ECOM'21
Fintech, NFTs, and Sauna in Riga!
ECOM'21: Fintech, NFTs, and Saunas in Riga!
Just returned from the whirlwind that was ECOM'21 in Riga, Latvia, and I'm bursting with insights, connections, and (dare I say) a newfound appreciation for the Latvian sauna experience. Buckle up, because this post is packed with highlights from the event!
Day 0: MUC to RIX with a Hint of Innovation
My journey began on AirBaltic, where a serendipitous discovery awaited - an ad for (our) SAP's NFT Hunt! Talk about setting the tone for the next few days. My Bolt driver, ever the local expert, also recommended a fantastic sauna spot for post-conference relaxation (more on that later).
Day 1: A Day of Networking, Learning, and NFTs
Kicking off Day 1 with a refreshing run through Riga, followed by a quick sauna session, I felt energized and ready to dive into ECOM'21. The day was a whirlwind of exciting encounters. Met with industry colleagues like Ahmed from Arvato, Pavels Koliskins from Pearl Group, Arturs Garais from AirBaltic, and Leonid Rodos from KPMG. Together with my colleague Anja, we ensured the NFT Hunt ran smoothly and tested the collection process for our own NFTs.
Pavels Koliskins delivered a fantastic presentation on the latest innovations from SAP CX, while I had the pleasure of sharing my expertise about Web3 in a Nordic Fintech Magazine interview. The day continued with a packed schedule, including insightful presentations on Wero Payments, Digital Scams, and more.
Day 2: Deep Dives and Industry Insights
Day 2 kept the momentum going with fascinating talks on Bitcoin History, AirBaltic's NFT Loyalty Program presented by Arturs Garais, and SAP Emarsys by Darren Andrew. My own "Deep Dive into NFT Management" workshop was that day, too! This interactive session featured a live drop creation and NFT Drop, giving all 30 participants the chance to get their hands dirty (well, virtually!). The best part? 21 participants successfully claimed their freshly minted NFTs!
Day 3: Back to MUC, But the Learning Continues
On the return flight to Munich, my brain buzzed with takeaways from the conference. The NFT Hunt was a resounding success! Here are some key stats:
Distribution: We distributed 350 NFTs, representing 34% of the total 1025 max collection size. This could be adjusted for next year to create a sense of exclusivity.
Engagement: An impressive 75% of distributed NFTs were claimed, indicating excellent email open rates.
Crypto Savvy: 33% of claimed NFTs were transferred to non-custodial wallets, showcasing the audience's crypto knowledge.
Looking ahead to ECOM'22, one key question arose: Utility for NFTs? Wouldn't it be awesome if these digital tokens offered exclusive benefits like conference discounts, special gifts, or even collaborations with other events? Let's brainstorm on this!
Beyond the Conference: Latvian Sauna Experience
Finally, a word on the local sauna experience. Following my Bolt driver's recommendation was a stroke of genius. It was the perfect way to unwind after a jam-packed day of networking and learning. In the quiet solitude of the sauna, I reflected on the connections made, the knowledge gained, and the future potential of NFTs.
ECOM'21 was a phenomenal experience - a blend of cutting-edge technology, insightful discussions, and a healthy dose of Latvian culture. I can't wait for ECOM'21 next year!