Bitcoin MENA in Abu Dhabi has quickly become a cornerstone event for Bitcoin thought leaders—featuring established builders, early protocol contributors, authors, miners, policy pioneers, and other “OGs” in the ecosystem. If you’re a reporter, podcaster, content creator, or community member, getting interviews with these OGs can greatly amplify not just your reach, but your credibility. But that kind of opportunity doesn’t happen by luck. It requires planning, research, relationship-building, and respectful professionalism. Below is a detailed guide to help you identify OGs, approach them effectively, and execute interviews that leave an impression. And if you still need a ticket:
Book your Bitcoin MENA ticket at a 10% discount by entering the official promo code DROOMDROOM.
Who Qualifies As a Bitcoin OG & How to Find Them
First, you need clarity about who counts as an OG in your narrative. These are people with long histories in Bitcoin: early protocol developers, authors of foundational works, early miners, long-standing advocates, or people who shaped policy in Bitcoin’s infancy.
Research the official Bitcoin MENA speaker list. Speakers like Michael Saylor, Saifedean Ammous, Yoni Assia, Irene Gao, Bilal Bin Saqib are on the roster. These are prime targets for interviews because of their influence and original contributions.
Also look at past speaker lists to understand who tends to show up year after year. Consistency gives clues about who has presence and influence. Establish a shortlist of 5-10 OGs you believe align with your content goals, possibly grouping them by topic (technical, philosophical, regulatory, mining) so your outreach is sharper.
Preparing Your Pitch & Outreach Before the Event
Your outreach needs to be personal, clear, and value-driven. Address the OG by name, mention a specific work of theirs you admire (book, code contribution, essay, or public speech), and explain why their perspective matters for your audience. Avoid generic messages like “I want an interview”; instead, say what you will ask, how long it will take, and how the content will be published.
Prepare a media kit or profile that includes past work, audience metrics, and examples. Even a simple one-pager or a well-structured email with links to prior interviews builds credibility.
Reach out weeks ahead of the conference, not at the last minute. OGs get many requests. Be polite, flexible with formats (5-minute chat, panel, video, audio), and suggest time options—before or after their speaking sessions, or during side-events. If you haven’t yet gotten your ticket, this might help you commit:
Purchase your Bitcoin MENA ticket now and save 10% with the official promo code DROOMDROOM.
Using Event Access & Timing to Your Advantage
Bitcoin MENA offers various passes and zones with differing access privileges. VIP or “Whale” passes often grant backstage or networking lounges, speaker green rooms, or VIP dinners. These are crucial spots where OGs are accessible beyond stage time. If you can, secure access that gives you proximity to these areas.
Monitor the published agenda: keynote sessions, fireside chats, and high-profile panels are reliable OG appearances. But remember: side-events, official receptions, or informal gatherings often produce the richest interviews—where OGs are less guarded and more conversational. Be present in those spaces, watch social media or conference apps for impromptu meetups, and stay alert for opportunity.
Conducting the Interview with Respect & Depth
When your interview time comes, be prepared. Research their latest work and relevant developments in Bitcoin, especially those that intersect with MENA region concerns: regulation, energy & mining, adoption, infrastructure. Prepare a few open-ended questions that invite stories: “What was your experience in early days of Bitcoin development?”, “What regulatory challenge surprised you most?”, “How do you reconcile long-term vision with short-term pressures?”
Ensure your technical setup is clean: good mic, backup audio, proper lighting if video, stable camera or phone stand. Respect time: start on time, avoid wasted setups. Listen actively—OGs often drop insights in offhand remarks. Be ready with follow-ups. After interviewing, get permission for quote/video usage, share publication plan.
Enjoy 10% savings on Bitcoin MENA tickets by applying the official promo code DROOMDROOM.
Post-Interview Follow-Up & Relationship Building
After the interview, follow up immediately with a thank you message. Send a preview or link when published. If the OG commented on something that matters to them (say, a policy change, a protocol improvement, or a local infrastructure initiative), revisit it later and share updates. That builds trust and opens doors to future collaboration.
Also ask for feedback: “Was there a question you wish I’d asked?”, “Is there a project you’d like to highlight further?” These little touches show respect and interest beyond the content plug.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many creators attempt OG interviews but falter due to predictable errors. One is poor personalization: generic outreach feels mass-mailed and often ignored. Another is insufficient research—asking questions they’ve answered many times or that show you don’t know their work. Third is technical failure: bad audio, poor lighting, skipping backups. Fourth is disrespect of time: running long, arriving late, ignoring agreed formats. Lastly, neglecting post-interview obligations—no follow-up, no attribution, or misusing permissions.
Grab 10% off your Bitcoin MENA ticket instantly with the promo code DROOMDROOM.
Conclusion
Landing interviews with OGs at Bitcoin MENA takes strategy as much as courage. Identify who matters, craft thoughtful personalized outreach, use your event access wisely, prepare deeply, conduct interviews with professionalism, and follow up to build relationships.
