Cannes 2025: the strategic evolution of EthCC

A brief history of the conference and its transition from Paris to Cannes

Originally rooted in the academic and builder-driven culture of Paris, EthCC established itself as a hub for developers, researchers, and early-stage Web3 innovators. The shift to Cannes in 2025 marks a pivotal evolution in its identity, trading the grassroots feel of Paris for the polished, high-stakes atmosphere of the French Riviera. This move reflects a broader transformation in the crypto space—one where protocol innovation meets high-level deal-making.

What this change reveals about the current market: more strategic, more institutional, more competitive

The relocation to Cannes signals more than just a change in scenery. It illustrates the crypto industry’s transition into a phase defined by strategic alliances, institutional capital, and fierce competition. The landscape has matured, and EthCC’s new setting reflects that: yacht panels, private investor brunches, and curated founder dinners now shape the agenda as much as developer keynotes.

The new participant profile and the importance of being present where decisions are made

With the Riviera as a backdrop, EthCC Cannes 2025 attracted a different crowd: venture capitalists, family offices, creative studios, and protocol executives converging with infrastructure builders and founders. For those seeking to lead or grow in this space, presence is no longer optional, it is essential. Real relationships are built in person, and in environments like EthCC Cannes, visibility can translate directly into opportunity.

Voices of the event

Among the many faces at EthCC Cannes 2025, three stood out for their clarity of vision and grounded approach to networking in a rapidly maturing market. Aria, CEO of Milk Alliance, represented a project rooted in utility, aiming to connect real-world loyalty points to blockchain infrastructure. Her presence in Cannes was not just about visibility but about alignment, partnering with like-minded players and creating touchpoints with both traditional and Web3-native communities.

Joining her were Giovanni and Michael from Octane Security, a company building advanced machine learning models to detect smart contract vulnerabilities. As founder, Giovanni brought a deep technical perspective and a clear commitment to protecting on-chain ecosystems. Michael operates on the relationship front, leading business development with a strong focus on long-term value and mutual alignment. Their dual presence reflected Octane’s strategy. Cannes was not just a showcase but a pipeline for meaningful integrations and security conversations across protocols.

Each walked away with more than just business cards. Aria highlighted the unexpected strength of side events and co-hosting experiences in forming lasting networks. Giovanni emphasized authenticity over performance and reminded newcomers to be transparent and human in their conversations. Michael stressed the importance of listening and contextual follow-up, underscoring that the real work begins after the conference ends. Together, their insights painted a picture of a conference not just filled with noise but with the quiet architecture of trust and opportunity.

Networking with intention

In high-stakes environments like EthCC Cannes 2025, networking is not about collecting business cards or attending as many parties as possible. It is about showing up with clarity, authenticity and purpose. Networking with intention means approaching interactions with curiosity, a willingness to listen, and a focus on offering value before expecting anything in return. In spaces where the stakes are higher and the pace is faster, this mindset is often what separates forgettable encounters from lasting collaborations.

This principle resonated strongly in the reflections shared by Aria, Giovanni and Michael. Aria, who attended as a co-host rather than a passive participant, noted how partnering on side events opened doors to deeper connections and allowed her team to become part of the narrative rather than mere observers. Giovanni and Michael emphasized the power of genuine conversation, focusing on who someone is, not just what they do. They underscored the value of empathy, context and follow-through, especially in a space where trust is often the real currency. Their insights reinforce that in crypto, as in life, the strongest relationships often start not with a transaction, but with shared intention.

Side Events as Decision-Making Hubs: Where Real Business Happens

Side events have become the real arenas where deals begin and relationships solidify, often outshining the mainstage presentations in terms of impact. At EthCC Cannes 2025, one standout example was the Casino Night co-hosted by Milk Alliance, OKX Wallet and Abstract, which brought together builders, investors and founders in a setting designed for genuine connection. These more intimate gatherings create the space for organic conversations, repeated interactions and strategic alignment that rarely happen in crowded auditoriums. Workshops, private dinners and protocol-specific meetups are where trust is built and ideas are exchanged without the pressure of pitches, reinforcing the idea that in high-stakes environments, presence in the right room often matters more than visibility on the biggest stage.

From Business Cards to Telegram

Post-event momentum is where genuine value is either solidified or lost. For the speakers of EthCC Cannes 2025, the real impact of networking lies in how you follow up. Aria emphasized the value of organizing contacts through structured spreadsheets and recommended using tools like Telegram Business to track and re-engage connections effectively. Giovanni encouraged light, sincere outreach via Google Meets or casual messaging, always rooted in the original conversation to avoid coming off as transactional. Michael, meanwhile, stressed the importance of capturing context while it’s still fresh, taking notes each day and setting clear follow-up actions. Across their perspectives, a common thread emerged: meaningful connections are not about the volume of names collected but about nurturing a shared sense of purpose. In crypto, community is the real capital, and sustained connection is what transforms interest into opportunity.

EthCC as a Mirror of the Future of Crypto Conferences

EthCC Cannes 2025 represented more than just a change in location. It marked a turning point in how crypto conferences are conceived and executed. Moving away from the grassroots informality of past editions, the event embraced a more strategic, high-stakes format. The choice of Cannes and the curated ecosystem of builders, investors, and institutions reflected the maturity of the market. Events were no longer about showing up and handing out business cards. They were about positioning, influence, and aligning with the right people in the right spaces.

Yet despite the polished backdrop, the collaborative spirit of crypto remained intact. Voices like Aria, Giovanni, and Michael illustrated how it is possible to elevate standards without losing authenticity. Their emphasis on intentionality, active listening, and long-term value creation offered a clear vision of what the next era of web3 gatherings could be. EthCC Cannes 2025 didn’t just predict the future of the space, it modeled it.

Disclaimer: This article is based on an interview and reflects the personal views and opinions of the featured speaker. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or legal advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions.