Las Vegas is set to host the biggest Bitcoin event of the year, Bitcoin 2026, and among the star-studded lineup is none other than Adam Back. Known for inventing the proof-of-work system Hashcash, which laid the groundwork for Bitcoin, Back’s presence at the conference is a testament to the enduring relevance of his contributions to the blockchain ecosystem.
Back, the Co-Founder and CEO of Blockstream and CEO of Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company (BSTR), brings a wealth of experience and insight to the stage. His journey from the early days of Hashcash to leading a company that is revolutionizing Bitcoin infrastructure and capital markets is nothing short of inspiring. At Bitcoin 2026, attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear from one of the few individuals whose work predated Bitcoin itself.
A Legacy of Innovation
In 1997, Back developed Hashcash, a proof-of-work system designed to combat email spam. This technology became a cornerstone of Bitcoin’s mining process, with Satoshi Nakamoto directly citing Back’s work in the Bitcoin white paper. The connection between Hashcash and Bitcoin is profound, and Back’s involvement in the early days of blockchain technology is a crucial part of the industry’s history.
Building the Future of Bitcoin
Back’s company, Blockstream, has been at the forefront of Bitcoin infrastructure development since its founding in 2014. Blockstream’s offerings span three key areas: consumer self-custody tools like the open-source Jade hardware wallet, enterprise settlement and asset issuance on the Liquid Network, and institutional products through Blockstream Asset Management. The Liquid Network, in particular, has seen significant growth, closing 2025 with close to $5 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL).
At the Bitcoin 2025 conference, Back outlined Blockstream’s mission: “We’re laser-focused on Bitcoin. At Blockstream, we are here to provide the infrastructure to enable that.” This commitment to Bitcoin’s growth and stability is a driving force behind the company’s success.
Capital Markets and Beyond
On the capital markets front, Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company (BSTR) has made waves with its ambitious plans to go public. The company has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with Cantor Equity Partners I (CEPO), structured with 30,021 BTC on its balance sheet and up to $1.5 billion in PIPE financing. As of March 2026, BSTR is awaiting completion of the de-SPAC process, with shareholder approval targeted for April. Once complete, the combined company is expected to trade on Nasdaq under the ticker “BSTR.”
From inventing the proof-of-work system that makes Bitcoin possible to building the infrastructure layer on top of it and now bringing over 30,000 BTC to public markets, Back’s influence is unparalleled. His appearance at Bitcoin 2026 will offer a technically credible perspective on the future of Bitcoin’s protocol, infrastructure, and capital markets.
Bitcoin 2026: The Ultimate Bitcoin Event
Bitcoin 2026 will take place from April 27–29 at The Venetian, Las Vegas, and is expected to be the largest Bitcoin event of the year. The conference will bring together Bitcoin builders, investors, miners, policymakers, technologists, and newcomers from around the world. With multiple stages, immersive experiences, technical workshops, and headline keynotes, Bitcoin 2026 is designed to serve both first-time attendees and long-time Bitcoiners shaping the next era of global adoption.
Bitcoin 2026 offers a range of pass options to cater to different needs, including General Admission Passes for newcomers and Whale Passes for high-net-worth Bitcoiners. The event is the definitive gathering for anyone serious about the future of money, and Back’s presence will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the conference.
As the Bitcoin ecosystem continues to evolve, events like Bitcoin 2026 play a crucial role in fostering innovation, collaboration, and education. With Adam Back leading the conversation, the future of Bitcoin looks brighter than ever.
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