It is hard to analyze and predict what is going to happen as the tech itself is quite new and constantly evolving. Hivefest is a great event, but should be organized having users in mind as making it easy for ppl to attend should be one of the priorities IMO.
I believe a key value will be to have the smart-contract capabilities set up, it will bring a whole new wave of possibilities to create new apps and business models just as Ethereum and other EVM chains have done.
We have a clear edge as this blockchain has the social component in layer zero and this puts the conditions to give any valuable new App a lower adoption barrier to grow and scale. I can't wait to see how the VSC project evolves and how fast it can implement this technology into Hive.
It is a hard thing to do, especially in a bear market. The cost for me to get to Mexico was far too high, plus the time off work etc. But, it is the same for when the Americas come to Europe.
The tech is a difficult one. I still think that a lot of people believe it is going to have one form, like an internet protocol, but I see a lot of cross-chain interoperability and that will happen through those Smart contracts.