From a Dutch blockchain initiative in 2019 to an international digital asset business event in Amsterdam
Dutch Blockchain Week (DBW) is one of Europe’s major business events dedicated to blockchain, cryptocurrency, Web3 and digital assets. Every year, it brings together companies, financial institutions, investors, regulators, technology providers and industry professionals for a full week of conferences, networking opportunities and business activities in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Founded in 2019, Dutch Blockchain Week has evolved alongside the blockchain industry itself. What began as an initiative to connect the Dutch blockchain community has developed into an international meeting point for both crypto-native businesses and established financial institutions.
Today, Dutch Blockchain Week is about much more than attending a conference. It is an opportunity to build relationships, discover new technologies, exchange knowledge and create business opportunities across the global digital asset ecosystem.
In 2027, Dutch Blockchain Week returns for its ninth edition, taking place from May 17–23, 2027, with the two-day DBW Main Summit on May 19 & 20 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam.
What is Dutch Blockchain Week?
Dutch Blockchain Week is an annual, week-long gathering for the blockchain, cryptocurrency and digital asset industry.
The event connects professionals working across a wide range of sectors, including cryptocurrency exchanges, digital asset custody, blockchain infrastructure, banking, payments, investment management, market making, tokenization, compliance, decentralized finance and Web3.
At the heart of Dutch Blockchain Week is the Main Summit, a two-day business event featuring industry discussions, presentations, networking opportunities and meetings between companies and professionals.
Beyond the Main Summit, organizations and communities host events throughout Amsterdam, including private dinners, networking drinks, industry meetups, partner gatherings and specialized conferences.
This combination creates a unique environment where attendees can connect repeatedly throughout the week, both during formal business meetings and in more informal settings.
The central idea behind Dutch Blockchain Week is simple: bringing the right people together creates opportunities for the entire industry.
The history of Dutch Blockchain Week: 2019–2026
2019 – The beginning of Dutch Blockchain Week
Dutch Blockchain Week was established in 2019 with the ambition of connecting the growing blockchain ecosystem in the Netherlands.
At the time, the industry was still relatively young. Blockchain startups, cryptocurrency companies, developers, investors and technology enthusiasts were exploring the possibilities of decentralized technology.
The first edition took place at the Venturerock office in Amsterdam and laid the foundation for a recurring initiative focused on knowledge sharing, collaboration and building stronger relationships within the Dutch blockchain community.
Although the event was much smaller than today’s Dutch Blockchain Week, its original purpose remains central to the organization: connecting people and companies who can benefit from working together.
2020 – Continuing during the COVID-19 pandemic
The second edition of Dutch Blockchain Week took place during an extraordinary period.
As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted physical events and international travel, the organization adapted its format to continue connecting the blockchain industry.
ABN AMRO’s headquarters in Amsterdam played a role in the 2020 edition, while digital participation allowed industry professionals to engage with discussions and presentations remotely.
This period demonstrated the importance of maintaining an active industry network, even when traditional face-to-face networking was not possible.
2021 – Expanding through digital studios
In 2021, the impact of the pandemic continued to influence how conferences and professional events were organized.
Dutch Blockchain Week used a studio-based format, with activities taking place across three studios, allowing speakers and participants to connect through digital programming.
The edition reflected the industry’s increasingly international character, with blockchain discussions extending beyond the Netherlands to broader European and global developments.
It also reinforced an important lesson that would influence future editions: content is valuable, but creating opportunities for people to interact is equally important.
2022 – Strengthening industry connections at EY Amsterdam
By 2022, the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry had entered a new phase.
Institutional interest, digital asset services, compliance and the relationship between blockchain technology and traditional finance were becoming increasingly relevant.
Dutch Blockchain Week continued developing its industry relationships, with EY Amsterdam serving as an important location during the 2022 edition.
The event brought together participants from the blockchain industry and the wider business community, supporting conversations about the practical adoption of blockchain technology and digital assets.
This growing connection between crypto-native companies and established professional services organizations would become an increasingly important characteristic of Dutch Blockchain Week.
2023 – Expanding beyond Amsterdam to ASML in Eindhoven
The 2023 edition represented another milestone in the development of Dutch Blockchain Week.
The week took place from November 13–17, 2023, with more than 30 events across 15 Dutch cities.
One of its highlights was the main event at ASML’s headquarters in Veldhoven, near Eindhoven, demonstrating that the Dutch blockchain ecosystem extended far beyond Amsterdam.
The program connected companies, technology specialists, entrepreneurs and industry professionals through a combination of conferences, meetups and networking activities.
During the same year, Dutch Blockchain Days was also held at De Meervaart in Amsterdam, bringing together approximately 500 attendees for a dedicated blockchain conference.
Together, these initiatives helped establish the foundation for the larger, more integrated event format that would emerge in the following years.
2024 – Bringing Dutch Blockchain Days and Dutch Blockchain Week together
In 2024, Dutch Blockchain Week entered an important phase of development as Dutch Blockchain Days and the wider event week came together under one umbrella.
The Dutch Blockchain Days conference took place at De Meervaart in Amsterdam, providing a central location for industry discussions and networking.
The combination of a dedicated conference and a broader calendar of community and partner activities created a stronger proposition for attendees.
Rather than focusing exclusively on stage presentations, the organization increasingly emphasized the value of meeting potential clients, partners and industry peers.
This approach helped establish the format that defines Dutch Blockchain Week today: a Main Summit supported by an extensive ecosystem of events and networking opportunities.
2025 – A growing international Digital Asset Event
Dutch Blockchain Week 2025 took place from May 19–25, with Amsterdam as the central location.
The Main Summit was held at De Meervaart on May 21 & 22, welcoming approximately 900 unique attendees across the two days.
The wider week featured numerous industry events, private gatherings, networking opportunities and partner activities.
The 2025 edition brought together an increasingly international audience, including representatives from cryptocurrency exchanges, financial institutions, investment firms, regulators and blockchain infrastructure providers.
Participating companies and organizations included Bitvavo, Coinbase, Kraken, Fireblocks, Deloitte, Chainalysis and other established names from the digital asset industry.
Speakers included representatives from European institutions and international companies, reflecting the growing importance of regulation, institutional adoption and financial infrastructure.
The program covered topics such as digital asset regulation, tokenization, institutional investment, payments, custody and the development of the European cryptocurrency market.
An important development was the growing presence of traditional financial institutions alongside crypto-native companies.
Dutch Blockchain Week was no longer simply a gathering for blockchain enthusiasts. It had become a business-focused event connecting different parts of the financial and technology industries.
2026 – A new chapter at the Johan Cruijff ArenA
Dutch Blockchain Week 2026 marked one of the most significant developments in the event’s history.
For the first time, the Main Summit moved to the iconic Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam, taking place on June 24 & 25, 2026.
The wider Dutch Blockchain Week ran from June 22–28, bringing together thousands of industry professionals through the Main Summit and more than 40 events across Amsterdam.
The move to the Johan Cruijff ArenA provided a larger setting for presentations, business meetings, networking and partner activities.
The program brought together companies and professionals working across digital assets, banking, payments, institutional investment, market infrastructure, compliance and blockchain technology.
Industry speakers included representatives of organizations such as Visa, Kraken, Bitwise, Mastercard and Chainlink, alongside regulators, policymakers and other industry leaders.
The week also included the Litecoin Summit, exclusive VIP experiences, networking events, private gatherings and an official afterparty.
One of the defining characteristics of the 2026 edition was the emphasis on business connections.
Dedicated networking opportunities allowed attendees to meet potential clients, partners and service providers, while the wider event calendar created additional opportunities for conversations to continue throughout Amsterdam.
The 2026 edition demonstrated how Dutch Blockchain Week had evolved from a community initiative into a major international meeting point for the digital asset industry.
Who organizes Dutch Blockchain Week?
Dutch Blockchain Week is organized by a team of professionals with backgrounds in blockchain, digital assets, finance, marketing, partnerships, events and community development.
Behind the event is the team of BCNL Foundation, the largest blockchain and digital asset ecosystem in the Netherlands.
BCNL Foundation connects companies, financial institutions, investors, regulators and professionals across the blockchain, cryptocurrency and digital asset industry since 2016
Throughout the year, BCNL organizes networking events, industry summits, international trade missions and educational initiatives. Its mission is to foster collaboration, share knowledge and accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology and digital assets in the Netherlands and Europe.
Dutch Blockchain Week brings this network together on a larger international stage, connecting the Dutch ecosystem with companies and professionals from around the world.
This relationship also means that Dutch Blockchain Week is supported by an active professional network throughout the year, rather than operating solely as an annual conference.
Why Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has become an important European location for financial technology, digital assets and international business.
The Netherlands is home to cryptocurrency exchanges, payment companies, financial institutions, trading firms, technology businesses and a growing community of blockchain professionals.
Its international business environment, financial infrastructure and connections to the wider European market make Amsterdam an attractive location for companies exploring opportunities in digital assets.
For Dutch Blockchain Week, Amsterdam offers another important advantage: the opportunity to bring the industry together across multiple locations throughout an entire week.
Attendees can participate in the Main Summit, arrange private business meetings, attend partner events and connect with the wider community without needing to travel between different cities.
This creates a concentrated week of business development, industry discussions and networking.
Who Attends Dutch Blockchain Week?
Dutch Blockchain Week attracts professionals from across the digital asset and financial technology ecosystem.
The audience includes cryptocurrency exchanges, trading firms, market makers, institutional investors, asset managers, banks, payment providers, stablecoin companies, custody providers, blockchain infrastructure companies, compliance specialists, regulators, Web3 businesses and technology entrepreneurs.
Dutch Blockchain Week is a truly international event. Approximately 50% of attendees come from outside the Netherlands, representing countries across Europe and beyond. This international audience makes DBW an important meeting point for companies looking to connect with both the Dutch blockchain ecosystem and the wider global digital asset industry.
The event is particularly relevant for companies looking to expand their professional network, establish partnerships, enter the Dutch or European market, meet potential customers or gain insights into developments affecting the digital asset industry.
While the audience includes professionals from traditional finance, Dutch Blockchain Week maintains strong connections with the crypto-native and Web3 communities that contributed to its original growth.
Bringing together international and Dutch professionals, alongside traditional financial institutions and crypto-native businesses, is a central part of the event’s identity.
Bringing these different groups together is a central part of the event’s identity.
What makes Dutch Blockchain week different?
Unlike conferences that focus primarily on presentations and exhibition spaces, Dutch Blockchain Week combines a central business summit with an extensive calendar of events throughout Amsterdam.
This format creates several advantages.
A full week of networking. Attendees have multiple opportunities to connect with the same companies and professionals, allowing conversations to develop beyond an initial introduction.
A combination of traditional finance and Web3. Dutch Blockchain Week brings established financial institutions into contact with cryptocurrency exchanges, blockchain startups, infrastructure providers and digital asset companies.
Business development opportunities. The event places significant emphasis on meaningful introductions, networking and relationships that can continue after the conference.
An international audience with strong local connections. DBW connects global companies with the Dutch and European blockchain ecosystem through its relationship with BCNL Foundation.
Multiple event formats. From Main Stage discussions and focused presentations to private dinners, VIP experiences and community gatherings, attendees can engage with the industry in different environments.
The objective is not simply to organize a large conference, but to create an environment where relevant business relationships can develop.
Dutch Blockchain Week 2027 – The ninth edition
Dutch Blockchain Week returns for its ninth edition from May 17–23, 2027, in Amsterdam.
Following the successful move to the Johan Cruijff ArenA in 2026, the Main Summit will return to the same venue on May 19 & 20, 2027.
The upcoming edition will build on the format established in previous years, combining high-level industry content with extensive networking and business development opportunities.
What Can Attendees Expect in 2027?
The DBW27 Main Summit will feature two stages.
The Main Stage will focus on major developments affecting the global blockchain and digital asset industry, with discussions involving senior executives, industry leaders and other relevant experts.
The Amsterdam Stage will provide space for more focused presentations, company insights and specialized industry topics.
Across the wider week, Dutch Blockchain Week expects to welcome a broad international audience from financial institutions, exchanges, investment firms, technology companies and the wider Web3 ecosystem.
The program will continue to address important developments such as:
- Stablecoins and the future of payments
- Tokenization of real-world assets
- Institutional digital asset adoption
- Digital asset custody and security
- Trading infrastructure and market structure
- European regulation and MiCA
- Blockchain infrastructure and interoperability
- Artificial intelligence and blockchain
- The evolving relationship between traditional finance and decentralized technology
Alongside the Main Summit, companies and communities will have opportunities to organize side events, networking gatherings and private meetings throughout Amsterdam.
The VIP Night on May 18, 2027, is also planned as an exclusive networking experience ahead of the Main Summit, bringing together a curated group of senior industry professionals.
Further speakers, partners and program details will be announced as preparations continue.
Our Ambition for 2027 and Beyond
Dutch Blockchain Week’s ambition is to continue developing into one of Europe’s most important annual meeting points for the digital asset industry.
The goal is not simply to attract more visitors, but to increase the value of participating for attendees, partners, speakers and the wider ecosystem.
That means continuing to invest in high-quality industry content, networking, international partnerships and opportunities for companies to build relationships.
As digital assets become increasingly integrated into financial services, payments, investment and technology, the need for collaboration between different parts of the industry continues to grow.
Dutch Blockchain Week aims to provide a place where those conversations and connections can happen.
Frequently asked questions about Dutch Blockchain Week
What is Dutch Blockchain Week?
Dutch Blockchain Week (DBW) is one of Europe’s largest blockchain, cryptocurrency and digital asset business events, bringing together industry leaders, financial institutions, investors, regulators and professionals from around the world in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Organized annually, Dutch Blockchain Week combines a two-day Main Summit with a full week of networking events, industry gatherings and community activities across Amsterdam.
The event focuses on connecting the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency and digital asset industry with traditional finance (TradFi), creating opportunities for collaboration between crypto-native companies, banks, asset managers, payment providers, institutional investors and other established financial institutions.
With approximately half of its attendees traveling from outside the Netherlands, Dutch Blockchain Week has developed into an international meeting point for professionals looking to expand their networks, explore partnerships, discover new business opportunities and stay informed about developments in blockchain technology and digital assets.
Beyond industry discussions and knowledge sharing, Dutch Blockchain Week places a strong emphasis on networking and business development. Its goal is not simply to bring thousands of professionals together, but to create an environment where connections lead to long-term relationships and real business opportunities.
When was Dutch Blockchain Week founded?
Dutch Blockchain Week was founded in 2019 as an initiative to connect the Dutch blockchain ecosystem. The event has since developed into an international gathering for companies and professionals working across blockchain and digital assets.
Who organizes Dutch Blockchain Week?
Dutch Blockchain Week is organized by a dedicated team of industry professionals and is supported by BCNL Foundation, the largest blockchain and digital asset ecosystem in the Netherlands.
Where is Dutch Blockchain Week held?
Dutch Blockchain Week takes place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The 2027 Main Summit will be hosted at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, while additional events will take place at different locations throughout the city.
When is Dutch Blockchain Week 2027?
Dutch Blockchain Week 2027 takes place from May 17–23, 2027. The Main Summit is scheduled for May 19 & 20 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam.
Is Dutch Blockchain Week only for cryptocurrency companies?
No. Dutch Blockchain Week brings together cryptocurrency companies, Web3 businesses, banks, payment providers, investment firms, regulators, technology companies and other organizations involved in blockchain and digital assets.
What is the difference between Dutch Blockchain Week and the DBW Main Summit?
Dutch Blockchain Week is the full seven-day event week, including side events, networking activities and industry gatherings across Amsterdam. The DBW Main Summit is the central two-day conference within that week.
How can companies become partners of Dutch Blockchain Week?
Companies can explore partnership opportunities ranging from brand visibility and thought leadership to networking activations and targeted business development initiatives. Partnership options can be adapted to the objectives of individual organizations.
Can companies organize their own events during Dutch Blockchain Week?
Yes. Companies, partners and communities can organize relevant events during Dutch Blockchain Week and explore opportunities to have them included in the official event calendar.
Join Dutch Blockchain Week 2027 in Amsterdam
From its first edition in 2019 to its ninth edition in 2027, Dutch Blockchain Week has remained committed to one central mission: bringing the blockchain and digital asset industry together.
What started as a Dutch community initiative has grown into an international event connecting companies, institutions, investors, regulators and professionals across the ecosystem.
Whether you are looking to discover new developments, expand your professional network, establish business partnerships or connect with the European digital asset industry, Dutch Blockchain Week offers an opportunity to be part of the conversation.
Join us in Amsterdam from May 17–23, 2027, with the DBW Main Summit on May 19 & 20 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
Explore the DBW Main Summit, discover events across Amsterdam or learn more about partnership opportunities.