What: The McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin is hosting its first blockchain conference, “Blockchain Opportunities and Reality,” at the new graduate business building, Robert B. Rowling Hall. There will be two keynote speeches and eight panel discussions in two parallel sessions that cover broad topics on underlying technological issues, FinTech applications, policy issues and social innovation.
Who: Experts from across the nation will join with industry practitioners to discuss the future of blockchain and its relevance. Jim Schneider, senior FinTech equity researcher for Goldman Sachs; and Frank Yiannas, vice president of food safety for Wal-Mart, will present the two keynotes. To view the full schedule and lists of panelists, visit the conference website.
When: Friday, April 13, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Robert B. Rowling Hall on the corner of Guadalupe Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on The University of Texas at Austin campus, 300 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin, TX 78701.
Parking is available in the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center garage, which is accessible to Rowling Hall, and at surrounding lots. We can also arrange for closer-in parking or coordination of equipment for reporters.
Background: Blockchain is a digitized, decentralized, public ledger of all cryptocurrency transactions. It provides authentication of transactions and assets, transparency and immutability without sacrificing privacy, and it provides security without the need of an expensive intermediary.
Blockchain has attracted significant attention across a variety of fields such as financial services, supply chain, real estate, currency, health care, social and environmental initiatives and the sharing economy. It is considered a disruptive technology that has the potential to transform how business is conducted, much like the internet.
While there are great promises and opportunities with blockchain, there are significant policy, technological and adoption challenges. This conference was designed to bring researchers and practitioners together to increase awareness around key issues and identify new research opportunities. In addition, this conference will help us step forward toward a thorough understanding of the opportunities and reality of blockchain.
To register, visit the conference website.
