The 2024 Lugano Plan ₿ Forum has reached a milestone with a record number of attendees, and a new global event will be held in 2025

November 13, 2024 — Plan ₿, an initiative co-founded by Tether and the City of Lugano to promote the adoption of Bitcoin and blockchain technology, proudly concluded the third edition of its annual Plan ₿ Forum from October 25 to 26, 2024. This event marked a significant milestone in their joint effort toward financial democratization. Held in Lugano, the forum drew approximately 2,900 participants from over 60 countries, setting a new attendance record—a 70–80% increase compared to the inaugural event in 2022 and a 25–30% rise from 2023.

One of the key highlights of the 2024 forum was the unveiling of a life-size statue of Satoshi Nakamoto in front of Lugano's Villa Ciani. Created by artist Valentina Picozzi, the statue plays with perception—appearing to vanish depending on the observer's angle—symbolizing Nakamoto’s mysterious disappearance after sparking a decentralized financial revolution. The statue serves as a powerful reminder that the principles of decentralization and financial sovereignty will continue to inspire Lugano as a blockchain hub.

The 2024 Plan ₿ Forum also witnessed a significant surge in Bitcoin and USD₮ payments in Lugano, further solidifying the city’s leadership in cryptocurrency adoption. During the week of the forum (October 23–30), 6,121 Bitcoin Lightning Network and USD₮ transactions were recorded in Lugano, totaling $160,200.

These figures reflect strong local business adoption of crypto payments and underscore Lugano’s commitment to making digital currency a practical tool for both residents and visitors.

“This year’s Plan ₿ Forum was extraordinary, setting a new record for attendance and showcasing incredible enthusiasm from participants around the globe,” said Lugano Mayor Michele Foletti. “It is inspiring to see Lugano emerge as a beacon for blockchain innovation. This momentum not only benefits our city but also promotes the global adoption of digital assets. The future of Lugano as a leader in blockchain innovation is brighter than ever, and we look forward to the positive impact continuing to grow.”

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino added: “The exceptional turnout and energy at the 2024 Plan ₿ Forum reflect the strong momentum behind Bitcoin and digital assets. Lugano has become a vibrant nexus of global innovation, embodying the vision of financial freedom and decentralized technology. We are excited to help propel this movement forward, supporting a future where blockchain unlocks unprecedented opportunities, transforms economies, and empowers individuals worldwide. This is just the beginning of an exciting journey.”

Following the success of this year’s forum, the Plan ₿ initiative has announced two major events for 2025 to continue the global dialogue:

• Plan ₿ Forum El Salvador: Scheduled for January 30–31, 2025, this will be the first Plan ₿ Forum held in El Salvador, focusing on Bitcoin’s transformative power in emerging markets. The event will bring together global thought leaders to explore the impact of cryptocurrency on economic empowerment. Tickets are available now.

• Fourth Annual Plan ₿ Forum in Lugano: The next edition will return to Lugano on October 24–25, 2025, continuing discussions on financial freedom, innovation, and the role of blockchain in shaping the future. Early-bird tickets are available now.

The success of this year’s forum, coupled with significant advancements in cryptocurrency adoption and digital payment infrastructure, highlights the effectiveness of the Plan ₿ initiative in positioning Lugano as a global blockchain hub. With two major events planned for next year, Plan ₿ is poised to continue driving blockchain adoption in 2025 and beyond.