Unless you have been living in an igloo at the center of the Arctic without an Internet connection you have likely over the past 10 years heard of something called blockchain. You may not know what it is or how it works but you have certainly heard of it.

BLOCKCHAIN, BLOCKCHAIN, BLOCKCHAIN

These days it's impossible to avoid it. Open a magazine: BLOCKCHAIN! Visit a blog: BLOCKCHAIN. Turn on the news: BLOCKCHAIN. It's BLOCKCHAIN, BLOCKCHAIN, BLOCKCHAIN. The word is everywhere! Yet, despite its ubiquity, most of us don't know what it means!

This Introduction to Blockchain Bootcamp is just that - an introduction. During the day-long course you will gain an understanding of the blockchain. You will move past the hype and will be provided with a true understanding of the technology and its potential.

While blockchain is a technology that involves a lot of complexity such as cryptographic algorithms, the day-long course will stay above the weeds with an ocassional deep dive when necessary. The objective of this course is to give attendees a sound understanding of the technology but not necessarily turn everyone into a guru. That would take much more than one day!

BLOCKCHAIN IS NOT BITCOIN...BITCOIN IS BLOCKCHAIN

As of today the most well-known use of blockchain technology has been Bitcoin and other crypto currencies. But the cryptocurrency industry is only one application for blockchain. In fact, other industries are probably better suited to take advantage of blockchain over the long run.

These days nearly every industry is looking for ways to make use of the benefits that blockchain provides, including smart contracts, tracking and management of digital assets and supply chain management. A key question being asked by many - and likely you, after this course, is whether blockchain is truly a needed solution or just an answer in search of a question. The answer to that question will depend on where you stand.

This intensive day-long introductory course will provide you with the knowledge you need to navigate the world of blockchain. You don't need to be an engineer or computer nerd to sit through this course! It is aimed at anyone with an interest in understanding blockchain and the impact and opportunities associated with this burgeoning technology.

One thing to keep in mind. This course is not about Bitcoin or cryptocurrency. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies will be examined in-depth. However, the course is on blockchain and not necessarily how to invest and/or select cryptos.

TOPICS COVERED

Some of the topics that will be covered during this eight-hour introductory course, include:

• What is blockchain?
• How does blockchain work?
• How are industries looking to adopt blockchain?
• Why is blockchain useful?
• What are the risks associated with blockchain?
• What's a distributed ledger?
• How does blockchain encryption work?
• What is "mining" and how does it work?
• What is hashing?
• What is the difference between pseudonimity and anonymity?
• What is public key/private key encryption (symmetric vs asymmetric encryption)?
• What is a digital signature?
• What is consensus?
• What are smart contracts and distributed applications?
• What is tokenization?
• What is cryptocurrency?
• And more!

HOUSEKEEPING

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: The Introduction to Blockchain Bootcamp is taught by Jesse Torres, who was recently selected as one of the 50 most influential in fintech by Onalytica.

Jesse was named Businessperson of the Year by the United States House of Representatives (32nd Congressional District) and was a long-time co-host of CNBC radio's Two Men in Your Business. Jesse is also a contributor for Entrepreneur.com and has written several books and hundreds of small business-related articles.

Jesse is a graduate of UCLA and is a Southern California native. He has been married for over 20 years and is the father of two amazing daughters.

FAQs

The bootcamp sold out before I was able to register. How can I register for the waitlist or the next bootcamp?

Attendance to this bootcamp is limited. If the course is sold out send an email to the presenter at Jesse.Torres.2009@Anderson.UCLA.edu and request to be added to the waitlist. If space does not open you will receive a notice for the following bootcamp. Attendance is kept small to encourage discussion and maximize value to attendees.

---

Where do I park?

Plenty of free parking is available on 190th Street. Building parking is very limited and fills quickly.

---

What can I bring into the event?

Bring a notepad and plenty of questions. While there will be structure to the course there will also be the opportunity to go "off script" to address specific questions and challenges. Although a day-long seminar may sound like a long time you will find yourself wondering where the time went. So be prepared with specific questions you may have to make sure you get the most from the day-long boot camp!

---

Can I bring a laptop and will there be wifi?

You may bring a laptop. The facility will have wifi available.

---

Will food be provided?

Coffee, juice and bagels will be provided in the morning. Sandwiches and soft drinks will be provided during a "working lunch." Cookies and soft drinks will be provided in the afternoon.

---

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

The best person to contact will be the presenter. You can contact Jesse Torres by email at Jesse.Torres.2009@Anderson.UCLA.edu. Allow him 24 hours to respond as he receives many emails.

---

Can this program be provided to my chamber of commerce or other organization?

Jesse Torres makes himself available to organizations. Contact him directly at Jesse.Torres.2009@Anderson.UCLA.edu to obtain his speaker rate and other information.