Overview

With the growth of Akash over the course of 2023 and into 2024, the launch of Akash’s GPU marketplace, and the fervor within the AI space, now is the perfect time to strike while the iron is hot and host the first ever Akash Summit. We’re calling it Akash Accelerate. This event will focus entirely on the Akash ecosystem and other key projects leading the decentralized AI space.

The below information lays out the who, what, when and where of this proposed event. More information can be found in GitHub Discussions.

Why host Akash Accelerate?

With the proliferation of AI, now is the perfect time to bring additional recognition to Akash with Akash Accelerate, a day-long summit focused on the Akash ecosystem. This is an opportunity to highlight the people, projects, and technical achievements within and surrounding Akash.

Projected Outcomes

Here are the metrics we plan to track to gauge the performance of the event:

Number of RSVPs
Number of attendees
Number of press attendees
Number of leads generated
Attendee survey feedback
Social media mentions
Livestream views
Recording views
Website traffic
New Akash Insider applicants and onboarded

There are also intangible benefits that come from hosting events:

Relationships generated
Attention brought to Akash
Goodwill among community members
Thought leadership
Word of mouth

Timeline

Github Discussion: Open for one week review and feedback
Gov Prop LIVE: Mid March
Confirm Event Management Company: Mid March
Confirm Content and Run of show: Mid April
Begin Promotion: Mid April
Host event: End of May, before Consensus (exact date TBD)

Budget

This being the first time Akash will host an event of this size and scope, we’d like to make it a resounding success. It will include a VIP kickoff dinner, the main event and a conclusion cocktail party.

Kickoff Dinner: $10,000 Networking Happy Hour: $15,000 Venue: $15,000 Catering: $15,000 Equipment Rental: $15,000 Event Management: $15,000 A/V Rental: $5,000 Videographer: $7,500 Swag Items: $15,000 Photographer: $2,500 Hotels: $25,500 Flights: $17,000 Overage: $20,000

Total Estimate Budget: $177,500 (30,341.88 AKT at the current spot rate of $5.85)

Note: All unused funds will go back into the community pool

Voting:

By voting YES to this proposal, you agree:

Approval for the full funding amount.
Authorize the community pool to disburse 30,341.88 AKT for Akash Accelerate 2024 to a publicly visible wallet.

By voting NO, you disagree that community pool resources should be used for event funding.

By voting ABSTAIN, you express no opinion on the matter.