Digital Asset Expert Caitlin Long to Keynote Wyoming Blockchain Stampede

University of Wyoming alumna and nationally recognized blockchain expert Caitlin Long will deliver a keynote address at the eighth annual Wyoming Blockchain Stampede Sept. 19-27.

The free event, presented by the UW Center for Blockchain and Digital Innovation (CBDI), will feature discussions on Bitcoin mining opportunities in Wyoming, digital asset policy developments and resources for technology startups.

In June 2018, Long helped kick off the first Wyoming Blockchain Stampede and WyoHackathon, and serves today as the Stampede's honorary chair.

"Caitlin Long has made important contributions to Wyoming's innovative blockchain legislation and has influenced national digital asset policies," says Steve Lupien, the CBDI Ada Lovelace director. "Her support of the Wyoming Blockchain Stampede has been essential for the event's success the past seven years."

Long, a Laramie native who graduated from UW in 1990, is CEO and founder of Custodia, a Cheyenne-based chartered bank operating under Wyoming's innovative special purpose depository institution (SPDI) legal framework. The bank serves digital asset businesses, fintechs, corporate treasurers and startups across the United States.

Long played a crucial role in establishing Wyoming as a blockchain-friendly state. From 2018-2020, she helped the state enact more than 30 blockchain-enabling laws, creating what she calls an "oasis for blockchain companies."

She previously served as chair and president of Symbiont, an enterprise blockchain startup, and held senior positions at Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse and Salomon Brothers. Long earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School and a Master of Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government in 1994.

The UW College of Arts and Sciences honored her as an Outstanding Alumna in 2019.

The Stampede is free to attend, but registration is suggested to make sure enough seating and refreshments are available. Title sponsors are Input Output Global (IOG), a blockchain engineering and research company, and CleanSpark, a market-leading, pure play Bitcoin miner.

Registration and more information can be found at www.uwyo.edu/stampede.

The schedule for the Stampede is as follows:

-- Stampede eSports Meetup and Competition, Friday-Saturday, Sept. 19-20: Presented in part by the UW eSports Club, the Stampede eSports Meetup is Friday, Sept. 19, from noon-6 p.m. in the Wyoming Union lower level at the Pokes Pub and Game Room. The public is invited. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own devices, or they can use the gaming PCs provided in the Gaming Room. eSports teams from UW, high schools and community colleges will compete in Rocket League and other competitive games from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20.

-- Wyoming's Select Committee on Blockchain, Financial Technology and Digital Innovation Technology, Monday-Tuesday, Sept. 22-23. The committee will discuss proposed legislation involving emerging technologies and hear from constituents during its two-day session at UW. The meeting will be held both days beginning at 8:30 a.m. in Room 506 of Coe Library. To learn more about the meeting, visit www.wyoleg.gov/Committees/2025/S19.

-- Bitcoin Day at the Stampede, Tuesday, Sept. 23: Bitcoin Day at the Stampede will feature a full day of programming dedicated to Bitcoin innovation, education and industry collaboration. The day opens with the Bitcoin Mining and Energy Summit, a focused dialogue on the intersection of Bitcoin mining, energy markets and Wyoming. Following the summit, a series of panels and presentations will explore university engagement with Bitcoin, Lightning Network and payment technology; heat recycling and mining innovation; institutional adoption trends; and financial products shaping Bitcoin's future.

-- Stampede Industry Dinner, Tuesday, Sept. 23: The industry dinner will be hosted in the Business Building atrium following the conclusion of Bitcoin Day at the Stampede. It will be an event where speakers, industry experts, academics and sponsors can interact and talk shop over dinner. Nick's Cowboy Catering will provide food and beverages. The dinner is free to those registered for Stampede events.

-- Wyoming Blockchain Stampede sessions and keynote speakers, Wednesday, Sept. 24: Keynote speakers and panel discussions about blockchain, digital assets and innovative technology will be held at the Wyoming Union starting at 8:45 a.m. Topics include: SPDI; state and national blockchain policy; Wyoming is open for business; digital asset education in Wyoming; and artificial intelligence (AI) in business.

-- Wyoming Computer Symposium, Thursday-Friday, Sept. 25-26: In conjunction with the Stampede, the UW School of Computing will host the annual Wyoming Computer Symposium. The Wyoming Computer Symposium will explore the diverse and growing applications of AI in advancing Wyoming's economy. For more information, visit www.uwyo.edu/soc or email [email protected].

-- Cardano Days, Friday-Saturday. Sept. 26-27: Cardano Days is designed to provide participants with a foundational understanding of blockchain technology, focusing on Cardano and smart contracts. This event is for those looking to explore beyond the hype of cryptocurrencies and gain practical knowledge on building applications using Cardano. The event is an immersive experience, ensuring that participants leave with actionable insights and skills.