As Bitcoin (BTC) trades above $110,000 heading into this year’s Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas, analysts are questioning whether the cryptocurrency can finally break the pattern of post-conference declines — a phenomenon now dubbed the “Conference Curse.”
Bitcoin Conference 2025: A Turning Point or Another Sell-Off?
For years, Bitcoin conferences have been hotbeds for industry announcements and market hype, yet the price action of BTC around these events has often disappointed. According to Galaxy Research, Bitcoin has consistently underperformed during or immediately after past conferences, regardless of broader market trends.
“Historical data from 2019 to 2024 shows Bitcoin has typically experienced a sharp drop following the conclusion of major industry events,” the report stated.
For example:
- 2019 (San Francisco): BTC dropped 10% during the event, then slid another 24% in the following month.
- 2022 (Miami): 1% loss during the event, followed by a 29% nosedive.
- 2024 (Nashville): 4% gain during the conference, but a swift 20% correction after.
Institutional Optimism vs Historical Patterns
While these past examples largely occurred during bear markets or amid macro headwinds (such as the 2024 yen carry trade unwind), 2025’s environment is markedly different. Institutional interest in Bitcoin has surged, fueled by spot ETF approvals, corporate treasuries, and Wall Street lending desks entering the market.
“This year’s speaker lineup — including Vice President J.D. Vance — signals a deeper political and institutional embrace of crypto,” noted a BTC market analyst.
Yet despite this bullish backdrop, many investors remain cautious, wary that “sell-the-news” psychology may still dominate sentiment.
Can BTC Break Free from the Curse?
With Bitcoin at record highs, market watchers say any major announcements this week — especially involving government policy, ETF inflows, or corporate adoption — could either reinforce bullish momentum or trigger a classic pullback.
“Traders need to ask: Is this rally sustainable, or is it overheated going into the event?” said one analyst.
Ultimately, the Bitcoin Conference 2025 may become a litmus test: can BTC decouple from its historical post-event slump, or will it once again fall victim to the “conference curse”?