We are set once again to plan another ONsite!
As a fully decentralized DAO with globally distributed teams, Balancer recognizes the unique challenges (and opportunities) this presents. The ecosystem ONsites aim to address these by fostering genuine connections, enhancing collaboration, and reinforcing our web3 culture.
TLDR:
- Balancer OpCo Limited will take 14 contributors from the Balancer ecosystem to DevCon 7, in Bangkok, from 12-15 Nov, 2024.
- Proposal includes two extra days for delagging, side events and coworking.
- Request is capped at $45,762.
Summary
Balancer is a big think-tank! Twice a year, the Balancer ecosystem hosts a meet-up for DAO contributors and Balancer Labs employees to get together. This is where ideas flourish, bonds become unbreakable and real facetime creates experiences that can last a lifetime.
For reference, see the last three previous editions here: Lisbon, Milan, Barcelona (also Bogota and Denver).
After the last edition in Lisbon, we collected some valuable feedback. One key takeaway was that 80% of the contributors “would go anywhere”, and 35% “rather have these events when there’s a crypto event next to it”. In addition, 55% suggested Asia as the next destination.
We decided to cater to that opportunity! 
DevCon 7 is taking place in Southeast Asia, from Nov 12-15, and it is undeniably a top tier irl event for the DeFi and Ethereum communities. This proposal seeks to allocate resources to send 14 contributors to Bangkok, Thailand, fostering collaboration and strengthening the Balancer ecosystem, while connecting with the broader Ethereum ecosystem.
Unlike previous editions, this one will be focused solely on the attendance to Devcon as the main event, so we would like to secure tickets (and builders discounts) as fast as possible. While we will have some extra expenses (tickets and flights at a higher cost) we expect to make savings with less group activities and meeting rooms, also dropping the travel agent so we can book our own plans and move faster.
Objectives
1. Strengthen Team Bonds: Create opportunities for employees to connect on a personal level, building trust and camaraderie.
2. Enhance Collaboration: Facilitate cross-functional interaction and knowledge sharing to spark innovation and drive productivity.
3. Reinforce Web3 Culture: Deepen understanding and alignment with our core values, fostering a sense of belonging to the broader Ethereum ecosystem.
4. Celebrate Success & Motivate: Recognize achievements and inspire continued commitment to our shared goals, specially with the launch of v3 and other produt releases like CowAMM and zenUI.
Pre & Post-Retreat Engagement
- Pre-Retreat Virtual Events and Groupchats: Virtual icebreakers and team-building activities to build excitement and connections.
- Post-Retreat Follow-Up: Feedback form to learn what we did right, and where we can improve to maintain momentum and connection.
Expected Outcomes
- Improved Team Cohesion & Morale: Stronger relationships and a greater sense of belonging.
- Enhanced Collaboration & Productivity: Increased cross-functional communication and knowledge sharing, leading to innovative solutions and improved workflows.
- Reinforced Web3 Culture: Deeper understanding of Ethereum ecosystem and alignment with our values, fostering a positive and engaged workforce.
- Increased Motivation & Retention: A sense of appreciation and investment in contributor growth, leading to higher motivation and loyalty.
Budget
We acknowledge the current market conditions and budgetary constraints. The proposed budget is intentionally conservative and may not fully cover all attendee travel expenses. Balancer OpCo will prioritize cost-effectiveness while mindful to ensure a positive experience for contributors traveling a significant distance.
This proposal seeks to allocate resources to take 14 contributors to Bangkok.
Balancer Labs: 4 - tech and scc advisory
Maxis: 4 - bizdev, devrel and protocol operation
Balancer OpCo: 3 - product, UI/UX, admin and compliance
Beethoven: 2 - marketing
Grants: 1 - devrel, hooks
Breakdown
$17,800 Flights
$14,400 Accommodations
$5,962 Tickets
$4,800 Meals and per diems
$2,800 Team activities
Total request for Devcon 7 allocation: $45,762
Note: These are initial estimates. We’ll continue to seek cost savings while ensuring a valuable and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Conclusion
The ecosystem ONsites are investments in our most valuable asset: our community. By fostering connections, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose, we can strengthen our DAO culture, drive innovation, and achieve greater success together.
We are confident that this Bangkok edition will be a transformative experience for our team, strengthening our bond and propelling us at Devcon 7 towards greater achievements.
Specification
If approved, this proposal authorizes OpCo to plan the event attendance within the specified budget. No token transferred are required at this time, as funds are already unallocated on OpCo’s wallet.
Q2/2025), taking advantage of the favorable exchange rate. Again, planning ahead (and early) will be the key, so we should also present that proposal to governance fairly soon.