Building Bridges - Consensus 2025 Hong Kong Side Event

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Björn Heinze

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

SmartPlaces

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

4

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

No

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

The Building Bridges side event at Consensus 2025 in Hong Kong aimed to foster collaboration between companies, projects and the Cardano community.

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

No

[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.”

No dependencies

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

Yes

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

Side event - all shareable information will be shared as pointed out in the milestone outputs.

[METADATA] Horizons

Events

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Consensus 2025 in Hong Kong stands as one of the most influential blockchain and Web3 gatherings worldwide, making it an important moment for the Cardano ecosystem to assert its presence. As a premier blockchain industry event, it attracts a diverse audience of innovators, businesses, and investors, offering many opportunities to engage with global leaders in digital assets. Ensuring a strong Cardano presence, particularly through high-impact side events, is vital to capturing the attention of enterprises and investors who may be unfamiliar with the network’s potential.

It’s not just about attending; it’s about making sure Cardano is visible, with events that stand out and showcase its unique advantages. With Hong Kong being a key region for blockchain adoption, a dedicated event can create buzz and facilitate valuable discussions that highlight Cardano's strengths in security, scalability, and its ability to drive real-world business solutions. This presence is necessary to maintain Cardano’s relevance and build bridges between blockchain projects and business leaders in Asia’s growing tech hub.

SmartPlaces, which is already organising the exclusive "Building Bridges" event in Dubai as a prelude to the Cardano Summit, is well poised to ensure that Cardano receives the attention it deserves at Consensus 2025. Through curated formats, Cardano can position itself as the blockchain network of choice for enterprises in the Hong Kong region.

Building Brigdes Hong Kong will be the second edition of the building bridges series of SmartPlaces. We remain true to our motto and organise special events with a high recognition value, with well-known guests from the business world, the Cardano ecosystem and multipliers, in order to give Cardano more visibility in the business environment.  

SmartPlaces is committed to replicating the high standard of its Dubai side event and bringing the same level of excellence to Hong Kong, helping foster meaningful connections and increase Cardano’s presence in the region.

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

The event will amplify Cardano's impact by strengthening connections between projects, enterprises and the community. By fostering partnerships and exchanging knowledge, it will accelerate the development of innovative applications and adoption of Cardano. The established connections and enhanced sense of community will help solidify Cardano's position as a leading blockchain platform for both businesses and individuals.

Our side event at the Cardano Summit 2024 showed us how much interest there still is in blockchain solutions from businesses and even politicians. However, it's through constant engagement, visibility and knowledge sharing that decision makers will become aware of Cardano and its potential. At the same time, momentum is needed, and side events of major blockchain events such as Consensus 2025 are a great opportunity to attract companies and communities to exchange ideas, foster collaboration and drive the growth of Cardano.  

[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?

The team is organising the exclusive "Building Bridges" side event at the Cardano Summit 2024 in Dubai, a special event aimed at fostering collaboration between businesses and the Cardano community. We have invited key political and business leaders, followed by engaging discussions that will spark new ideas and collaborations. 

As the team of SmartPlaces, our capability to deliver projects with high levels of trust and accountability stems from our extensive track record and expertise in event organization. Our team members have successfully organized and co-hosted numerous events in various locations, including Croatia, Las Vegas, Dubai, and Germany, leveraging our extensive network of contacts and partnerships. 

By combining our extensive experience, on-the-ground presence, and commitment to stakeholder engagement, we are confident in our ability to deliver projects with high levels of trust, accountability, and feasibility.

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

Planning, Organization and Research

A: Milestone outputs

Planning and organising the event. Research and select venue based on capacity and facilities. Plan flights, tickets and accommodation for the team. 

B: Acceptance criteria

A suitable venue is selected based on capacity, location and facilities. Catering options are selected to meet dietary requirements and event standards. Select technical suppliers for equipment and support. Draft an event schedule. Flights and Consensus 2025 tickets are booked and the team accommodated. 

C: Evidence of milestone completion

Documentation and Report

Partner, Sponsors and Speaker Engagement and Logistics

A: Milestone outputs

We engage potential partners, sponsors, and collaborators to secure support and resources. Following this, we finalize venue selection, catering, and technical needs. Finally, we develop a comprehensive event schedule and logistical plan for seamless execution.

B: Acceptance criteria

The venue is secured, partnerships, sponsors, and speakers are actively engaged, and the event is organized, planned, and confirmed for seamless execution. 

C: Evidence of milestone completion

Documentation and Report

Marketing & Promotion

A: Milestone outputs

Our team develops and executes a robust marketing strategy to enhance event visibility and attendance. Through posts across social media channels and partnerships, we optimize reach and engagement.

B: Acceptance criteria

We aim to achieve heightened event visibility and attendance through comprehensive multi-channel marketing activities. Success will be measured by increased engagement metrics, ultimately leading to elevated event participation.

C: Evidence of milestone completion

Upon completion of the milestone, evidence will include performance metrics from diverse marketing channels, showcasing increased event visibility and attendee engagement.

Project close out report and video

A: Milestone outputs

As part of the project close-out, we conduct a thorough post-event evaluation and follow-up. Feedback from attendees, stakeholders, and partners is gathered to assess event success and pinpoint areas for improvement. Furthermore, an event video showcasing highlights and key moments will be produced to commemorate the occasion.

B: Acceptance criteria

Upon completion, evidence includes feedback from attendees, stakeholders, and partners, providing insights into event success and areas for improvement. Additionally, a highlights video will be produced for documentation and promotional purposes.

C: Evidence of milestone completion

Feedback analysis from attendees, stakeholders, and partners. Production of event highlights video.

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

Gianluca De Lorenzis (Co-CEO and Main Responsible)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-de-lorenzis/

Björn Heinze (Co-CEO)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjoernheinze/

Vinesh Purushothaman (SPX Regional Director Middle East)

Anna Rauberger (Program Management)

Lorenzo Martini (SocialMedia Marketing X)

Slava Eryomin (Motion Designer - Video Cutter)

Artyom Bulhak (Audio Design and Illustrations)

Serghei Granici (Graphic Design)

The team includes a wide range of roles that ensure comprehensive project execution.

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

The proposed budget includes venue rental, catering, logistics etc. further event costs will be covered by SmartPlaces and various partners and sponsors.

Planning, Organization, Research, Travel & Lodging : 55.000 ADA

Partner, Sponsors and Speaker Engagement and Logistics: 22.000 ADA

Marketing & Promotion 15.000 ADA

Project close out report and video: 8.000 ADA

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

Any additional event costs will be covered by SmartPlaces and various partners and sponsors. The organizational expenses reflect typical rates for qualified staff and partners, as well as costs for venues, catering, beverages, and event logistics in Hong Kong.

Overall, the event creates tangible value for Cardano by facilitating connections, knowledge exchange, community engagement, and strategic opportunities that contribute to its long-term success and impact.