BTCPay Day 2024: Riga, Latvia

“Welcome to BTCPay Day 2024!” With those words, Uncle r0ckstar kicked off the much-anticipated event, celebrating five years of BTCPay Day. Held in Riga, Latvia - home of the famous bitcoin-only Baltic Honeybadger conference, this year’s BTCPay Day brought together developers, privacy advocates, merchants, and Bitcoiners from across the globe for a hybrid event that showcased the evolution of BTCPay Server and its vibrant community.

Reflecting on the journey, Uncle r0ckstar took a moment to express his gratitude to his teammates and community members who have supported BTCPay throughout the years. "Behind this hip look and hat," he joked, "there is an old man," acknowledging the tireless efforts of his team, including Pavlenex, Kukks, Webworthy, NDeet, Dennis & Dstrukt. While some key contributors couldn’t attend, others joined remotely, like the leading figure in Bitcoin development and mastermind behind BTCPay Server Nicolas Dorier.

BTCPay Day 2024 was more than just a reflection of the past; it was a rallying point for the future. “All of us contribute to BTCPay in some way,” Uncle r0ckstar reminded attendees about the collective effort that drives the project forward. This year’s event focused on both community and technology, with updates on exciting projects like the BTCPay App and successful real-world deployments, such as the Bitcoin Jungle’s impressive 450 merchant integration on a single BTCPay instance.

Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed presentations from key figures in the Bitcoin ecosystem, including Calle (Cashu), Connor Okus (Product Manager at Spiral), Alex Li (HRF) George Manolov (Bitcoin Director, Botev Plovdiv), Abubakar Nur Khalil (CEO at Recursive Capital and Btrust), and MATT ODELL (PARTNER AT TEN31, COFOUNDER  AT OPENSATS AND BITCOIN PARK) *all caps intended*, who have all been instrumental in supporting BTCPay’s mission. The spirit of collaboration and innovation was apparent, with Uncle r0ckstar closing his remarks by highlighting how moments like these—where the community comes together—continue to propel BTCPay toward even greater success. In this article, we’ll dive into the highlights of BTCPay Day 2024, from cutting-edge discussions on Bitcoin privacy and security to the exciting roadmap for BTCPay Server’s future. 

The keynote address was delivered by Bitcoin advocate and privacy proponent MATT ODELL. His comments set the tone for the event, filled with reflections on the growth of the BTCPay Server project and the significance of community-driven, open-source contributions. ODELL began by humorously recalling his early days consulting for Bitcoin Magazine and how they used BitPay as a payment processor—a stark contrast to where the Bitcoin payment space has evolved today. He explained how BTCPay Server has become one of the most "unique and powerful open-source projects" in the world, not just in Bitcoin.

ODELL's main message was one of appreciation for the tireless efforts of the community, who have supported BTCPay through thick and thin, helping it grow into a "global, sustainable, and robust" project. He noted how far the project had come since the first BTCPay Day in 2019, held in Riga, where he initially attended as an audience member. Fast forward five years, and BTCPay Server has become an essential infrastructure for Bitcoin payments globally—something he uses daily.

One of the key themes of ODELL’s speech was the importance of supporting open-source contributors, not only financially but also emotionally and through mentorship. He recounted how he and Dennis launched the Bitcoin Dev List, which allowed direct donations to open-source Bitcoin developers using BTCPay Server. Although that initiative didn’t take off as expected, it paved the way for later success stories like OpenSats, which now financially supports BTC Pay Server.

ODELL concluded by emphasizing the role that BTCPay Server plays in the Bitcoin ecosystem today, encouraging attendees to keep "fighting the good fight" and pushing for further innovation. His speech underscored the importance of community in building a privacy-respecting, open-source future for Bitcoin payments.

"Stable Channels" and Bitcoin Dollar Concept 

Nicholas Dorier, introduced the concept of Stable Channels during his presentation Fiatless Fiat, offering a solution to Bitcoin’s volatility in real-world payments. Built on Bitcoin’s Lightning Network (LN), Stable Channels allow merchants to accept Bitcoin while receiving payments in stable local currencies like USD or JPY. This is done through partnerships with Lightning Service Providers (LSPs), which automatically exchange small amounts of Bitcoin to ensure price stability.

The system offers a decentralized way to handle cross-currency payments, reducing regulatory risks and eliminating reliance on centralized third-party processors. Merchants can now accept Bitcoin at events and conferences without worrying about price fluctuations, making Bitcoin integration more seamless and practical. Dorier also highlighted the potential for cross-border payments using Bitcoin as a bridge currency, and introduced Cashu, an e-cash solution for offline transactions at events. Together, these innovations aim to promote decentralized, Bitcoin-backed commerce while maintaining privacy and stability.

Bitcoin's Next Leap

Calle and Kukks unveiled plans to revolutionize Bitcoin payments. Their discussion centred on integrating e-cash technology with BTC Pay Server, potentially bridging the gap between Bitcoin's security and the convenience of traditional payment systems. E-cash, explained Calle, is a versatile, developer-friendly protocol that can create various digital tokens, from currency to event tickets. The proposed integration with BTC Pay Server would allow merchants to accept e-cash and instantly convert it to Bitcoin via the Lightning Network.

This collaboration aims to combine Bitcoin's security with the convenience of traditional payment systems. The speakers envisioned a user experience comparable to credit cards, while maintaining Bitcoin's benefits and user privacy. Challenges remain, particularly in implementing NFC technology for offline e-cash payments. However, both parties expressed optimism about overcoming these hurdles. Calle encouraged developer involvement in the e-cash project, highlighting its open and collaborative nature. 

Expanding Bitcoin Payment Options for Merchants

NDeet delivered a presentation on the extensive integration and plugin capabilities of BTCPay Server. The talk highlighted how BTCPay Server is evolving to meet diverse merchant needs while maintaining its commitment to self-custody and decentralization. He began by discussing the numerous integrations BTCPay Server offers with e-commerce platforms, making it easy for merchants to accept Bitcoin payments. Notable integrations include Woo Commerce, Shopify, and WHMCS. He affirmed that open-source platforms are generally easier to integrate with compared to closed systems like Shopify, which can present challenges due to limitations in their payment flows.

The presentation then covered BTCPay Server's extensive plugin ecosystem, which allows users to customize and extend functionality. NDeet showcased several notable plugins, including a crowdfunding module for fundraising campaigns, a subscriptions plugin for recurring payments, and a CoinJoin implementation for enhanced privacy. He also highlighted the payroll plugin, which automates invoice processing and payments for organizations, and various Lightning Network integrations that support faster, cheaper transactions.

A large chunk of the talk focused on solutions for merchants who want to accept Bitcoin but settle in fiat currency. Several approaches were outlined, ranging from fully custodial options like the Strike plugin for direct USD payouts, to more self-sovereign setups combining self-hosted Lightning nodes with services like Breez for liquidity management. He also mentioned the Blink plugin for hedging against volatility and Bringin for Lightning payments with fiat settlement.

BTCPay Server 2.0

Dennis and Dstrukt, shared an exciting roadmap for the upcoming release of BTCPay Server 2.0. The developers indicated that this upgrade is the culmination of 7 years' worth of community feedback and technical debt accumulated over the project's lifetime. The presenters began by acknowledging the critical role played by the BTCPay Server "ambassadors" - those who run instances of the platform to serve their local communities. They noted that catering to the needs of these ambassadors will be a key focus for the team in the coming year and beyond. Reflecting on the iterative nature of the project, both Dennis and Dstrukt stressed that BTCPay Server's development is driven by user input. They encouraged attendees to continue providing feedback on what works, what doesn't, and which features are most important. This user-centric approach has been instrumental in shaping the direction of the platform.

Some of the standout improvements coming in BTCPay Server 2.0 include enhanced customization options for branding and store-level settings, allowing ambassadors to better tailor the platform to their communities. The team also highlighted plans for improved navigation and store management functionality, making it easier for server operators to oversee their instances, even as they scale to support a large number of stores. API enhancements, including new features like file uploads, notifications, and sales statistics, are also on the roadmap, laying the groundwork for the upcoming BTCPay App. The developers also discussed wallet improvements, such as the addition of Replace-by-Fee (RBF) support, and more flexible payment method handling.

Webworthy's Bitcoin Film Journey Captivates the Audience

Webworthy's presentation was a standout moment, captivating the audience with his engaging insights and experiences beyond the technical aspects of BTCPay Server. His talk received the most applause of the day, showcasing his ability to connect with an audience on a deeper level. They absorbed his personal experiences in bringing a Bitcoin-focused film to life. He recounted the journey of screening the documentary ‘My Trust In You Is Broken’ at the Bitcoin Film Festival, where it won the audience award, and the subsequent premiere in New York City, which he described as "one of the best days" of his life.

The New York screening was a testament to Webworthy's dedication and creativity. He partnered with PubKey to create a memorable experience, complete with food, drinks, and even a surprise appearance by actor TJ Miller. While the ticket sales were not astronomical, Webworthy said that the goal was not to make a profit, but to bring the Bitcoin community together and create a memorable moment.

Funding, Development, and the Future of Bitcoin

The one panel of the day included Connor Okus, Abubakar Nur Khalil, and Alex Li from the Human Rights Foundation. Okus pointed out that many people are unaware of career opportunities in free, open-source Bitcoin development. He encouraged more awareness about available funding and the wide array of projects in the Bitcoin ecosystem. The discussion revealed the financial support being channelled into Bitcoin development. Spiral has given over $10 million in grants, while the Human Rights Foundation has provided over 200 grants, aiming to distribute roughly $2 million annually. These figures underscore the growing institutional support for Bitcoin's development ecosystem.

Khalil shared a powerful real-world example of Bitcoin's impact: the use of BTC Pay Server during the SARS protests in Nigeria. The software helped raise close to $2 million for the protest movement, demonstrating Bitcoin's utility in supporting human rights and freedom of expression. This case study highlighted how Bitcoin technology can play a crucial role in grassroots movements and social change.

The discussion highlighted BTC Pay Server's contributions to the ecosystem. The platform has pioneered user-friendly merchant adoption tools and successfully implemented Lightning Network features like BOLT Cards. Moreover, BTC Pay Server has fostered a welcoming and technically competent community, setting a positive example for other open-source projects in the space.

Alex Li emphasized that while "number go up" is important, the real value of Bitcoin lies in increasing freedom and human rights. He cited examples of how BTC Pay Server enables activists and individuals to make secure, private transactions for essential services like VPNs and VPS hosting. These use cases demonstrate Bitcoin's potential to empower individuals in challenging political environments.

Botev Plovdiv Football Club

George Manolov shared Botev Plovdiv Football Club's pioneering efforts to incorporate Bitcoin into sports, specifically football, in Bulgaria. The club has been working on a unique initiative to integrate Bitcoin into its operations, branding, and fan engagement. Over the past year, the football club has embraced a "Bitcoin-first" approach, aiming to integrate Bitcoin into various facets of its operations. The club sees itself not merely as a business entity but as a "living organism" with a substantial social impact. One of the standout achievements was the display of the Bitcoin logo on the team's jerseys during two European matches, a move Manolov described as "making a small part of Bitcoin history." The logo was viewed by millions, both domestically and internationally, providing plenty of exposure for Bitcoin.

Botev Plovdiv has been using BTCPay Server as part of its technical infrastructure. Manolov  expressed the importance of open-source technology, highlighting BTCPay Server’s role in helping the club accept Bitcoin payments both online and offline. The club’s journey with Bitcoin payments began a year ago, and since then, it has expanded its usage to merchandise sales and ticketing, offering a coherent Bitcoin payment experience. In addition to the football club, Manolov mentioned other local initiatives aimed at spreading Bitcoin awareness and adoption. The club hosts monthly meetups, sells Bitcoin-related books in its fan shop, and is partnering with Order BG, a Bulgarian takeaway company, to implement a "Satsback" campaign, where customers, restaurants, and delivery drivers all earn Bitcoin rewards for participating in transactions.

New Mobile App for Merchants

The BTC Pay Server team made waves with their unveiling of a new mobile app, potentially reshaping how merchants interact with Bitcoin and Lightning Network payments. At the heart of the app is a refreshingly simple onboarding process, where merchants can now join the Bitcoin economy with little more than a QR code scan. What's exciting is how the team has managed to pack a full Lightning node into a mobile app without compromising on the 'not your keys, not your coins' ethos. It's clear the developers have poured their hearts and souls into making it work seamlessly. The app's interface looks sleek and intuitive, with a straightforward keypad for transactions that wouldn't look out of place in any modern point-of-sale system. But don't let the simplicity fool you – under the hood, there's some serious tech at play.

Another impressive feature is the redundancy system. By allowing the same Lightning node to run across multiple devices, the team has addressed a crucial concern for businesses – downtime. It's this kind of design that shows they're not just building an app; they're crafting a solution for real-world use. While they didn't pin down an exact release date, the demo suggested they're well on their way.

It's great to see a team more focused on getting it right than rushing to market. The BTC Pay Server app isn't just another entry in the crowded field of bitcoin payments – it's a bold statement about the future of merchant adoption. If it lives up to its promise, it could be a game-changer, making Bitcoin and Lightning payments accessible to businesses of all sizes.

All of us Contribute to BTCPay in Some Way

As BTCPay Day 2024 drew to a close, the air in Riga buzzed with excitement and possibility. The event not only celebrated five years of growth and innovation but also set the stage for a future where Bitcoin payments become integrated into everyday life. From groundbreaking ideas like stable channels to the sleek new mobile app for merchants, each presentation and announcement underscored BTCPay Server's commitment to making Bitcoin more accessible, secure, and user-friendly.

When attendees left the conference, there was a palpable sense that BTCPay Server is not just riding the wave of Bitcoin adoption – it's shaping it. With continued support from its vibrant community and organizations committed to open-source development, BTCPay Server is poised to remain at the forefront of Bitcoin innovation.

As Uncle r0ckstar aptly put it, "All of us contribute to BTCPay in some way." It's this collective effort, this shared commitment to a decentralized financial future, that will continue to drive BTCPay Server forward.