COINFEST 2014: Mining and Hardware Demonstration @ Waves

Bitcoin is off to an amazing start in 2014, and Vancouver remains front and center! We now have about a couple dozen venues accepting Bitcoin in town, with more signing up every week. Bitcoiniacs have launched a new trading platform called CoinTrader, and QuadrigaCX has launched a free platform of their own. With more Bitcoin ATMs (courtesy of QuadrigaCX) on their way to different locations, we have the perfect opportunity to hold a truly decentralized currency convention!

For those who are not yet aware, CoinFest is a fun event where the Bitcoin community gathers to demonstrate how cryptocurrency works. Here you can practice and learn about the revolutionary technology and concept behind new digital money. It's also the perfect place for Bitcoin afficionados. Each venue will have its own activities and themes; they will all be within close walking distance, or access to Bitcoin-themed transportation will be provided.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/f/d/c/600_273953212.jpeg

Waves Coffee House was the first franchised coffee shop to accept Bitcoin, and is one of the most well-known to use Coinos. The Bitcoiniacs made international headlines by bringing a Robocoin-model ATM here--the first Bitcoin ATM in the world, which has already processed millions of dollars worth of bitcoins. Now their Vancouver offices are located here, and their new exchange CoinTrader is up and running in beta. Having partnered with Paul Szczesny of LibertyBit, CoinTrader is now sponsoring the Mining and Hardware Demonstration, which includes the following activities:

• 500 gigahashes of Bitcion mining equipment, shown in action and explained by notable Vancouver miner Bryan Hellard. He's working with Paul Dickson of Winrock Resources on a new mining enterprise. You can become a miner, yourself!

• Script miners capable of mining both Litecoin and Dogecoin, courtesy of CryptoThinkTank. This group of companies has been involved in the business of Bitcoin mining hardware for quite some time.

• A booth by FreeGeek, a beloved local non-profit that educates youth about technology. You can donate old equipment to them in accordance with the policies on their website ( http://www.freegeekvancouver.org/donate.html), and they will talk about their organization.

• Students from different schools, come to volunteer and learn about cryptocurrency from experienced professionals. Funds permitting, we may give Bitcoin scholarships for crypto-projects completed, on behalf of CoinTrader. CryptoMinor/CryptoYouth will join us for this noble cause, using Bitcoin to provide opportunity to at-risk kids.

• The Bitcoiniacs' Robocoin-model ATM, coffee and snacks available for BTC (as always), and the new home offices of the first physical Bitcoin exchange in the world.

• More booths to be announced, soon.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/2/3/2/600_311621522.jpeg

CoinFest has no rules beyond common courtesy (and decency) and those required by law; however, there are some guidelines that you should be aware of. The space and staff for this event are graciously provided by the chosen Bitcoin venue free of charge, so please purchase at least one item at the venue. This also encourages more venues to accept alternative currency in the future. CoinFest is an ardent supporter of alternative currency and does not work with fiat-only venues.

The organizer of this event does not charge any money to the Bitcoin venue or the event participants. It takes work, though, so if you want to, you may donate BTC to him at 13SH6sEaETA5Ca7Gb5kb1Yv5SjqxauvKdm. If you possess more than a few hundred bitcoins, or you are a business that will profit from this event, it is recommended that you donate and write him a nice message at a.j.wagner.89@gmail.com.

Individuals and businesses that support the CoinFest will be be recognized by the host and the community in many ways, and may be given preferred accommodations. At least 50% of the bitcoins raised will go directly to the Bitcoin Cooperative's Non-profit Bitcoin Outreach Fund, to be used for spreading Bitcoin awareness and acceptance in a manner chosen democratically by the community, including the funding of projects like CoinFest.

This event is a work in progress; the above guidelines are subject to change as necessity demands. If you have any problems on the day of the event, you can reach Andrew Wagner at 778.918.7156.