bitcoin++, an organization known for hosting technical conferences and workshops for Bitcoin developers around the world, has revealed plans for a unique event set to take place in Antarctica in early 2028. The event, titled “Antarctica: Cold Storage Edition,” will combine a technical summit with an expedition through the Antarctic Peninsula scheduled from January 24 to February 5, 2028. Only 22 spots are available for participants.
A conference meets expedition in Antarctica
The upcoming expedition will depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, and cross the Drake Passage toward Antarctica’s western peninsula. Over 13 days and 12 nights, the group will explore locations such as Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, Port Lockroy, and Lemaire Channel, subject to weather and ice conditions. The return journey will bring attendees back to Ushuaia.
The event takes inspiration from the concept of “cold storage”—the practice of keeping cryptocurrency keys completely offline for enhanced security—by situating conversations in the coldest environment possible. Organizers describe the gathering as an opportunity for in-depth discussions and collaboration among developers, mimicking the informal networking that often takes place in conference hallways.
During the journey, participants will have the chance to engage in talks, demos, and discussions proposed and run by attendees themselves in an unconference format, with access to Starlink connectivity and spaces for impromptu hackathons and working sessions.
Mini dictionary: Ushuaia is often referred to as the “End of the World” and is the capital of Tierra del Fuego province in Argentina. It serves as the main gateway for Antarctic expeditions due to its proximity to the southernmost continent.
Activities and format
According to organizers, activities during the trip may include kayaking, camping, hiking, and snowshoeing, as well as Zodiac boat excursions. The final itinerary will depend on environmental conditions and guidance from expedition leaders. The conference will adopt an open, attendee-driven schedule, encouraging spontaneous talks and peer-led learning sessions.
Throughout the voyage, participants will have access to high-speed internet via Starlink, ensuring connectivity despite the remote location. Dedicated spaces on the ship will allow for hackathons, workshops, and collaborative projects among attendees.
Background and event history
bitcoin++ started its conference series in Austin in 2022 and has since expanded to major cities including Berlin, Florianópolis, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Riga, Istanbul, Taipei, Las Vegas, Vienna, Nairobi, Toronto, and Seoul. Each edition features a specific theme, ranging from educational workshops to topics like the Lightning Network. The organization has held around 20 previous events and is preparing for its next conference in Seoul, scheduled for November 5 and 6, 2026.
While the upcoming Antarctica event will traverse several sites along the Antarctic Peninsula, the ship will not extend to the geographic South Pole. Organizers emphasize that the focus remains on networking, technical discussion, and hands-on learning in a remote environment.
Pricing and reservation details
Registration for the Antarctica: Cold Storage Edition is now open. Pricing varies according to cabin type: $14,900 per person for a four-berth cabin and $16,700 per person for a double cabin. Guests can pay in full or choose a five-installment plan. A 5% discount is available for those who pay the entire fare in bitcoin. The price includes a parka for each participant.
| Cabin Type | Price per person | Payment options | Bitcoin Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four-person cabin | $14,900 | Full or 5 installments | 5% off if paid in bitcoin |
| Two-person cabin | $16,700 | Full or 5 installments | 5% off if paid in bitcoin |
Participants must purchase separate medical, evacuation, and repatriation insurance. The deadline for the final payment is October 1, 2027. Sponsorship opportunities are available, allowing brands to be displayed on expedition parkas for fees ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Each sponsorship covers approximately 22 parkas.
Organizers have highlighted the program’s limited capacity, stating, “There are only 22 spots available for this Antarctic expedition, combining adventure with Bitcoin technical learning.”
