Next Block Expo 2026 Brings Together 2,600+ Participants in Warsaw, Signaling Shift Toward Infrastructure-Driven Web3 and AI

Next Block Expo 2026 (NBX), one of Central and Eastern Europe’s leading events at the intersection of Web3, AI, and digital infrastructure, brought together 2,607 participants from 32 countries in Warsaw on March 24–25. Now in its fifth year, NBX has evolved alongside the market – gathering over 10,000 participants across previous editions and reflecting the transition of the industry from early experimentation to a more mature, infrastructure-driven phase. This year’s edition featured 116 speakers and 51 exhibitors, including senior executives from global exchanges, policy-level representation, infrastructure builders, and institutional players, positioning NBX as a cross-sector platform rather than a niche industry event. From speculation to infrastructure A central theme throughout the conference was the visible shift in the industry’s focus – from hype cycles toward real-world infrastructure, regulation, and scalable systems. “AI is becoming a core layer of Web3, not a separate narrative,” said Tom Kopera, Co-founder of NBX. “We are entering a phase of regulated growth, and the industry is shifting from speculation to infrastructure that is maturing.” Key discussions reflected this transition, including a high-profile panel on the future of digital finance featuring leaders from major global exchanges, and a policy-driven conversation on the evolution of digital payments in Poland with participation from key policymakers. 1,500+ business meetings and real dealflow Beyond the stage, NBX reinforced its role as a business platform. Over 1,500 meetings were facilitated during the two-day event, enabling founders, investors, and operators to engage in high-signal conversations and initiate new partnerships. This strong emphasis on networking continues to differentiate NBX from traditional conference formats, positioning it as an active marketplace for ideas, capital, and collaboration. Key highlights across sectors The 2026 edition showcased a wide range of perspe...