Mastering Side-Events in Asia: Expert Insights from Korea Blockchain Week

The Setup: 12 Hours of Tech Networking in Seounngsu-Dong

Eventflare was brought in to craft a standout side event for Korea Blockchain Week, so we boldly envisioned a thrilling 12-hour networking marathon in Seoul's Seoungsu-Dong district, renowned for its buzzing cafés, innovative co-working spaces, and thriving tech scene. The concept blended Web3-focused panels with lively networking moments, forging a setting where professionals could connect, explore cutting-edge trends, and immerse themselves in the city's creative pulse.

Our vision soared with a day-long celebration that seamlessly merged the energy of a vibrant side event, the collaborative spirit of a co-working hub, and the proven engagement of global conference highlights.

As the concept took shape, our understanding of Seoul's energy shaped every detail, from timing to layout, allowing us to create a natural flow that mirrored how people move, meet, and connect across the city.

This foresight shaped an event that moved with its audience. That intuitive design showed how Eventflare’s local insight and adaptability created a natural rhythm in tune with Seoul’s energy.

Leveraging Geography: Turning Proximity into Opportunity in Seoul

That same week, the main KBW conference had transformed a resort 30 kilometres from central Seoul into a self-contained hub of panels, networking, and accommodation packages. So we spotted an opportunity to add a new dimension to the week by setting the scene in Seongsu-dong, a neighbourhood alive with cafés, studios, and creative energy.

By morning, the venue stood ready with a clean setup, meticulous preparation; in a few words, it was naturally in tune with the pace of the city. The result was a perfect bridge between the formality of the main conference and the spontaneity of Seoul's local scene.

The Pivots: Creativity and Local Trends

Web3 audiences thrive on a fast pace. So, we designed a laid-back yet exciting event that brought spontaneity, authenticity, and shared momentum to life:

• Street-Level Engagement: We hit Seongsu-dong with coffee vouchers and friendly invites, and a simple goal: to get people talking and mingle. There were no booths, no crypto jargon, just good coffee and a hello. The neighbourhood made it easy. People stopped, asked what was going on, some stayed for a chat, others came back later. It was the kind of fun start that can only happen when you’re out there in the real city, and not tucked inside a venue.
• We hit Seongsu-dong with coffee vouchers and friendly invites, stepping right into the rhythm of the neighbourhood. No booths, no screens — just good coffee, good chat, and a few curious locals wandering in. It wasn’t about crypto pitches; it was about being part of the scene. The cafés, the noise, the everyday life of Seoul gave the event its first heartbeat, helping us build movement before the day even began.
• Cultural Giveaways: The Labubu doll, a quirky, must-have icon adored for its whimsical designs and global collectable frenzy, steals hearts from Seoul streets to worldwide fans. So instead of a generic swag, we tapped a Seoul obsession. We announced a Labubu doll lottery via Luma, and people showed up specifically for it. Fans recognised it immediately; others asked what it was. It was the perfect ice-breaker that warmed the room and boosted participation.
• Tailoring for Web3: We learned that mornings are better framed as “Breakfast & Co-working”—clear message, quiet tables, reliable Wi-Fi, and a come-and-go flow that matches how builders actually work between sessions. It’s a light lift that respects the culture and attracts a steady trickle before mid-day talks.
   

Celebrating Success: The Wins That Shaped the Event

While the main conference stayed tucked away in a resort thirty kilometres from Seoul, our instinct led us in the opposite direction. We chose Seongsu-dong because it had the pulse we wanted: vibrant cafés, studios, and streets where the local scene actually lives. Hosting the side-event in Seongsu-dong was more than just a logistical choice; with its creative, street-level, and unmistakably local vibe, it was the perfect neighbourhood for our event. People travel from conference to conference all the time, but what they remember are the places that feel alive. And that's precisely what we wanted to give them: a place where conversations flow easily, people lingering for longer and sipping a drink or coffee while looking around curiously. The city did the rest. When the Labubu lottery was announced, the vibe changed completely. People flocked in just for it, excited, curious, laughing over a Korean collectable they suddenly had to win. It gave the event a heartbeat.

That’s the win: not scale, but spark. The kind that happens when you take the risk of going local instead of staying comfortable. In a week where most people never left the resort, this was the one event that felt like Seoul. And that’s what they’ll remember.

The Eventflare Advantage: How Local Teams Even the Playing Field

Eventflare's strength goes far beyond logistics. When a project steps into a new market for the first time, like Frequency Network did in Seoul, local insight makes all the difference. It’s more than just knowing the market; it's knowing its heartbeat. Our teams secure the best spaces, rely on the most authentic vendors, read how a community moves and turn that understanding into experiences that feel effortless, familiar, and true to the place. 

From Seoul to Lisbon to Buenos Aires, our local teams and partners know what makes people show up and stay. We find the places where communities naturally gather, connect with trusted voices on the ground, and bring in touches of local character that make every event feel true to its setting. In the end, it's always about one thing: creating an experience that feels real. That’s how we make global ideas feel at home.

Wrapping Up

The Seoul side event was more than a well-executed production. It was a reminder of what makes great events work: people connecting, ideas flowing, and a sense of place that ties it all together. Every choice, from the venue to the tone, reflected an understanding of how community really happens.

That is where Eventflare thrives. We bring global reach and local intuition together to create moments that feel effortless but leave a lasting impression.

For teams setting their sights on Asia or anywhere new, Eventflare makes the unfamiliar feel familiar, turning bold ideas into experiences that genuinely connect.