VISTA: Into the Cosmoverse

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Sponsor and attend Cosmoverse and Cardano Summit to engage diverse blockchain communities, promoting Cardano's innovations, and fostering collaborations.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

Availability of Booth Space: The main dependency would booth availability and space at the events, which often requires early registration and confirmation due to high demand.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Our proposal focuses on event planning and execution, which involves securing booths, creating marketing materials, and engaging in networking at blockchain events.

As such, the milestone outputs are event-related activities and interactions, rather than technological products or software that could be released as open source.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our initiative aims to improve the collaborative experience between Cardano and the broader blockchain ecosystems, specifically targeting the Cosmos blockchain community.

By sponsoring and securing booths at both the Cosmoverse event and the Cardano Summit. This dual presence at these high-profile conferences will position us to interact directly with a wide range of attendees, from developers and entrepreneurs to blockchain enthusiasts and thought leaders, bridging the two communities together.

Perception of the Problem

While digital platforms offer broad outreach, they often lack the personal interaction necessary for effective network building.

Physical presence at significant industry events like Cosmoverse and the Cardano Summit allows for direct engagement, which improves relationship-building and collaboration opportunities across ecosystems.

Approach

Our approach leverages our sponsorship and presence at both events to maximize visibility for Cardano’s technologies and initiatives. The booths will serve as hubs for demonstrating Cardano’s capabilities, distributing informational materials, and engaging in meaningful conversations that could lead to future collaborative projects and cross-chain integrations.

Engagement

Our participation will engage a broad spectrum of the blockchain community, from technical developers seeking blockchain solutions to thought leaders interested in the latest innovations. 

By providing interactive demonstrations and discussions at both events, we aim to attract interest and foster relationships that benefit both ecosystems and enhance the overall reputation of Cardano within the global blockchain community.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Impact will be assessed through a combination of quantitative measures and qualitative feedback, allowing us to gauge both the reach and depth of the event’s influence.

Quantitatively, we will track attendance figures to understand the event's appeal and effectiveness, and monitor engagement metrics on social media to assess community interest and interaction.

Qualitatively, we will collect participant feedback to evaluate the quality of networking opportunities and the perceived value of the insights shared, using post-event surveys and interviews to gather in-depth responses.

Quantitative measures

• Booth Attendance Figures: We will track the number of visitors at our booths at both events to understand the direct engagement and effectiveness of our presence.
• Engagement Metrics on Social Media: We will monitor likes, shares, comments, and mentions on posts related to our participation in the events to assess the broader community interest and interaction.

Qualitative feedback

• Depth of Interactions: Feedback from booth visitors at both events will be collected to assess the quality of networking and interaction opportunities provided.
• Perceived Value: Through post-event surveys, we will evaluate the perceived value of the insights shared and connections made during the events.

Uniqueness and Benefits

• Focused Community Experience: Our participation uniquely focuses on fostering deep connections within the blockchain communities, to improve the attractiveness of Cardano within these ecosystems and facilitating meaningful exchanges.
• Economic and Social Impact: By attracting participants to our booths at these events, we stimulate local economies and build lasting relationships within the blockchain sector.
• Leadership in Blockchain Community Development: By sponsoring and actively participating in these events, we set a benchmark in community development, positioning itself as a leader in fostering an engaged blockchain community.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team possesses experience in organizing large-scale blockchain events, demonstrating our capability and trustworthiness in managing significant projects and funds. 

• Experience in Dubai: Our team has previously attended events in Dubai, demonstrating our familiarity and ability to operate successfully in this dynamic environment.
• Previous Booth Experience: Our team members have experience setting up and running booths at trade and networking events, ensuring we can deliver a polished and engaging presence at both the Cosmoverse and Cardano Summit.
• Detailed Planning and Coordination: Our team effectively manages all aspects of event organization, from arranging booth setups to organizing with vendors, ensuring a smooth experience.
• Transparent Financial Management: We maintain transparent financial practices, providing detailed budgets and spending receipts.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Planning and Submission of Final Plan

1. Milestone Outputs: Development of a comprehensive plan that includes detailed schedules for booth setup, resource allocations, and staffing plans for the Cosmoverse and Cardano Summit events.
2. Acceptance Criteria: The plan must cover all necessary aspects, including timelines, roles and responsibilities of the team, and budget allocations. It should adhere to high standards of clarity, feasibility, and completeness to ensure seamless event execution.
3. Evidence of Milestone Completion: Submission of a detailed final plan document to reviewers and obtaining approval confirmation.

Milestone 2: Preparation of Marketing Materials

1. Milestone Outputs: Creation and preparation of all marketing materials, including digital content, brochures, banners, and promotional giveaways tailored for the Cosmoverse and Cardano Summit events.
2. Acceptance Criteria:  All marketing materials must be professionally produced, aligned with the themes of each event, and prepared for effective distribution. The materials should accurately communicate the benefits of Cardano technology and incentivize booth visits.
3. Evidence of Milestone Completion: Production of samples of marketing materials, inventory lists of all prepared materials, and photographic evidence of the materials in printed or digital formats, ready for distribution.

Milestone 3: Event Attendance and Closeout Report

1. Milestone Outputs: Attendance at the Cosmoverse and Cardano Summit events, along with the preparation of a comprehensive closeout report summarizing outcomes, lessons learned, and potential improvements for future events
2. Acceptance Criteria: Receipts and photos submitted to reviewers from both events and detailed closeout report that provides an analysis of event outcomes, discusses lessons learned, and offers recommendations for future improvements.
3. Evidence of Milestone Completion: Photo evidence and receipts of attendance at events, along with submission of the final closeout report to reviewers.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

John Valdez: John Valdez is a seasoned leader and strategic advisor with extensive experience in the blockchain sector. His work has significantly contributed to the development and promotion of blockchain technologies. John has also collaborated with international organizations, applying his expertise to further their missions effectively.

His tenure as a Chief Marketing Officer showcased his ability to lead innovative campaigns and launch successful NFT collections that advanced digital engagement and community growth, generating substantial revenue. John's strategic vision and leadership have consistently driven technological innovation and community development, showcasing his commitment to enhancing industry standards and contributing to societal progress

Lloyd Duhon: Lloyd Duhon is a husband, father of 8, Grandfather (“Pop-Pop”) to 2, and a 100% service connected disabled veteran who served in the U.S. Army in the 1990s. Lloyd was deployed to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope in 1992. After suffering a brain injury due to a toxic exposure, Lloyd left the military to focus on a career in Information technology.

This 25 year career spanned Internet Service industries and Medical industries. Lloyd was named Chief Technology Officer for several Internet Startups. Lloyd was the Director of Information Systems for a medical transcription company that employed 1200 Medical Transcriptionists. Lloyd later founded an information technology lifecycle management and e-waste disposal service, Computer Heaven of SWFL. Due to complications from the brain injury, Lloyd was forced to close Computer Heaven, and focus on his healing.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

The total budget for the event is set at $43,000.

This includes $30,000 allocated for event sponsorships and booth costs, which forms the majority of the expenses. Additionally, per diem expenses for three individuals over seven days cover lodging and transportation costs totaling $11,664. Marketing and print materials, including flyers, stickers, and printing, are budgeted at $1,336. 

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Our budget is carefully planned to support engagement at major blockchain events. With this proposal we will directly invest in showcasing Cardano’s Capabilities to a wide audience including developers, investors, and high-net individuals. 

Justification of Costs

Scalability and Reach: Both events along with our proposal are designed to draw in a wide range of participants, from both onsite and online users. This extends both of our reach across the global blockchain community.

Dual Event Advantage: By participating in high-profile events such as the Cosmoverse and Cardano Summit, we leverage the existing interest in blockchain technology and help boost our networking and community engagement.

Return on Investment

Community Growth: By attending and supporting both events and improving community ties, this proposal contributes to the long-term sustainability and expansion of the Cardano ecosystem. Stronger community bonds and increased collaboration lead to more robust development and innovation within the ecosystem.

Increased Adoption and Visibility: The events serve as a way to showcase Cardano’s unique capabilities and innovations, attracting new users and developers to the platform. This exposure helps accelerate adoption and the overall value and utility of the Cardano blockchain.

Knowledge Sharing and Development: Discussions and informal exchanges at conventions facilitate knowledge exchange that could lead to breakthrough innovations and solutions in the blockchain space, benefiting the Cardano community directly.

Long-Term Strategic Benefits: The relationships and collaborations formed during these events have the potential to yield long-term benefits, including joint ventures and projects that can significantly enhance Cardano's market position and technological edge.

Overall, the investment into these events is structured to deliver significant tangible and intangible benefits to the Cardano ecosystem, providing ex