NAKA at Lugano Plan ₿ Forum 2024: A Recap

The Lugano Plan ₿ Forum 2024 was a powerful event for progress—a place where innovation, crypto adoption, and bold ideas met face-to-face. From unveiling the Virtual NAKA Card to sparking discussions on the future of payments, we came ready to inspire, and the response was electric.

One of the major highlights of the forum was the exclusive launch of the Virtual NAKA Card—presented for the first time during the event. This latest addition complements NAKA’s existing offerings, giving businesses the ability to issue custodial or self-custodial, physical or virtual cards. 

The NAKA Card was accepted across the event such as at the food courts, ensuring that the attendees could pay and enjoy their lunch with the NAKA Card. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees excited about the convenience of managing crypto payments without the need for a physical card.

Another NAKA highlight was that our Founder & CEO, Dejan Roljic, delivered a compelling talk on the practical realities of Bitcoin adoption in Switzerland and El Salvador. He shared insights on how NAKA’s solutions are driving financial inclusion and transforming payments. As Dejan reflected on NAKA’s journey, he said:

"The technology must solve the problem without demanding a change in user habits or extensive knowledge of crypto, and that’s what we’re doing. We started as nobody, simply following a vision. Today, we're a growing force in the financial space, making crypto part of everyday life."

His talk underscored NAKA’s commitment to making crypto payments simple, accessible, and impactful, positioning Bitcoin as a tool for real-world economic change.

Don’t worry, if you missed it, Dejan’s talk recording will be available in the coming weeks on the Plan ₿ Forum YouTube channel—stay tuned!

The NAKA Booth: Crypto in Action

The excitement at our booth at the event was palpable. Attendees were able to try out the NAKA Card firsthand, explore its features, and experience seamless crypto payments. 

We offered interactive demos of the card’s capabilities, including how to top up at on-site ATMs and use it across hundreds of locations in Lugano and the region. Visitors enjoyed not only learning about NAKA’s technology but also connecting with our team over a drink—and yes, many walked away with their free NAKA Cards.

On the other hand, NAKA merch—including t-shirts, hats, mags, begs, and more—was a crowd favorite, especially at the event party, where many attendees proudly sported their new gear.

We also had special games for attendees to experience the NAKA Card. They were a huge hit, with hundreds of participants eager to try their luck and interact with the NAKA Card. During the prize draw, the crowd was so large that not everyone could even fit into the space, showing the energy and anticipation around NAKA’s offerings! Our CEO personally drew the prize winners, adding to the excitement as attendees gathered to see who would win. It was a standout moment that truly captured the community spirit and enthusiasm for crypto payments.

Attendees loved capturing memories at the photobooth, leaving with unique souvenirs to remember their time at the event.

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NAKA in Action Throughout Lugano

Our promotional team was busy inside the venue and around the city, connecting with attendees and providing NAKA Cards, along with guidance on activating the cards. The team ensured that anyone interested in crypto payments had the support they needed to get started right away.

Meanwhile, the NAKA Spot became a hub for spontaneous meetings and collaborations. It was the perfect setting for creating new synergies and expanding connections, as ideas flowed alongside casual conversations.

The event also featured the much-anticipated release of the Satoshi statue, a monumental tribute to the creator of Bitcoin. Unveiled on the shores of Lake Lugano, the statue stands as a powerful symbol of the financial revolution sparked by Bitcoin, capturing the mystery and innovation at the heart of the crypto movement. “Lugano is rapidly becoming a leading hub for digital innovation, and this statue honors Satoshi Nakamoto but also embodies the forward-thinking spirit that drives our city,” said Michele Foletti, Mayor of Lugano. 

The unveiling created a wave of excitement across social media, with attendees gathering to witness this historic moment. The energy surrounding the statue reflected the spirit of the forum, underscoring Bitcoin's lasting impact and future potential.

Closing words

The Lugano Plan ₿ Forum wasn’t just about products. It was about connections, innovation, and action. With the Virtual NAKA Card unveiled and meaningful conversations at our booth, we’ve moved closer to redefining how crypto fits into everyday life.

To everyone who visited, listened, and engaged, thank you for being part of the journey. The future of payments is here, and we’re just getting started.

Learn more about NAKA’s solutions here: naka.com

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