The Southern California Blockchain Conference (SCBC) 2024 is a premier two-day event designed to spotlight the latest advancements, emerging trends, and groundbreaking research in blockchain technology and digital assets. Hosted in the heart of Los Angeles, this annual gathering unites top students, innovators, developers, and industry leaders to explore the future of decentralized systems and their real-world impact.
Co-organized by the University of Southern California (USC) and Blockchain@USC, SCBC offers an inclusive platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and community building. Whether you're deeply embedded in the crypto ecosystem or just beginning your journey, this conference delivers actionable insights and forward-thinking discussions that reflect the evolving landscape of blockchain innovation.
A Student-Led Force in Blockchain Innovation
At the core of SCBC’s mission is Blockchain@USC, USC’s official student-run organization dedicated to decentralized protocol research and governance. This dynamic group plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of blockchain leadership.
Notably, Blockchain@USC currently stewards over $3.5 million worth of Optimism (OP) tokens through a strategic delegation partnership with a16z Crypto, one of the most influential venture capital firms in the space. This responsibility allows students to actively participate in protocol governance, contributing to infrastructure development and long-term sustainability efforts within the Ethereum ecosystem.
Looking ahead, the organization plans to expand its delegation portfolio to include Starknet and other emerging blockchain protocols. This growth underscores their commitment to hands-on learning, decentralized decision-making, and supporting scalable, secure networks.
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Conference Structure & Venue Highlights
SCBC 2024 unfolds across two iconic venues on USC’s University Park Campus:
- Day 1: Bovard Auditorium — USC’s flagship event space, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and grand architectural design.
- Day 2: Town and Gown — A beautifully appointed ballroom that fosters networking, interactive panels, and collaborative sessions.
Both locations provide an inspiring backdrop for deep dives into technical breakthroughs, regulatory developments, and entrepreneurial opportunities in Web3.
All sessions will be livestreamed in real time, ensuring global accessibility. For those unable to attend live, full recordings will be made available post-event, allowing attendees and remote viewers alike to revisit key insights at their convenience.
Best of all? Attendance is completely free — removing barriers to entry and promoting widespread participation in the blockchain conversation.
Featured Speakers Driving Industry Transformation
The 2024 lineup features some of the most influential minds in blockchain, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation:
- Chris Dixon, Founder & Managing Partner, a16z Crypto
- Anatoly Yakovenko, Co-Founder, Solana
- Emad Mostaque, CEO, Stability AI
- Devin Walsh, Co-Founder, Uniswap Foundation
- Tom Bilyeu, Co-Founder, Impact Theory
- Amelia Daly, Head of Partnerships, Solana Foundation
- Brian Brooks, Partner, O’Melveny
- Matt Sigel, Head of Digital Assets, VanEck
- Tarun Chitra, CEO, Gauntlet
- Neel Somani, CEO, Eclipse
- Derek Edwards, Managing Partner, Collab+Currency
- Debbie Soon, Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer, Hug
- Luke Katz, VP of Growth, Serotonin
- James Young, CEO, CollabLand
- John Nahas, Senior Vice President, Ava Labs
- Peter Kim, Co-Founder, Polymer Labs
- James Ho, Head of Ventures, Animoca Brands
- Thomas Salas, CEO, Relayer
These thought leaders will explore critical topics such as decentralized finance (DeFi), Layer 2 scaling solutions, AI integration with blockchain, tokenomics, regulatory frameworks, and the role of community-driven protocols.
What You’ll Gain from Attending
Attendees can expect:
- In-depth technical workshops
- Real-world case studies on protocol governance
- Networking opportunities with developers and investors
- Insights into funding trends and startup acceleration
- Discussions on sustainability, decentralization, and user ownership
Whether you're a developer building on Layer 1 blockchains or an entrepreneur launching a Web3 project, SCBC offers valuable takeaways that bridge theory and practice.
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Core Themes Explored at SCBC 2024
The Evolution of Decentralized Governance
With rising interest in DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) and token-based voting systems, SCBC will examine how communities can govern protocols effectively while maintaining security and inclusivity.
Scaling Blockchain for Mass Adoption
As networks like Solana, Optimism, and Starknet push the boundaries of throughput and cost-efficiency, speakers will discuss the trade-offs between scalability, decentralization, and security — often referred to as the "blockchain trilemma."
AI Meets Blockchain: Synergies and Challenges
With Emad Mostaque of Stability AI headlining, conversations will explore how generative AI can enhance smart contract auditing, improve UX in dApps, and even generate on-chain content — while addressing concerns around data provenance and model transparency.
The Future of Digital Identity & Ownership
From NFTs to soulbound tokens, identity layers are becoming foundational in Web3. Sessions will highlight how users can maintain control over their digital personas without sacrificing privacy or interoperability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the Southern California Blockchain Conference open to the public?
A: Yes! SCBC 2024 is free and open to everyone — students, professionals, developers, and enthusiasts alike. No registration fees or tickets are required.
Q: Can I attend virtually?
A: Absolutely. All sessions will be livestreamed online, and recordings will be published after the event for on-demand viewing.
Q: Do I need prior knowledge of blockchain to benefit from this conference?
A: Not at all. While some talks will dive into technical details, many sessions are designed for a broad audience and include introductory explanations.
Q: Who organizes the Southern California Blockchain Conference?
A: The event is co-hosted by the University of Southern California and Blockchain@USC, a student-led research and delegation group focused on advancing decentralized technologies.
Q: Will there be opportunities to network with speakers or sponsors?
A: Yes. Day 2 at Town and Gown includes dedicated networking breaks, roundtable discussions, and informal meetups where attendees can connect with industry leaders.
Q: Are there plans for SCBC 2025?
A: While details aren’t finalized yet, SCBC is an annual event expected to return in 2025 with expanded programming and broader participation.
Why This Conference Matters Now
As blockchain transitions from niche innovation to mainstream infrastructure, events like SCBC play a crucial role in educating future builders and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. With student groups like Blockchain@USC taking active roles in protocol governance, we’re witnessing a new model of experiential learning — one where theory meets real-world impact.
Moreover, Southern California continues to emerge as a key hub for tech innovation beyond Silicon Valley. By hosting this event at USC, organizers are positioning Los Angeles as a growing center for Web3 talent development and entrepreneurial activity.
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Final Thoughts
The Southern California Blockchain Conference 2024 isn't just another industry event — it's a catalyst for change. From empowering student leaders to shaping the next wave of decentralized applications, SCBC embodies the spirit of open innovation.
If you're passionate about digital assets, smart contracts, or the future of the internet, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss — whether attending in person or tuning in online.
Stay engaged. Stay informed. And be part of the movement building a more transparent, equitable digital future.
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