The NFC Summit 2025 in Lisbon wasn’t just another blockchain event. It was a celebration of Web3 and pop culture, where innovation, creativity, and the future of digital communities collided. Held from June 4-6, this festival brought together everything from TON of People to Ordinals and Memecon, uniting the brightest minds in Web3 with the energy of pop culture.

Hubz was there, of course, right in the heart of the action, powering the official NFC Summit Telegram channel with wallet-based connection. The result? 1,200 new connections, real-world perks like free beer, and the chance to win exclusive Hubz merch by earning Soulbound Tokens (SBTs).

Here’s a deeper dive into what made the NFC Summit so exciting and what’s on the horizon for community building in the world of Web3.

Wallet Connections: More Than Just Access

One of the standout features of NFC for Hubz, was the wallet connection layer. This wasn’t just about joining a group, it was about opening the door to new experiences. Attendees who connected their Telegram wallet were immediately plugged into the NFC community and given the opportunity to earn real-world rewards.

Over 1,200 new connections were made, proving that blockchain isn’t just about making transactions. It’s about creating real connections, whether online or face-to-face. And with perks like a free beer and a shot at winning Hubz merch, it was a fun way to showcase the practical, fun side of tangible Web - and kept us busy at the booth.

TON of People: The Web3 Gathering of the Year

For the TON maxis and builders, TON of People was a central part of the NFC Summit, offering discussions around the future of Telegram communities and the role of Web3. The insights shared are likely to influence the ongoing development of digital communities and provide useful perspectives for where the space could be headed.

Alex Kunzmann, our CEO, took the stage to discuss the future of Hubz-activated communities, and their insights definitely had people thinking. Some key takeaways from their panel included:

• Why TON’s deep integration with Telegram is a superpower: The TON and Telegram duo isn’t just a cool feature… it’s game-changing. By merging Telegram’s vast user base with TON’s blockchain capabilities, communities can grow faster, engage more effectively, and tap into a level of security and scalability that traditional platforms can’t offer. If this hasn’t caught your attention yet, it should.
  
  
• How Hubz is helping Telegram communities level-up: Hubz isn’t just a passive player. We’re empowering Telegram admins to create gated communities, set up subscriptions, and manage access based on wallet-based verification. This puts the control in the hands of community leaders, allowing them to build more exclusive and engaged spaces.
  
  
• Why long-term utility is key: The world of Web3 loves a good hype cycle, but what really moves the needle is long-term utility. The goal isn’t to chase the next big trend; it’s about creating something sustainable and valuable. That’s exactly what Hubz is focused on. Tools and solutions that don’t just “wow” in the moment but continue to deliver value over time.

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NFC: Not Just About Blockchain, But About Culture

Here’s where NFC really stands out: it wasn’t just a blockchain summit. It was a Web3 pop culture festival. The event was a mashup of everything that makes Web3 exciting, digital art, NFTs, memes, and of course, innovation.

From Ordinals to Memecon, NFC was a celebration of the lighter, more playful side of Web3. But it also brought people together to dive deep into what’s next for tech and its impact on digital culture. It’s not just about coding and transactions; it’s about creating something that resonates with people, both in the digital space and in the world of modern society and culture.

With one ticket providing access to eight different events, NFC was an immersive experience that brought the best of the industry right to your fingertips. Whether you were exploring the future of digital collectibles or discussing the next meme trend, there was no shortage of content to keep things exciting. In an era where global events are becoming increasingly saturated and side-events are cropping up everywhere, NFC offered something refreshing: everything was under one roof. This made it a truly unique space where tech, culture, and entertainment seamlessly blended together, leaving a lasting impression.

Reflecting on the Future of Community Building

So, what’s next for community building in Web3? One thing’s clear: the future of Telegram communities is looking brighter than ever. The summit wasn’t just a showcase of cool tech, it was a glimpse into how blockchain can revolutionize the way people connect and interact with one another. It’s not just about a blockchain-powered Telegram group; it’s about creating spaces where communities can thrive, where every member has the opportunity to engage, learn, and grow.

With TON’s integration into Telegram and Hubz’s tools for gated access and wallet-based verification, Web3 communities are poised for exponential growth. But it’s not just about scalability, it’s about quality. As communities grow, they need the right tools to manage access, keep things secure, and maintain meaningful interactions.

Web3 is still in its early stages, and the next few years are going to be pivotal. But if NFC was any indication, the future of digital communities is already taking shape. Blockchain technology is shaping the way we connect, and it’s happening faster than most people realize.

For those who couldn’t attend NFC Summit 2025, don’t worry. Web3 is just getting started. The best is yet to come, and it’s going to be even more exciting. Whether you’re in the space for the tech, the culture, or the connections, now’s the time to get involved. The future is happening now, and it’s a lot more fun than you might think.