COINFEST 2014: Currency and Commodity Exchange @ Doolin's

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.

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Check out the Currency and Commodity Exchange, where people can reserve booths to trade bitcoins, altcoins, barter dollars, Seedstock, precious metals, rare coins, and anything that stores wealth for investment or transfer. It will be held at Doolin's Irish Pub, a hotspot on the Granville Strip that has agreed to lend space for the event. They will take Bitcoin during CoinFest using Coinos, and possibly thereafter if all goes well. This would make them the first Irish pub in Canada to do so. Attractions in the building include:

• A Lamassu ATM operated by QuadrigaCX, for those who value speed and convenience and already know how to make a wallet. They normally conduct Bitcoin/Litecoin trades out of their office.

• A Bitcoin/Litecoin exchange booth set up at the Exchange by Bitcoiniacs/CoinTrader. They can walk you through the steps if you need help, and have been in the business since the Vancouver Bitcoin scene kicked off.

• Other Bitcoin traders at the Exchange, such as Paradox BTC from the Fraser Valley.

• Traders at the exchange (such as Bitbulls) bringing coins/bullion consisting of precious metals or rare designs no longer in print.

• The Sovereign Exchange, where you can buy and sell Sovereigns, with each Sovereign worth one gram of silver. They are in the process of integrating Bitcoin and Litecoin.

• A Trade Dollar exchange booth set up by Trade Exchange Canada, courtesy of Scott Berg. Learn more about the barter economy here: http://www.tradeexchangecanada.ca/

• A Seedstock exchange booth set up by Seedstock Community Currency. These physical bills are circulated locally and enter the money supply via charity. See: http://seedstock.ca/

• More updates soon. Contact Andrew if you wish to participate.

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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 bitcoins 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.