Solid points @liberosist.
What I got from the recent conversations about the concept of @steemfest is that it's primarily meant to be a closed event for the already existing Steem community which is also why it's not called a conference but a fest.
Maybe the concept can be modified / worked up in the future the way that those influencers you mention would have a reason to join us. That would require a different concept and schedule with a different focus and structure, positioning Steem within the whole crypto market, opening panels for a more general discussion on crypto e.g.
Personally I think that this could be a great opportunity for Steem.
Tagging @roelandp if he wants to take part in the convo and add his point of view..:-)
I understand that SteemFest is an event primary for the users of Steem. That's why I only suggested having a "tech day" to go alongside, for the simple reason that many prominent users of Steem will be around. Of course, the ideal scenario would be a dedicated conference for investors and influencers, but I doubt that's feasible at this time. So, while everyone's already there, this seems like a low hanging fruit to me. I understand it's too late for this year, but at least, invite members of the press / influencers to attend as well. Anyone who sees the Steem community in action with their own eyes will finally see the value in the platform, and write / speak about it to their audience.
PS: As an addendum to the original comment, I don't see anyone taking credit for Steem Blast Day being responsible for the dump of -10% today. Just like yesterday was a regular day in the crypto world, so is today, and the event has had no significant impact in terms of the market.
I absolutely agree on the low hanging fruit as well as on the fact that the spirit one may perceive at Steemfest could be absolutely mind-blowing compared to what one is able to derive from plane numbers.
Maybe it's not an entire day scheduled but at least a panel or two where we invite others to get involved with Steem and its vision. Not sure if it's too late to consider something like that for 2018. With SMTs coming in Q1/2019 there'd be enough stories to talk about.