Tech conferences worldwide are often celebrated as hubs of innovation, collaboration, and networking. These events provide a space for industry leaders, startups, developers, and enthusiasts to gather, exchange ideas, and build relationships that shape the future of technology. However, lurking in the midst of such vibrant gatherings, a persistent and unsettling issue has plagued attendees—theft.
As technologies continue to advance, so also have the methods and opportunities for opportunistic criminals who see these gatherings as a chance to steal expensive gadgets like mobile phones, laptops, and other valuable devices. It has become a growing concern for many event organizers and attendees alike, including myself, as a recent victim of such an unfortunate event at the Decentralized Intelligence Conference 2024 in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Case of the Stolen iPhone at #DISummit2024
During the recently concluded Decentralized Intelligence Conference 2024, I became the latest victim of theft. My iPhone XS Max, a vital tool for my personal and professional activities, was stolen right from the venue, in fact, right on the stage podium itself!
What makes this case particularly frustrating is that the CCTV cameras at the venue (The Civic Center, VI Lagos) captured the culprit—a supposed “attendee” who shamelessly pocketed the phone and left. Several other media footages also captured him lurking around the venue, disinterested in the conference activities but seeking opportunities to take what did not belong to him.
The video footage, coupled with photographs from the event, clearly shows the face of the individual. While we’ve identified his image, our efforts to match his face with a name or contact details have so far been unsuccessful. Unfortunately, this is not the first time such an incident has occurred at one of our events.
A Growing Problem in the Tech Event Space
Theft at tech conferences is sadly becoming all too common. In 2022, one of our attendees, Emeka Nwabishp, CEO of CryptoPlusTV, had his Samsung mobile phone stolen. In 2023, two attendees, Eze Dominion Ndubisi, CEO of DAST Technology Limited, and his co-founder of blessed Memory lost their laptops during the Nodo Founders Meetup all the same venue in Lagos. These are not isolated incidents. Numerous other participants at various tech events across Nigeria have reported similar experiences.
For some criminals, tech conferences have become hunting grounds where expensive gadgets are often left unguarded by their owners — owners who are understandably focused on the sessions, networking, and presentations rather than the safety of their devices.
This ongoing problem is unacceptable. It’s high time we, as a community of tech enthusiasts, conference organizers, and venue managers, take a stand against these criminals who tarnish the spirit of these events. The theft at the Decentralized Intelligence Conference 2024 should serve as a turning point.
Why We Must Make an Example of This Culprit
It is crucial that we make an example of the individual who stole my iPhone at this year’s conference. In an effort to deter future criminals, we’re releasing CCTV footage and photographs of the thief across all media channels, including social media. By making his face known, we hope that those who recognize him will come forward and persuade him to return the stolen item. If not, this individual should know that his thoughtless action will follow him.
Beyond retrieving my personal property, this effort sends a powerful message to potential thieves: tech events are not their playground.
The goal is to create a ripple effect, demonstrating that such actions will not go unnoticed or unpunished. If people can no longer attend a conference without fear of having their belongings stolen, it damages the very fabric of what these events aim to achieve — trust, innovation, and progress.
Creating a Safer Space for All
While it’s important to bring this particular culprit to justice, it’s equally vital that we address the broader issue of safety at tech events. Organizers, attendees, and venue facility managers all have a role to play in curbing theft and fostering a safer, more secure environment. Here are a few key steps we must take moving forward:
- Enhanced Security Measures: CCTV footage should be regularly monitored throughout the event, not just reviewed after incidents occur. Security personnel should be briefed to be vigilant and attentive to suspicious behavior.
- Bag and Gadget Check-in: Implementing a secure gadget check-in or lockers where participants can safely store their devices can greatly reduce the chances of theft.
- Clear Warnings and Alerts: Event organizers should warn participants at the start of the conference and throughout the event to stay vigilant, encouraging them to keep personal belongings close at all times.
- Tracking Devices and Apps: Encourage the use of tracking devices (e.g., Apple AirTags) or software on gadgets that can help locate stolen items in real-time. Thankfully I was able to track my stolen iPhone but without an ID to tie the face, it remains unsolved.
- Clear Policy on Theft: Establishing and communicating a zero-tolerance policy on theft at tech events, with clear legal consequences for those caught.
By implementing these steps, we can deter criminals and ensure that our future events are safe spaces for learning and innovation. Moreover, we must work together as a community to protect the integrity of these gatherings.
A Call to Action
I encourage everyone who attended the Decentralized Intelligence Conference 2024, as well as those across the broader tech community, to help identify the culprit by sharing the footage and photographs that we will be releasing. Let’s work together to show that this type of behavior has no place in our community.
Additionally, we urge all future attendees to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to conference organizers immediately. We are committed to improving our events and ensuring that no one else becomes a victim of theft at any of our future gatherings.
Let this be a wake-up call — an unfortunate reminder that even in the most forward-thinking and progressive settings, we must still protect ourselves and hold wrongdoers accountable.
Final Thoughts
Theft has no place in the tech industry or at its events. By making an example of this individual and putting preventative measures in place, we can discourage future incidents and create a safer, more secure environment for everyone. The Decentralized Intelligence Conference 2024 was about driving innovation, and this incident, although regrettable, will help us make our future events even better.
Let’s come together to solve this issue and ensure that all tech events remain spaces where ideas are exchanged freely, without fear.
Stay vigilant, stay proactive, and help us make a difference.
As this article makes the rounds and the footage goes live, we hope that this thief will be identified. More importantly, let’s work together to keep our tech community safe and secure for future innovations.
Chimezie Chuta: Tech innovation professional, Drupal Developer, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Educator, Community organizer, and friend of disruptive ideas! Kinesis.Money Advisory Board leads West Africa; founder Blockchain Nigeria User Group; Chairman, National Blockchain Policy Steering Committee (NBPSC). This article was first published on his Medium page.
