Naver Unveils NFT Tickets for ‘DAN 25’ Annual Tech Conference

Naver is revolutionizing event experiences by introducing non-fungible token (NFT)-based tickets for its annual Team Naver conference, ‘DAN 25.’ This innovative move underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to integrating blockchain technology into large-scale events, further bridging the gap between Web3 and mainstream applications.

Cutting-Edge Ticketing: Powered by Chiliz Blockchain

On November 6–7, Naver will host its flagship tech and strategy conference, ‘DAN 25,’ issuing NFT tickets built on the Chiliz blockchain—a Layer 1 network designed to support fan token activities and blockchain-based innovations. This marks an essential step in blending blockchain with large-scale event management, enhancing efficiency, security, and accessibility.

Event attendees can seamlessly store their NFT tickets within the existing Naver Pay Wallet infrastructure, eliminating the need for third-party Web3 wallets like MetaMask or Phantom. By doing so, Naver simplifies blockchain adoption, fostering a user-friendly transition toward Web3 technologies.

DAN 25 Highlights: AI Strategy and Ecosystem Evolution

DAN 25 serves as a pivotal platform for unveiling Naver’s upcoming strategic initiatives, particularly within artificial intelligence (AI) and the platform ecosystem. This year’s agenda promises significant announcements, including Naver’s AI roadmap and its vision for future advancements within its ecosystem.

Speculation abounds that Naver may showcase a groundbreaking humanoid robot during the event, created in partnership with top-tier academic research institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). Such developments could reinforce Naver’s position as a leader in AI and robotics innovation.

The Continued Evolution of NFT Ticketing: A Strategic Partnership

This year’s use of Chiliz blockchain for NFT ticket distribution marks Naver’s second consecutive venture into blockchain-based event ticketing for its ‘DAN’ conference. Unlike last year, when tickets were issued via collaborations with Hashed and Shard Labs, the pivot to Chiliz technology follows a strategic partnership forged between Naver Pay and Chiliz in May.

Chiliz has established itself as a prominent blockchain designed for sports and entertainment, collaborating with over 80 sports organizations across 70 nations. In South Korea, Chiliz works with the K-League, a prominent soccer league, which acts as a validator on the Chiliz chain and enables local fans to stake their tokens to earn rewards through the league’s validator team. By aligning with such a globally recognized blockchain, Naver is leveraging proven infrastructures while enhancing its technological footprint.

NFTs in Event Management: Rapid Adoption Despite Market Slowdown

Though NFTs gained meteoric popularity in 2021, their market has since cooled. However, companies like Naver continue to explore their utility beyond digital art and speculative assets, tapping into practical areas like event ticketing and customer experiences. Notably, Naver isn’t alone in this pursuit.

For instance, Wemade, another major Korean blockchain player, has been issuing NFT tickets for its ‘Wemix Championship’—a prestigious women’s golf competition on the Korean LPGA (KLPGA) tour—since early 2023. Chiliz successfully introduced NFT ticketing in South Korea for the first time, during the ‘2025 NH Investment & Securities Ladies Championship’ in May. These developments underscore the growing recognition of NFTs as scalable solutions for event organization and fan engagement.

NFTs beyond Collectibles: Naver's Strategic Vision

Naver’s initiative to integrate blockchain technology into its operations demonstrates the versatile potential of NFTs. No longer confined to niche marketplaces, NFTs are increasingly being recognized as robust tools for practical applications, from streamlining event logistics to securing ticket authenticity.

This strategic use of blockchain highlights Naver’s foresight in adapting to a global shift toward decentralized technologies. By embracing NFTs and forming partnerships with industry innovators like Chiliz, Naver is positioning itself as a pioneer in harnessing emerging technologies to redefine the user experience—staying ahead in an evolving digital landscape.

As the tech giant unveils its AI objectives and ambitious futuristic projects at DAN 25, its seamless incorporation of NFT ticketing reiterates its commitment to innovation, accessibility, and leadership within the blockchain and broader technology sectors.