Summary:
This proposal seeks funding for running a large one-day Schelling Point event during DevConnect on November 13 in Istanbul, Turkey. This proposal is requesting a total of $275,000 from Gitcoin’s treasury to be used for production costs (more details outlined below). Like past events, most (if not all) of these costs will be recuperated through sponsorships and (newly exploring) other possible funding mechanisms. The event will be planned by Supermodular in coordination with Gitcoin.
Abstract:
Schelling Point is one of the largest Web3 events that focuses on expanding the conversation around regenerative cryptoeconomics. This proposal is seeking funding to run another one of these events at the upcoming DevConnect conference in November - one of the largest gatherings of builders in the Ethereum ecosystem in the world.
This proposal will go into detail to outline the motivations behind this proposal, benefits and drawbacks, details of what a November conference might look like, expected costs, and how this conference will be different from previous conferences.
Many of the exact costs will be ballpark estimates until planning officially kicks off upon the passing of this proposal. It is important to note that Schelling Point events have historically been fully funded by sponsorships (with the exception of the most recent Schelling Point in Denver, which cost the DAO $40,000).
Motivation:
Gitcoin’s support for this proposal is motivated by several key factors:
Public Goods Steward: The event aims to foster a culture of public goods and serve as a platform for creative discussions and connections. It also represents a unique category where believers in community-led positive change gather to explore the intersection of technology, art, science, and education. This event will continue to perpetuate Gitcoin’s rightful place as a key steward of the public goods narrative within Web3.
Marketing and Community Engagement: Schelling Point is an essential component of Gitcoin’s strategic marketing and community engagement efforts. It’s an event that originated as a convergence of impact, sustainability, and technology, and has evolved into a manifestation of Gitcoin’s vision and values. Running another Schelling Point will strengthen Gitcoin’s legitimacy and further position it as a thought leader in the public goods funding movement.
Partnership Development: Schelling Point has historically served as an opportune meeting place for developing relationships that ultimately lead to fruitful partnerships for Gitcoin. This stands from both the developer relations lens as well as broader partnerships pertaining to our products (ex: Gitcoin Grants) and beyond (ex: other community initiatives).
Product Positioning: Being the title sponsor of this conference, Gitcoin will have the opportunity to showcase its products front and center through having a booth and several speaking slots.
Specifications:
Date: November 13th
Venue: TBD - venue will likely be used by other DevConnect events, giving us negotiating power to reduce the cost of the venue rental (and perhaps production costs as well)
Length: 1 day
Expected attendees: 3,000
Aspects of the event:
- Sponsor Thank You Dinner
- 3-5 stages (depending on the venue size)
- Chill space
- Vendor booths area
- Lunch provided to all participants
- Coffee & water stations
- Speakers area
Changes from previous proposals:
- No after-party
Expected cost breakdown
Item | Ballpark cost |
---|---|
Venue | $40,000 |
Swag | $30,000 |
Food & beverage | $60,000 |
Sponsor activities | $20,000 |
A/V production | $70,000 |
Other production (furniture, signage, etc.) | $30,000 |
Art Installation | $20,000 |
Team costs | $25,000 |
TOTAL | $275,000 |
The planning will lean on several teams at Gitcoin to support and align the execution of this event:
MMM team
- ensure KPIs are met
- ensure that all work produced on behalf of the DAO aligns with the rest of Gitcoin’s brand work
- lean on MMM’s design, social media and brand strategy resources and expertise to successfully execute this event
Partnerships & DevRel
- Ensure that the event supports their business objectives
KPIs:
- +20 DevRel leads
- +20 Partnership leads
- 8 or higher out of 10 event satisfaction (from feedback form)
Benefits:
- Branding: Gitcoin will be front and center as a title sponsor, creating goodwill within the Web3 ecosystem and positioning itself as a category creator and thought leader.
- Highlighting current protocols: As a title sponsor, Gitcoin will have the opportunity to feature several DAO contributors on stage as well as sharing about their products via booths on the conference floor.
- Community engagement and Partnerships: This event will serve as a great platform for relationship building with potential partners.
- Strengthened relationships with partners, sponsors, and conference speakers: Similar to previous points, Schelling Point gives Gitcoin (as the title sponsor) the opportunity to bump shoulders with other big (and small!) players in the space.
Risk and Drawbacks:
- Difficult to quantify ROI: Like many IRL events, measuring the exact return on investment (ROI) is difficult. The fostering of connections, relationships and brand equity that IRL events like this enable is difficult/impossible to quantify. This proposal has done its best to create KPIs, though this might be inadequate compared to other more measurable initiatives.
- Potential unrecoverable costs: The bear market has hit the Web3 hard as we saw first hand in Denver with our first, cost-deficit Schelling Point. One risk we might encounter is difficulties fundraising which will leave Gitcoin footing the large conference bill.
- Opportunity cost: By spending funds here, there might be other events that Gitcoin could sponsor, own a stage, etc. that will likely be passed on.
- Disconnection from Gitcoin: There have been Schelling Points in the past where the connection to Gitcoin has been very loose, meaning that patrons don’t know Gitcoin is behind the running of Schelling Point and is a lost opportunity to build brand equity.
Vote:
1 - Yes, fund Schelling Point at DevConnect Istanbul for $275,000
2 - No, do not fund Schelling Point at DevConnect Istanbul
3 - Abstain