Michael Terpin, Karla Ballard, Lou Kerner Join Speaker Roster for UN Blockchain Week During UNGA 81

NEW YORK - Aug. 6, 2026 - PRLog -- UN Blockchain Week is proud to announce the addition of three influential leaders — Michael Terpin, Karla Ballard, and Lou Kerner — as speakers for its landmark 2026 edition. Taking place September 10–19 in Times Square, New York City, the event coincides with the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) and New York Fashion Week, bringing together global policymakers, innovators, investors, and visionaries at the intersection of blockchain, Bitcoin, AI, energy, space, and real-world impact.

This historic gathering positions blockchain technology at the center of conversations shaping global governance, sustainable development, and technological progress while world leaders from 193 countries convene in New York. The addition of these speakers elevates the program's depth and reinforces UN Blockchain Week as the premier platform where industry pioneers engage directly with diplomats, institutional decision-makers, and builders.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Michael Terpin – Dubbed the "Godfather of Crypto" by CNBC, Terpin is founder and CEO of Transform Ventures and co-founder of BitAngels, the first multi-city crypto angel network. His Transform Group provided early marketing and advisory for Ethereum, Tether, and other major projects. An early Bitcoin investor and author of Bitcoin Supercycle, he created the "Four Seasons of Bitcoin" framework and helped establish Puerto Rico as a blockchain hub with the sector's first Act 22 tax decree. His background bridging traditional media (founding Market Wire) and digital assets continues to inform institutional adoption and market cycles.

Karla Ballard – A cultural architect and human-centered blockchain advocate, Ballard is Founder and CEO of HUMN, which builds blockchain infrastructure for communities, skill verification, and the future of work. She uses distributed ledger technology to record economic contributions and enable inclusive peer-to-peer economies beyond speculation. A former Independent vice-presidential candidate (2020) with FCC advisory and enterprise partnership experience, she champions blockchain's role in transparency, trust, and empowering underserved communities.

Lou Kerner – Founder of DAIAA and CryptoMondays, the world's largest crypto Meetup network spanning dozens of cities, Kerner has been a full-time crypto community builder since 2017. Dubbed "Wall Street's Bitcoin Expert" by The Wall Street Journal, he brings experience as a Goldman Sachs equity analyst, early social media executive, and Partner at Blockchain Coinvestors. A frequent keynote speaker and advocate for real-world adoption, he also co-hosts elements of UN Blockchain Week, connecting builders, investors, and policymakers globally.

For tickets, speaker updates, and the full program, visit: UNBlockchainWeek.com