Owen Healy: Why In-Person Crypto Events Still Matter for Hiring in a Remote-First World

Unlocking Hidden Talent: The Secret Sauce of In-Person Crypto Events! 🚀

Ah, the age of remote hiring! A time when personal connections are as rare as a unicorn in a blockchain. Yet, in this digital wilderness, the sacred gatherings of the crypto tribe still hold the key to unlocking the treasure trove of talent. Owen Healy, the sage of Web3 recruitment, has mastered the art of spotting those elusive hidden gems—developers who are like ninjas, quietly contributing to open-source projects while still stuck in their Web2 jobs. Who needs LinkedIn when you can mingle with the best at events like ETH Belgrade?

During a delightful tĂȘte-Ă -tĂȘte with Owen at ETH Belgrade, we dove into the swirling currents of talent trends in Web3. We explored the magical realm of live crypto events and their undeniable charm in a world that’s gone digital-first. Spoiler alert: both job seekers and companies often overlook the goldmine right under their noses!

The Transformative Value of In-Person Crypto Events

Pivotal. Absolutely pivotal! These events are like treasure maps leading to hidden gems, especially developers who are still chained to their Web2 desks but have been secretly coding in the shadows of Web3. They’re not always lurking on LinkedIn, and even if they are, good luck finding them with a mere keyword search! Events like ETH Belgrade, where over 200 souls are hacking away, are the perfect hunting grounds. And let’s not forget Serbia—a veritable goldmine of talent! 💎

Ethereum vs. General Crypto Conferences: What Sets Them Apart?

Ah, Ethereum events! They’re like a warm hug compared to the cold handshake of general crypto conferences. Here, people actually want to know you—your passions, your quirks, and yes, even your favorite pizza toppings! It’s less about the logos and more about the human connection. At general crypto events, it often feels like speed dating—quick glances and awkward silences. But at Ethereum gatherings, you can have real conversations that dig deeper than a shallow pool.

Advantages for Candidates and Companies at Live Events

Meet someone in person, and voilà! You’re instantly impressed, even if their resume screams “I’m just okay.” That’s the magic of events! A casual chat with a CTO or project lead can ignite a spark. If they remember you, congratulations! You’ve planted a seed that can grow into a mighty tree of opportunity. No longer just another CV in the abyss!

Events are also a golden ticket for marketers trying to break into the crypto realm. Many founders you meet might not be ready to hire full-time, but they’ll remember the brave soul who offers to help part-time or pro bono. It’s like getting your foot in the door—just be proactive and seize the moment!

Making the Most of Crypto Conferences: Strategy and Success Stories

Planning? Who needs it! I’m usually too swamped with daily chaos to set meetings in advance. I just show up, post on LinkedIn that I’m attending, and let the magic unfold. Much of my success comes from being visible, having people recognize me from my content, and letting conversations flow like a fine wine. One genuine connection can snowball into a whole avalanche of opportunities!

Take my recent escapade at Zebu Live in London, for instance. I struck up a conversation with a marketing guy, and we became fast friends. A few months later, he introduced me to a Bitcoin dev—super talented but as hidden as a needle in a haystack. I never would’ve found him through traditional sourcing. Thanks to that serendipitous encounter, I ended up hiring him for a client project. Events truly do have ROI—Return on Investment, not just Random Occurrences of Inspiration!

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Events and Advice for Job Seekers

Mark my words, I’ll be at ETHCC—last year was a mixed bag of business and boredom. Buenos Aires is on my radar, and Barcelona? Oh, I can’t resist the allure of the European Blockchain Convention! Zebu Live and Eth Warsaw are also on the list. Still figuring it all out, like a lost tourist in a foreign land.

For job seekers, my sage advice is to be honest and transparent. Don’t be shy—reach out in advance! Check the speaker list, see who’s attending on Twitter, and just message people. Say: “Hey, I’m looking to dive into this space. Here are my skills. Can we chat?” Share your articles, GitHub links, or even a couple of witty tweets. People in this space are usually happy to help, but you’ve got to show some effort!

Guidance for Companies: Rethinking Hiring Budgets

If I were an in-house recruiter for a rapidly expanding project or Foundation, I’d splurge a hefty chunk of my hiring budget on attending these events. There’s a treasure trove of talent here that won’t show up through traditional channels. Bring your CTO, engage in conversations, and you’ll leave with a pipeline that would make any online recruiter weep with envy. Yes, events cost money, but one good hire can pay for that ten times over. It’s a no-brainer!

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2025-06-12 22:36