The Web3 world moves fast - but few events capture its ambition and global momentum like WOW SUMMIT. At the center of this growing movement is Ivan V. Ivanov, Global CEO of WOW Summit, who has helped shape the event into a true crossroads for innovation, regulation, and collaboration.
We sat down with Ivan to explore what’s fueling the summit’s rapid rise, how Hong Kong is positioning itself as a Web3 powerhouse, and why this event has become more than just a gathering - it’s a catalyst. From AI and DeFi to smart contracts and government backing, Ivan shares what’s next for the future of blockchain, and why now is the moment to be part of the conversation.
Let’s dive in.
1. The WOW Summit has experienced remarkable growth since its first edition. What factors do you attribute to this success, and how do you plan to maintain this momentum in the future?
I think it’s a mix of several things: Hong Kong’s forward-thinking approach to regulations, solid government backing, and an incredibly dynamic community of innovators and investors. Hong Kong also sits right at the crossroads of East and West, which gives it a unique edge. To keep that momentum alive, we’re all about creating more collaborations, highlighting emerging tech, and making sure the event stays a place for meaningful discussions and groundbreaking ideas.
2. Hong Kong has positioned itself as an emerging hub for cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. How has this environment influenced the event's vision and strategy?
Hong Kong's proactive stance on digital assets and blockchain has definitely shaped how we approach the event. With its clear regulatory framework and global access, it’s a perfect spot for Web3 innovation. So, we’ve aligned our vision to showcase these strengths, creating a space for Web3 communities from all over the world to come together and collaborate.
3. The Hong Kong government has shown strong support for the development of Web3. How does this support translate into opportunities for event attendees and participants?
The government’s support is huge—think clear regulations and initiatives like licensing regime for virtual asset service providers, sandbox for stablecoins, Web3 supporting initiatives for startups.
4. WOW SUMMIT has been recognized as a milestone for Hong Kong's Web3 industry. What steps are you taking to ensure that the event remains relevant and reflects current industry trends and challenges?
We’re always keeping an eye on how the Web3 landscape is evolving. That means we’re continuously tweaking our agenda to include discussions on new technologies, changes in regulations, and how Web3 is being applied in real life. By working closely with industry leaders and experts, we ensure the event remains a key player in the space.
5. Looking ahead, what emerging trends in the world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology do you see as being key, and how does the event plan to adapt to them?
A few trends are really standing out, like the integration of AI with blockchain, the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi), RWA tokenization, and the push for stablecoin regulations. We’ll definitely address these at WOW with expert panels, workshops, and talks that dive into these trends and spark new ideas and solutions.
6. What message would you like to convey to cryptocurrency professionals and enthusiasts considering attending the WOW Summit in future editions and for this last one?
WOW Summit is more than just an event—it’s a movement. It’s about bringing bold ideas together, shaping the future of Web3, and having the courage to build something big, together. This is where the magic happens—where partnerships form, and where the Web3 future starts to take shape.
7. If the WOW Summit were a film, what title would you give it and what genre would it be?
Well, the stuff we’re doing might feel like sci-fi in another time, but since it’s all happening now, I’d call it "Convergence: The Future of Web3," and it would be a documentary-drama. It’d show the real stories of innovation, the challenges, and the breakthroughs that are shaping the Web3 journey.
8. If you could invite anyone, living or deceased, to a dinner during the event, who would it be and why?
I’d invite Satoshi Nakamoto. I think sitting down with the person who started the whole blockchain revolution would be fascinating. It would give us all invaluable insight into the vision behind this technology and how it’s evolved into what we see today.
9. If the WOW Summit were a time capsule that could only contain one object representative of the vision and impact of the event, what object would you choose and what message would it leave for future generations?
I would choose a ledger containing the first smart contract deployed during the event. It symbolizes our commitment to innovation, transparency, and the foundational principles of blockchain technology. The message would be: "In unity and innovation, we built the future."