The much-awaited crypto event Consensus 2025 begins this week in Toronto. The mega-event brings together over 20,000 developers, investors, regulators, and founders. Hosted by CoinDesk, the event runs from May 14–16 and features one of the industry’s most influential lineups to date.

The agenda is filled with sessions across DeFi, tokenomics, DAOs, and real-world blockchain use cases. Keynote speakers include Eric Trump, Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson, Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary, and NYDFS Superintendent Adrienne Harris. Even Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin makes an appearance via the premiere of Vitalik: An Ethereum Story.

What Sets It Apart?

This year, Consensus 2025 introduces new areas of focus. AI x Blockchain will explore zero-knowledge models, smart wallet upgrades, and decentralized AI use cases. The Explorations Stage is set to talk about Canada’s growing Web3 role, staking, token unlocks, and advanced trading strategies.

With over 300 speakers across 10+ tracks, sessions range from AI’s overlap with smart contracts to policy deep dives with U.S. and global regulators. The Open Money Summit and Brand & Creator Summit return, alongside side events, hackathons, and private networking lounges.

The Pitchfest and EasyA Hackathon aim to fuel builder momentum, while IEEE’s research symposium brings academic weight to the conversation. Meanwhile, the Night Summit parties and film screenings aim to keep the networking alive after hours.

Ticket prices range from free virtual passes to VIP all-access packages over $9,000. Crypto payments are also accepted at checkout, and students, developers, and groups can score discounts. 

Consensus 2025’s Significance

The crypto industry sits at a turning point in 2025. With global regulation accelerating and market momentum building, Consensus arrives at just the right time. It brings clarity to shifting policies and gives builders the visibility to launch and grow. And the presence of President Trump’s son Eric Trump is likely to attract global attention to the event.

Moreover, the event’s focus on AI x Blockchain can’t be at a better time. As a predecessor to the AI revolution, many crypto enthusiasts have voiced concerns over potential blind spots in terms of AI incorporation into the crypto ecosystem. The conference can act as a launching pad to discuss ideas and accelerate the community’s collective ambitions towards an AI-enabled crypto future.

While the spotlight is on speakers and industry trends at Consensus 2025, the market outside the venue is just as active. Bitcoin reclaimed $104K and $110K targets following the softest US CPI print since 2021. Ethereum isn’t far behind either. The ETF inflows are rebounding, whale activity is picking up,  and analysts are eyeing a move to $3,200. 

The post Consensus 2025: Full Agenda, Big Names, and Why It Matters for Crypto appeared first on CoinGape.

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Filed under: News - @ May 14, 2025 11:28 am