Building the Internet’s Next Chapter: Reflections from ICANN84 and NamesCon

October was a whirlwind for .locker: two back-to-back events, two continents, and countless meaningful conversations that will shape the future of digital identity and the domain name industry. From Dublin, Ireland for ICANN84, to the sunny shores of Miami, Florida for NamesCon, these gatherings are where policy is shaped, partnerships are strengthened, and collaboration happens.

As we look ahead to the next round of gTLD applications in 2026 and the rise of Web3 as the next frontier, these moments matter more than ever. Here are our top takeaways from an exciting few weeks on the road.

Web3 isn’t the future- it’s here.

At both ICANN84 and NamesCon, it was clear that Web3 has moved from concept to reality. Partners, registrars, and industry leaders weren’t just curious; they were eager to understand how to participate. Many looked to .locker and the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) as examples of responsible, forward-thinking innovation in this space.

Because .locker is integrated with the ENS resolver, it bridges the gap between Web2 and Web3, allowing users to claim a truly interoperable digital identity. Seeing ENS and Web3 topics featured on panel discussions at both events shows just how ready the traditional domain industry is to embrace the next era.

The industry is paying attention and .locker is setting the standard

One thing stood out in every conversation: .locker is live, while others are still figuring it out. As many companies work toward defining their Web3 strategies, .locker is already demonstrating what’s possible.

During NamesCon, Shane Layman of MarkMonitor called out .locker as the model for interoperable domain extensions, a public endorsement that underscores how our solution is setting the standard for innovation and practicality.  .locker is one of the few TLDs paving the way with a tangible, respobsible solution.

AI and Web3 are converging and it’s a game changer

AI may be dominating headlines, but at NamesCon, we saw firsthand how it’s poised to reshape the domain name industry. From AI-powered website builders to AI-enhanced domain search that intelligently matches users with ideal names, the applications are vast. Brands have been rolling out AI-enabled products and services over the past years, and now it’s time to take AI to the next level.

At .locker, we’re particularly focused on how AI and Web3 intersect. We’re envisioning a future where AI agents act as trusted digital assistants that manage our digital identities, assets, and daily interactions. The potential for smarter, more secure, and more personalized user experiences is immense.

2026 industry trends are clear, and the industry is ready to take them on

Looking ahead, three forces will define the domain industry in 2026:

• Web3 integration
• The next round of gTLD applications
• African internet development

Web3 integration and the next round of gTLD applications go hand-in-hand. Applicants are searching for unique extensions that offer real utility, and Web3 is the answer. With applications due very soon, we are now in the crunch time to finalize details.

Africa represents the next major growth frontier for Web2 and Web3 alike. Leaders across the continent are actively collaborating to build an equitable, connected digital future, ensuring access and opportunity for all. This trend was particularly visible at ICANN84 with policy sessions, but if you looked closely at NamesCon, you’d find African domainers brokering deals and identifying premium names for their clients.

Wrapping Up Two Defining Weeks

From Dublin to Miami, .locker’s journey reaffirmed one thing: the future of the internet is shifting to be interoperable, decentralized, and identity-driven. The conversations we had with partners, policymakers, and innovators reinforced the importance of building bridges between Web2 and Web3, not silos.

We’re excited to keep leading that conversation and to continue defining what digital identity means in the new internet era.