One of our munificent clients, DasCoin, recognised the need to try and engage the wider London community with cryptocurrencies and token systems. In September they asked us if they could sponsor an Education Trade Fair that we would host. The team saw the importance of getting this done quickly and well, thus deciding to accelerate the event date.

The stunning Great Hall of the Chartered Insurance Institute was transformed into an intimate trade fair like no other. Twenty six ‘token’ companies brought their banners, tablets, and other material, respectful of the smaller than usual space allocated to each one. In the spirit of cooperation, vital in this field, they shared tables, as well as their excitement about the road ahead.

The trade fair was officially kicked off by Jeremy Mayhew, the Finance Committee Chairman of the City of London Corporation. Welcomes from Michael Mathias, CEO of DasCoin and Michael Mainelli, Executive Chairman of Z/Yen Group followed. Over 500 people passed through the Great Hall’s doors between 13:00 and 18:00, making this a very successful day indeed.

In the smaller Court Room, Michael Mainelli and Vinay Gupta, founder of Mattereum and Hexayurt.Capital, chaired a series of 12 punchy, educational 10-minute talks. The room was full, with people standing at the sides, throughout the day. We would like to note, oddly, that every talk ran on time, if not ahead of schedule, a small achievement in itself.

The day also saw the launch of "The London Token Fundraising Manifesto", published in the early morning edition of City AM. The big objective of connecting communities was fulfilled with people walking round from regulators, HM Revenue & Customs, politicians, and others. The City of London Police took a stall, quite a popular one for people to visit. And socially? Well, we all also had a great reception afterwards at the London Capital Club.