Bits and blocks: Cryptocurrency thought leaders to convene in region

On Nov. 5, Tampa’s Amalie Arena is set to host Florida’s first-ever conference focused on Bitcoin and blockchain technology. In a sign of how mainstream these high-tech topics have become, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor will deliver an address welcoming the 500-plus attendees to the event. A closing keynote speech will be delivered by Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Investment Management LLC, which recently announced the relocation of its headquarters from New York City to St. Petersburg. 

According to a news release, the Florida Bitcoin & Blockchain Summit aims to bring together stakeholders, businesses and political leaders with the goal of growing investments in cryptocurrency and encouraging the use of blockchain, a type of database used to organize and store information related to Bitcoin transactions, as well as other kinds of sensitive data.