ETH CC Brussels Recap: brunches, baddies, and blockchain besties
Here’s what happened this week from an insider POV.
The past week attending ETH CC in Brussels was a whirlwind full of fresh friendships, irreverent ideas, and a grand old girlie time.
In this post, I’ll share my personal highlights — the events I attended, whom I met and hung out with, and what stood out to me.
Please note that my highlights are listed in chronological order with no special preference (love you all!)
#1 The SheFi Summit
I kicked off my week with the highly-anticipated SheFi Summit on Sunday. While the last time I walked in bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, new to the blockchain space… this year I waltzed in confident, relaxed, and knowing a solid 60% of the room.
Maggie Love Wu, Jules Worring, Alyssa Mae, and the rest of the team had done an impeccable job. The venue was incredibly aesthetic and cozy. The speakers were the who’s-who of Web3 leaders, and the swag was top-notch.
Thank you to all the sponsors — notably Linea, as per the official Summit tote.
With 400+ attendees (I need to check on the actual number because I feel like it may have been a lot more), the SheFi Summit definitely felt like the best bang for my blockchain buck.
Between the hours of 10 AM and 7 PM (a mere work day if you think about it), I walked away with at least 40 new quality connections who I’m now happy to call friends.
This event set the tone for my experience at ETH CC, and everywhere I went after the summit, I kept running into my new besties.
Rumor has it that people were offering a pretty penny for a ticket but alas, the summit was all sold-out. So y’all should plan better next year, we love people who plan!
I won’t go into too much detail about the SheFi Summit in this article because I wrote a full and very comprehensive recap here.
#2 AFK
AFK by Lens Protocol was sleek, value-packed, and fun. Firstly, the venue was gorgeous. If it looks like Jay and I are sitting on a cloud… it’s because it felt like it, too. These Pinterest-popular couches are next level.
The AFK speaker lineup was carefully curated featuring Emily Lai from Hype Partners, Professor Paul Dylan-Ennis (who I finally got to meet in person as we had been tweeting at each other for a little while), and Vitalik Buterin himself.
Latasha took over and set the dancefloor on fire, as she always does. A running joke was that Vitalik was opening for Latasha.
Russ came down to personally verify that vibes were present. #proofofvibes.
The swag at AFK was super cute and the free “shopping” experience was very boutique-like. I walked away with a T-shirt and a pair of branded Lens socks. (special thanks to Paris Rouzati — my fairy merch mother).
#3 L’Apero by Boys Club and Optimism
L’Apero was a classy affair as per the Boys Club ethos. A team effort between the Boys and Optimism, this cocktail event featuring a signature Belgian waffle stand and a photo booth provided ample opportunity to have more intimate chats.
The guest list was small but mighty. Evin, Louie, Emily, and Ornella were there among others. Natasha dazzled in an ankle-length dress while Deana rocked a crisp white, off-the-shoulder shirt paired with pointed buckle-up flats.
It was an honor to meet Cait Poli in the flesh (and mostly leather), as well as Miranda — the creative force behind the brand.
Emmanuel from Optimism gave a small speech to introduce the Superchain — their latest project and received a spirited ovation.
#4 Brunch by Chipped Social
The Chipped brunch felt like family time. A table of 15 strangers gathered inside a beautiful Belgian library to chat, cheer each other on, and get their chipped manicures.
Winny was an incredible hostess, standing up to greet every single guest and personally hand them their Chipped goodie bag.
I truly felt like I belonged and enjoyed finding out how much we all had in common even though we came from such different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
We feasted on fish, beef, and veggies to power up for the rest of a productive day.
#5 Bing Bong sponsored by Ponke
I’ve always admired Gigi and irritated.eth for their ability to choose the best rooftop locations in any city and get a party going.
It was great to catch up with old(ish) fiends from NFC including Viktor, and Max, and meet onchain besties IRL. Crypto Leon came with his dad and they had the best energy.
My boyfriend Jay knew most people at the party since he’s into NFTs and gaming, and I was mostly happy to tag along and enjoy the sunset.
#6 BoysClub Anon Ball
I know — two mentions of Boys Club in the same post but you gotta give crypto credit where it’s due! The Anon Ball was a collaboration between Boys Club, dYdX, and Wormhole.
I’ve said this to the Boys and I’ll say it again: anything they touch is a vibe. From the venue’s dark and scarlet color scheme to the branded lighters, beats-spinning DJ, and cool crowd, the Anon Ball was one of the most highly-anticipated events of the week.
The dress code was DUNE. Yep, as in Zendaya Dune. I rocked a sand-colored hooded dress while Jay donned a black crocheted top and a black veil.
I’d say that 99% of everyone there had made a conscious effort to rock the Anon Ball colors even if they didn’t wear an elaborate costume. Luckily, the Boys and their team were giving away Bene Gesserit-themed face coverings which attendees were happy to put on.
As with L’Apero, the Boys had made sure to hire a photographer who diligently made their way around the room. Here’s a video, see if you can spot me, tee-hee!
#7 Bera Baddies Brunch
On my final day at ETH CC, I joined the Baddies on Berachain for brunch.
They had rented a gorgeous venue — at the very center of historic Brussels where you had to walk under an ornate eagle and scale a winding staircase to get to an elegant room where macaroons, cocktails, and cool girlies galore.
My friend Han stole the show in the best way possible as soon as she took out her Tarot deck and offered me a reading. (It was spot-on by the way). When the other baddies saw her read my cards, they literally gathered around her waiting for their turn.
Notably, Winny and Andros were there, handing out Chipped goodies to the baddies who had purchased their press-on nails. (I have them in peach and black + white and I am obsessed).
Around 2 PM, the Bera Baddies hosted a workshop because baddies need to know their stuff + gifted merch to the participants.
I’m already having FOMO
…and am excited for next year! Rumor has it that ETH CC 2025 will take place in Cannes, France.
Honestly, I don’t care where it happens as long as my besties are in the room. I call myself a “crypto capybara.” Because capybaras are friends with everybody and can cross over cliques, forging connections between people. And that’s what I aspire to do.
If you were at ETH CC in Brussels this year, I’d love to hear your highlights! And if you weren’t — hope to see you next year!
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