networking and user-centred experiences, conferences such as Token2049 and Step Dubai have set new industry standards. Their continued impact underscores the crucial role of event organisers in shaping the future of Web3 and blockchain innovation.

Token2049 and Step Dubai are transforming the blockchain event market by creating unique opportunities for industry leaders, startups and investors. Thanks to Anastasiia Malkina’s organisational work, Rocketech was able to present its technology, strengthen connections and expand its presence on Web3.

Her experience confirms that professional event organisation plays a key role in the development of the blockchain industry. In a rapidly changing market, such conferences remain the main platforms for knowledge sharing, regulation and attracting investment in new technologies.