DC Blockchain Summit
The DC Blockchain Summit is an annual conference held in Washington, D.C., organized by The Chamber of Digital Commerce. The event convenes policymakers, regulatory officials, and global leaders from the blockchain technology and digital asset industries to discuss critical policy issues.
Its primary objective is to foster dialogue and collaboration to shape a pro-innovation regulatory landscape in the United States and globally, with a focus on enhancing U.S. competitiveness and promoting economic growth. [1] [2]
Overview and Significance
The DC Blockchain Summit is a long-running policy event in Washington, D.C., with the 2026 edition marking its 12th anniversary, indicating its establishment around 2015. It is recognized as a key forum for public-private collaboration within the blockchain sector, providing a platform for industry stakeholders to engage directly with legislators and regulators actively involved in drafting and implementing rules for digital assets. [2] The summit's significance is also highlighted by media recognition; Business Insider has noted the event as being "Among the world's best blockchain conferences and expos to attend." [1]
Over its history, the summit has demonstrated considerable scale and influence. Past events have drawn over 1,100 total attendees, with a significant executive presence, as 70% of attendees hold C-suite level positions. The event has also attracted participation from over 30 U.S. lawmakers and representatives from more than 600 companies. Its digital footprint is also substantial, having generated over 1.5 million social media impressions from past editions. [1]
Organizer
The DC Blockchain Summit is presented and organized by The Chamber of Digital Commerce, an advocacy group representing the digital asset and blockchain industry. The organization's founder and CEO, Perianne Boring, serves as the lead organizer and host for the summit. [2]
In discussing the event's goals, Boring has stated:
"The DC Blockchain Summit is where policy meets innovation. In 2026, our focus is on turning regulatory clarity into actionable business strategies and ensuring the U.S. remains a leader in the digital asset economy. We are moving from theory to practice."
This statement underscores the summit's focus on translating legislative and regulatory developments into practical applications and business strategies. [2]
DC Blockchain Summit 2026
The 2026 edition of the summit is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., in the spring of 2026. Information from event materials indicates the dates for the summit are March 17-18, 2026. The confirmed venue is the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. [1] [2]
The theme for the 2026 summit is "Blockchain for a Better Tomorrow," with the event's programming centered on the tagline, "Policy & Practice: Building the Next Generation of Digital Assets." This focus aims to unite influential voices for critical discussions intended to drive policy forward and foster positive change. [1] [2]
Agenda and Key Themes
The agenda for the 2026 summit is structured around the implementation of new regulations and the promotion of responsible innovation. The key themes for discussion will include: [2]
- Regulatory Implementation: Sessions will analyze the real-world impact and practical application of recent stablecoin and market structure legislation.
- National Security: Discussions will address the use of digital assets in illicit finance and explore the role of blockchain analytics in supporting national security objectives.
- DeFi and TradFi Integration: Panels and keynotes will explore pathways and challenges for integrating decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols with traditional financial (TradFi) systems.
- Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs): The summit will host debates on the future of a potential digital dollar and its implications for the private sector and the broader financial ecosystem.
- Technological Advancements: The event will showcase innovations in blockchain technology, including developments in scalability, privacy-enhancing technologies like Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs), and cross-chain interoperability.
Highlighted sessions planned for the 2026 summit include: [2]
- Opening Keynote: "The State of U.S. Digital Asset Legislation in 2026"
- Panel Discussion: "Stablecoin Regulation: From Law to Live Implementation"
- Fireside Chat: A one-on-one conversation with CFTC Chair Christy Goldsmith Romero on market oversight.
- Panel Discussion: "National Security and Digital Assets: Combating Illicit Finance"
- Technical Workshop: "The Future of Zero-Knowledge Proofs in Regulatory Compliance"
Speakers
The DC Blockchain Summit 2026 will feature a diverse lineup of speakers from government, regulatory agencies, and the private sector. The announced speakers represent a cross-section of leaders shaping the digital asset landscape. [1] [2]
Government and Regulatory Speakers
A partial list of confirmed speakers from the public sector includes:
- Paul Atkins, Chairman, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
- Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), United States Senator
- Rep. Alisha Vance (D-CA), Chair of the House Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Innovation and Financial Technology
- Christy Goldsmith Romero, Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
- Mark T. Uyeda, Commissioner, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- Carole House, Senior Official, National Security Council, specializing in cybersecurity and digital assets
Industry and Executive Speakers
A partial list of confirmed speakers from the private sector includes:
- Richard Teng, Chief Executive Officer, Binance
- Anthony Scaramucci, Founder and Managing Partner, SkyBridge Capital
- Brian Armstrong, CEO & Co-founder, Coinbase
- Jeremy Allaire, CEO & Co-founder, Circle
- Michael Sonnenshein, CEO, Grayscale Investments
- Brad Garlinghouse, CEO, Ripple
- Sandeep Nailwal, Co-Founder, Polygon Labs
- Brandi Reynolds, Chief Compliance Officer, World Liberty Financial
- Lilya Tessler, Partner, Sidley Austin
- Lee Schneider, General Counsel, Ava Labs, Inc.
- Chris Pavlovski, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Rumble Inc.
- Matthew White, Chief Executive Officer, Vara
The participation of these individuals from both regulatory bodies and major industry firms underscores the event's role as a convergence point for policy and practice. [1] [2]
Sponsors and Partners
The 2026 summit is supported by a coalition of firms from the technology, finance, and professional services sectors. Sponsors are categorized into several tiers, reflecting their level of contribution to the event.
The summit also maintains strong informal ties with congressional offices, executive agencies like the Treasury and Commerce Departments, and global standards-setting bodies, which are considered institutional partners. [2]
Announced sponsors for the 2026 event include: Platinum Sponsors
- Ava Labs
- Deloitte
- a16z crypto
- Binance
- Core Chain
- Relm
- Vara
This list of sponsors highlights the broad industry support for the summit's mission of facilitating dialogue between the private sector and government entities. [1] [2]
Historical Context
The DC Blockchain Summit has a history of hosting timely and relevant discussions that coincide with major developments in the digital asset policy space. For example, the 2025 summit was noted for featuring the first joint public appearance of leadership from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) following the hypothetical passage of the "Digital Asset Clarity Act of 2024."
During that session, the agency heads discussed their coordinated approach to market oversight under the new legislative framework, demonstrating the summit's role in providing a platform for regulators to communicate their strategies directly to the industry. [2]
