#HCPP18 - Interview with Max Keidun, CEO - HodlHodl, Organizer - Baltic Honeybadger #LIVE

## Podcast Episode Summary: Interview with Max Keidun (HodlHodl & Baltic Honeybadger)

1. Narrative Summary:

This episode features an interview with Max Keidun, CEO of HodlHodl and organizer of the Baltic Honeybadger Bitcoin conference. The conversation explores the current landscape of Bitcoin conferences in Europe, highlighting the successes and challenges of the Baltic Honeybadger event and acknowledging the growing popularity of similar gatherings. Max discusses the importance of quality, respectful communication, and coordination among organizers to cater to the increasingly international attendee base. Beyond the conference scene, the interview delves into HodlHodl’s non-custodial exchange, Hoddle-Hoddle, which aims to bridge the gap between user-friendly platforms like LocalBitcoins and the enhanced security of Bisq. Finally, the discussion touches on the ongoing debate between centralized and decentralized exchanges, acknowledging the convenience of centralized options while highlighting the risks associated with hacks and the potential of peer-to-peer alternatives.

2. Main Topics Discussed:

• Bitcoin Conference Landscape: Overview of Baltic Honeybadger and other European Bitcoin conferences (Parallel/Parker's Congress, Volta, HoshuCon).
• Conference Organization: Challenges of ticket sales (demand exceeding capacity), speaker selection, event format (single-track, unconferences), and coordinating schedules for international attendees.
• Baltic Honey Badger Conference Plans: Future speaker lineups, quality improvements, early arrival activities (workshops, Friday events).
• Hoddle-Hoddle Exchange: Description, security features (multisig escrow), user base (hodlers, privacy-focused users), and its position within the cryptocurrency exchange ecosystem.
• Centralized vs. Decentralized Exchanges: Discussion of hacks targeting centralized exchanges, ease of use vs. security, and the future of P2P exchanges.
• Attendee Demographics: International audience (96-97% from abroad).

3. Key Quotes:

• "I wanted to just praise guys from Parallel and Impolis, about Parker's Congress. Really impressive conference." (Acknowledging the quality of a competitor conference)
• "It’s not ethical to point on differences [between conferences]." (Emphasizing respectful communication among organizers)
• "People are willing to travel. People are not willing to fly for Australia to see a guy who is, even if he is smart and he is skilled, but nobody knows him." (Highlighting the importance of recognizable speakers for attracting international attendees)
• "I personally absolutely love the concept of decentralized and peer-to-peer exchanges." (Expressing enthusiasm for decentralized exchange technology)

4. People Mentioned:

• Max Keidun: CEO of HodlHodl, Organizer of Baltic Honeybadger (interviewee)
• Parker: Organizer of Parallel and Impolis/Parker's Congress
• Premiller: Future speaker at Baltic Honeybadger Conference
• Jeff: Co-organizer of Lightning Hector
• Smuzor: Speaker with issues
• Max Kaiser: Mentioned in relation to HoshuCon

5. Bitcoin Prices:

No specific Bitcoin prices were mentioned during the podcast.