Blockchain Fundamentals for Developers

Note: You must register for this course on Luma. (No Need to register on Eventbrite.)

Curious about blockchain but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone.

​For many software developers and technologists, Web3 can feel overwhelming—too much information, unclear entry points, and a lot of hype. This two-part interactive series is designed to cut through the noise and provide a clear, structured introduction to blockchain development.

​This series is for developers and technologists in traditional (non-blockchain) tech who are curious about blockchain fundamentals and smart contract development.

​✅ No prior blockchain experience required
✅ No fluff—just practical, technical learning
✅ Learn from an expert who has taught thousands of developers

• ​We'll break down the technical foundations of blockchain—what it is, how it works, and why it matters. You'll leave with a conceptual understanding of blockchains as data structures, decentralized networks, and their implications for web app design.
• ​Learn how blockchain impacts software development and where it fits into modern tech stacks.
• ​Gain a conceptual foundation to start exploring Web3 development.
• ​📌 Who should attend? Software developers especially, but anyone interested in understanding blockchain at a technical level will benefit– including technical product managers, as well as technologists and engineers from all backgrounds and industries.

• ​📜 Get a step-by-step walkthrough of Solidity, the core programming language for smart contracts, and see how it’s used to build blockchain applications.
• ​🛠️ Understand key concepts like gas fees, contract execution, and deployment, so you can confidently start experimenting on your own.
• ​🚀 Learn best practices for blockchain development, including security considerations and real-world use cases.
• ​📌 Who should attend? The Instructional session will be tailored specifically for educating software developers wanting to learn about creating smart contracts. However anyone can observe and network as we will have a diverse group of tech savvy Web3 enthusiasts attending.
  📆 Please register separately for each part of the series ().

🛠️ Continue your learning and come hack with our blockchain developer community! Practice your new skills and learn from experienced developers in a casual, welcoming environment.

• ​Find a starting point in blockchain without feeling lost or overwhelmed.
• ​Meet experienced blockchain developers—we’ll have color-coded name tags so new learners can easily connect with mentors and experienced blockchain developers.
• ​Get resources & guides to continue your learning journey beyond the event.
• ​Join our follow-up Hack Nights to practice, collaborate, and get support.

​Josh Crites is a seasoned blockchain educator and developer advocate with seven years of experience helping developers master the technical foundations of blockchain and transition into Web3. As an Ethereum Educator at ConsenSys, he designed and scaled a blockchain developer curriculum that has equipped thousands of developers worldwide with the skills to build on Ethereum.

​His expertise spans hands-on education, technical writing, educational code development, and community-driven learning. As a dedicated community builder and educator, he organized Ethereum Hack Nights to foster local blockchain innovation. His career includes key roles at influential organizations such as ConsenSys and Celo, and he now advances blockchain privacy solutions at Aztec while continuing to mentor and support developers entering the space.

​This is a rare opportunity to learn blockchain fundamentals from an industry veteran who has both built in the space and taught thousands how to do the same.

​Event organizer Elizabeth Hansson is a community leader, blockchain advocate, and technology strategist dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation in the Web3 space. With a background in decentralized systems, software engineering, and technical management consulting, she has been leading teams of blockchain developers since 2017, bridging emerging technologies with real-world applications.

​As the Michigan Chapter President of Stand With Crypto, she works to educate and mobilize the tech community around blockchain policy and adoption. She is also the co-founder of the Detroit Blockchain Collective, a hub for developers, entrepreneurs, and technologists to connect, learn, and build in blockchain.

​Passionate about empowering developers and expanding blockchain education in under-resourced communities, Elizabeth actively creates high-value learning opportunities through community events, university student programs, and industry collaborations. She is committed to making blockchain accessible and actionable for technologists at all levels.

​Don't Miss This Opportunity

​🚀 Whether you’re blockchain-curious or ready to dive in, this series will give you the knowledge, hands-on experience, and community support to get started.

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Stand With Crypto empowers the blockchain community by advocating for clear policies, educating stakeholders, and mobilizing support to protect innovation in the crypto space. Thank you to SWC for supporting this event & our local blockchain community!

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​Aztec is a privacy-first Layer 2 on Ethereum. Leveraging zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), Aztec enables software developers to build apps for the blockchain-powered internet of the future, with your privacy as a priority

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​Detroit Ledger Technologies is a community-driven Blockchain company building Blockchain tools for financial inclusion and equitable innovation.

​📅 and take your first step into blockchain development!

Host or Publisher Michigan Ethereum