On July 11, 2024, Rocket Pool released version 1.13.7 of the Smart Node. This recommended update includes client updates, bug fixes, and changes such as updating the Nethermind auto pruning threshold to 350 GB, fixing oDAO balances/prices submissions, deprecating node voting commands, and improving delegate and signaling-address wording. Node operators that updated quickly received a POAP.

The Rocket Pool Houston release delivered Protocol DAO on-chain voting. Shortly, the Protocol DAO will be able to vote on Snapshot for meta governance and vote on-chain to make protocol changes. Before Rocket Pool can enable Protocol DAO voting, node operators need to initialize their voting power in the new system and update their signaling address that is used to vote on Snapshot. Node operators that initialized their voting power by July 15 received a POAP.

In early May, 2024, NodeSet opened the first public beta of the HyperDrive node management software enabled with the StakeWise integration module, for its decentralized professional node operator network. This exclusive POAP was bestowed upon the the core team and pioneering node operators that registered a validator with the NodeSet StakeWise vault on the Holesky test network in preparation for the the Gravita x NodeSet StakeWise mainnet vault. Organized by rocknet and designed by ShfRyn.

🎉 Big news, Rocket Pool community! 🥳 The SEC just approved the first Ethereum ETF, and our #trading room on Discord is buzzing with excitement! Imagine Eth, our beloved decentralized hero, getting a shiny new badge of approval from the big leagues. It's like seeing our favorite digital star finally getting its moment in the spotlight! Picture the scene: the Rocket Pool crew, all gathered in the #trading room, decked out in virtual party hats, celebrating with confetti made of smart contracts, and raising glasses of pixelated champagne. 🥂 This ETF approval is more than just a win; it's a milestone worthy of a moonwalk! 🌕✨ Now, investors—whether they're new to the crypto world or seasoned pros—can jump into Ethereum as easily as buying a stock. It's like Eth has rolled out the red carpet, making it simpler than ever to be part of the revolution. And let's not forget the memes—oh, the glorious memes! Get ready for an onslaught of "ETH to the moon" jokes and celebratory GIFs flooding the chat. So, grab your virtual popcorn and join the fun in the #trading room. Eth's future is shining brighter and looking more mainstream than ever. 🚀💫 Here's to new beginnings and even bigger crypto dreams! 🥳🎉

On April 2, 2024, join Ken, Langers, and special guests from NodeSet to discuss scaling Rocket Pool. This POAP was awarded to participants in the Rocket Pool Discord who attended this exclusive community call event.

Morale was notably subdued in the Rocket Pool Discord as the RPL/ETH ratio plummeted to a mere 0.00925. However, optimism started to emerge as RPL holders gained confidence in the forthcoming developments, particularly bolstered by Valdorff's recently unveiled tokenomics vision. Confident node operators rallied together to underscore their faith in the protocol. This POAP was bestowed upon RPL node operators who actively engaged in the call to action and staked RPL between February 22 and February 27, 2024.