We convinced many businesses to accept Bitcoin, made the news, and made Vancouver the biggest Bitcoin Meet Up in Canada. To celebrate, we're going to have Vancouver's first inaugural CoinFest! We signed up a Waves Coffee House to accept bitcoins for the very first time, and it's the biggest one in province! But wait: what is a CoinFest?

CoinFest is a fun gathering for people of all kinds who are curious about Bitcoin. Here you can practice and learn about the revolutionary technology and concept behind new digital money. CoinFest serves as a free platform for the exchange of goods, services, currencies and ideas--an exciting event of freedom and opportunity, where you can meet the innovators who drive this movement forward. Intended as a hub for the Bitcoin economy, CoinFest showcases how it works for anyone to see. There will be plenty of attractions, such as:

• Room for 150 new friends and associates, plus Waves coffee and treats available in return for bitcoins! 

• Live ambient music from a volunteer musician playing in the background. If you enjoy it, please consider tipping the musician a little BTC for his or her hard work. 

• Tables arranged for anyone who wants to set up demonstration booths for digital coin trading (altcoins are allowed), merchandise, or discussion about a service or cause. Accommodations will be chosen by and moderated at the discretion of the event organizer. 

• 2 meeting rooms (1 large, 1 small), free for your booking any time during the event. Some activities may be given priority. If you have any ideas for a presentation, seminar, panel or discussion, start a comment thread about that idea or email me at a.j.wagner.89@gmail.com.

CoinFest has no rules beyond common courtesy (and decency) and those required by law; however, there are some guidelines that you should be aware of. The space and staff for this event are graciously provided by the chosen Bitcoin venue free of charge, so please purchase at least one item from the venue. This also encourages more venues to accept bitcoins in the future. 

The organizer of this event does not charge any money to the Bitcoin venue or the event participants. It takes work, though, so if you want to, you may donate BTC to him at 13SH6sEaETA5Ca7Gb5kb1Yv5SjqxauvKdm. If you possess more than a few hundred bitcoins, or you are a business that will profit from this event, it is recommended that you donate and write him a nice message at a.j.wagner.89@gmail.com.

Individuals and businesses that support the CoinFest will be be recognized by the host and the community in many ways, and may be given preferred accommodations. For the inaugural CoinFest, 50% of the bitcoins raised will go directly to the Bitcoin Cooperative's Non-profit Bitcoin Outreach Fund, to be used for spreading Bitcoin awareness and acceptance in a manner chosen democratically by the community. 

This event is a work in progress. The above guidelines are subject to change from one CoinFest to another as necessity demands. For more information, please see this event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/305766732893569/