In just 18 days, the next grand Hivefest will take place, and I couldn't be more excited! This year, in 2024, the event is set in the beautiful city of Split, Croatia, and I'm thrilled to be attending once again. After missing out on the Hivefest in Mexico, my anticipation for this year's event has been building up, and I'm eagerly counting down the days until I embark on this September journey to reconnect with the incredible Hive community.

Everything is already set and ready to go. I was lucky enough to win a HiveFest ticket from Splinterlands in a giveaway on Twitter/X, which was a fantastic surprise. With that secured, I made sure to handle all the other necessary arrangements well in advance. My flight is booked—I’ll be departing from Frankfurt on the Sunday before the event, heading straight to Croatia. I've also booked a cozy apartment for two via Booking.com because, once again, my brother @rivalzzz will be joining me—or perhaps I'm joining him? Either way, flights, accommodation, and tickets are all sorted, so now it’s just a matter of waiting.

The event's program in the historic city of Split sounds incredibly enticing, and I’m already looking forward to it! Many friends I’ve met over the years at previous Hivefests in Krakow, Bangkok, and Amsterdam will be there, and I can't wait to catch up with them. These gatherings are more than just events; they’re opportunities to strengthen existing friendships, forge new connections, and share some truly memorable days together.

If anyone already knows they’ll be in Split on Sunday evening, September 8th, feel free to drop a comment. It would be great to organize a little get-together that evening and find a nice place to have dinner together.

Of course, I’ll be bringing along my camera equipment. I’m planning to capture as much of the event as possible—snapping shots of each speaker, documenting the atmosphere, and preserving the essence of Hivefest to share afterward. I’m not sure if there will be a live stream available, but I’ll do my best to make sure the experience is well-documented.

As I prepare for this upcoming adventure, I can’t help but reminisce about past events I’ve attended within the Hive community—whether it was Hive or even back in the Steem days. Those memories still bring a smile to my face, and I’m excited to create new ones in Split this year. If you’ve been to any of these events, maybe you remember some of these moments too. Here’s to another unforgettable Hivefest!

2018 - Krakow, Poland

Krakow in 2018 was where it all began for me—the very first HiveFest, or rather SteemFest, that I attended. Coming from Germany, it was practically just a hop, skip, and jump away. I flew out from Dortmund and stayed in a stylish design hotel, which set the tone for an incredible experience. Of course, my brother was by my side, as he has been at many of these events.

This event was also where I had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful @detlev for the first time, along with so many other amazing German-speaking Hive users. It was a fantastic opportunity to put faces to the names I’d been interacting with online. One of the most memorable aspects of the event was when Team Germany clinched the bowling title—our first victory! It was a thrilling moment that I still look back on with pride. A big shoutout to @roelandp for the outstanding organization that made it all possible.

The absolute highlight of the event, though, was the dinner in the Wieliczka Salt Mine, nearly 300 meters underground. Dining in such a unique and historic setting was an experience like no other. If I remember correctly, @gtg / @gandalf recently visited the mine again, and I can't help but reminisce about that incredible evening. It was an event full of firsts and unforgettable moments that I’ll always treasure.

2019 - Bangkok, Thailand

What can I say? After gaining so much experience in Krakow, the trip to Bangkok in 2019 was the year that truly shaped me and completely transformed my lifestyle. It was my first time traveling to Southeast Asia, and though my brother couldn’t join me this time, the experience was nothing short of life-changing. Experiencing a completely new culture for the first time opened my eyes to the richness and diversity of the world. Since that trip, Thailand has captivated me, and I’ve found myself returning there many times—especially during the winter months. There’s something about the Thai way of life that continues to inspire me, offering a perfect balance of relaxation and work that nourishes both my soul and my creativity.

When @roelandp announced that HiveFest would be held in Asia, I knew immediately that I had to be there. The events in Bangkok were exceptional, filled with vibrant energy and fascinating discussions. And once again, our German bowling team proudly brought home the title—another victory to add to our growing list of achievements.

One of the most significant outcomes of this HiveFest was the deepened friendships I formed. I became much closer with @arcange, a friendship that has only grown stronger over the years. I also connected more deeply with @lizanomadsoul, and together with @detlev and other fantastic people, we’ve become a solid team under the @worldmappin project. These connections, formed in the heat and excitement of Bangkok, have continued to flourish, becoming an integral part of my life and my work within the Hive community.

Looking back, the decision to attend HiveFest in Bangkok was one of the best I’ve made. It wasn’t just a trip; it was the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one filled with exploration, inspiration, and enduring friendships.

2019 - Bangkok, Thailand -> Extended to Ko Chang Island

Since many of us had never been to Asia before, we decided to extend the event by just over a week, turning it into an even more unforgettable experience. A large part of the community traveled together to the southern island of Ko Chang to wind down and enjoy the beauty of Thailand beyond the HiveFest itself. This extension of the event was filled with adventures and camaraderie that solidified my love for Thailand and became one of the main reasons I keep returning.

We had an absolute blast on Ko Chang. Days were spent exploring the island on scooters, taking boat trips, and fishing, while nights were filled with disco, parties, and endless laughter. The relaxed atmosphere and the shared joy of discovering new experiences with fellow Hive members made this part of the trip incredibly special.

One of the standout moments was the fishing event, sponsored by @theycallmedan, @starkerz, and @threespeak. It wasn’t just about catching fish; it was about bonding with the community in a setting that felt like paradise. The thrill of being out on the water, coupled with the friendly competition and the sheer fun of it all, made it one of the biggest highlights of the extended community event in 2019.

That week on Ko Chang wasn’t just an extension of HiveFest; it was an extension of the friendships and connections we had built, set against the stunning backdrop of Thailand’s natural beauty. The joy and excitement we shared there played a huge role in my decision to return to Thailand again and again, finding inspiration and peace in the land that had given me so much.

A huge shoutout to: @jeffjagoe @lizanomadsoul @anomadsoul @mynewlife @theycallmedan @starkerz @misslasvegas (and kids) @rmach @dylanhobalart @celestal

You can also checkout my 15 Parts Travel Photo Diary of Thailand here:

https://peakd.com/hive-121566/@louis88/de-en-meine-reise-nach-asien-fototagebuch-teil-15-my-journey-to-asia-photo-diary-part-15

2020 + 2021 - Altspace VR

Well, 2020 and 2021 were different years for all of us. Due to the global lockdowns, HiveFest had to adapt, and so, it was held digitally on AltspaceVR. While it wasn’t the same as meeting in person, the virtual HiveFest was a testament to the resilience and creativity of our community. Despite the distance and the challenges, we found a way to stay connected and keep the spirit of HiveFest alive, even if it was through digital avatars instead of face-to-face interactions.

These virtual gatherings offered a unique experience in their own right. We could explore virtual spaces, attend talks, and interact with others from around the world, all within the confines of our homes. It was fascinating to see how technology could bridge the gap and create a sense of togetherness, even when physical meetings were impossible. Although I missed the energy and excitement of in-person events, these virtual HiveFests were a reminder of the strength and adaptability of our community during tough times.

Looking back, those years were challenging, but they also highlighted how deeply connected we are as a community, no matter the circumstances. And now, with the world opening up again, it makes the prospect of future HiveFests, like the one in Split, all the more exciting and meaningful.

2022 - Amsterdam, Netherlands

After two long years, it was finally time to come together again. In the homeland of the organizer, @roelandp, the Netherlands, we were back to physical events, kicking things off in Amsterdam. Although there was still a need for some caution, the joy of being able to gather in person again was palpable. Of course, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to attend this event!

The event was brilliantly organized and brought together so many wonderful people. The first day was especially memorable as we gathered in an actual cinema, which added a unique flair to the presentations. The second day’s venue—a church—offered a contrasting yet equally inspiring setting. The combination of these two distinct locations made the event feel even more special.

One of the highlights for me was reuniting with @jarvie, whom I hadn't seen since the event in Bangkok. It was a joy to catch up and reminisce about our previous adventures. But what really made my day was seeing @asgarth again—the brilliant developer behind @peakd, our best frontend for the Hive blockchain. His contributions to the community are invaluable, and it was great to discuss all the latest developments with him.

The excitement of HiveFest wouldn’t be complete without the presence of @crimsonclad. Her energy and enthusiasm always turn any event into something extraordinary, and having her there added an extra layer of fun and excitement. With her around, you can always expect something memorable.

It was also heartwarming to reconnect with @starkerz and @rmach. These reunions, after years of virtual interactions, reminded me of the strength and warmth of the Hive community. The Amsterdam HiveFest was not just about the event itself, but about the people, the connections, and the shared experiences that make these gatherings so meaningful. Now, with Split on the horizon, I’m more excited than ever to continue this journey and create even more unforgettable memories.

2023 - Mexico

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend the HiveFest in Mexico, but I still found a way to be part of it, in spirit at least! I sent a little something special with the wonderful @detlev—a bottle of Samsong from Thailand—as a gift for the equally wonderful @arcange. Even though I couldn’t be there in person, I wanted to share a taste of my travels and let them know I was thinking of them. It’s moments like these that remind me how connected we all are, no matter where in the world we might be.

2024 - Split, Croatia !!1!!!!!!11!!!!!!!!!!!1!!!!!

Hell yea... In less than 20 days, the journey continues! My epic adventure of attending HiveFests around the globe is about to add another chapter! Croatia, a country I’ve never been to before, is calling, and just reading the event program has me buzzing with excitement—how am I going to handle all of this awesomeness?

I’m beyond thrilled to see so many incredible speakers like @yabapmatt from Splinterlands, @khaleelkaazi from @leofinance/Inleo.io, @grampo, @howo, @arcange, @blocktrades (!!!!!), @theycallmedan & @starkerz from 3Speak.TV, @vaultec, @techcoderx, my beloved friend since Krakow @stoodkev (an amazing dev), @liotes, my buddy @mynewlife, and my longtime friend and partner @detlev. I can’t wait to catch up with them and hear their talks.

So, if you’re still on the fence about attending HiveFest—give yourself a push and go for it! Look at everything I’ve experienced so far. For me, the talks are great, but it’s really the camaraderie with amazing people that makes these events so special. It’s about forming lifelong friendships and making unforgettable memories. Check out the site at https://hivefe.st/ to see if you’d like to join in on the fun.

See you in Split, you awesome people! Let’s make this another epic chapter!