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How to run a Meetup – Lessons learned running React Vienna for a year

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Re: How to run a Meetup – Lessons learned running React Vienna for a year

#11

Post by Eridrus »

macintux wrote: post #6
herge wrote: post #3

The key to a meet up or a community's longevity is consistency. If you can consistently schedule events like the second Monday of every month or every two months, people can remember that and plan around those events, as opposed to waiting for an announcement. Also, a meet up does not have to be long. A couple of presentations for a total of a hour is a fine excuse to meet at the bar afterwards and talk technology. F…

> A couple of presentations for a total of a hour is a fine excuse to meet at the bar afterwards and talk technology. Speaking as someone who rarely drinks and doesn't like trying to listen to conversations in loud environments: organizing a short meetup as a prelude to retiring to a bar isn't necessarily going to be the most inclusive strategy.

I don't drink either, but sadly there's not a tonne of good alternatives to bars. And not all bars are loud, finding a quiet one isn't that hard, especially on a week night.

Re: How to run a Meetup – Lessons learned running React Vienna for a year

#12

Post by jdironman »

Eridrus wrote: post #11
macintux wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> A couple of presentations for a total of a hour is a fine excuse to meet at the bar afterwards and talk technology. Speaking as someone who rarely drinks and doesn't like trying to listen to conversations in loud environments: organizing a short meetup as a prelude to retiring to a bar isn't necessarily going to be the most inclusive strategy.

I don't drink either, but sadly there's not a tonne of good alternatives to bars. And not all bars are loud, finding a quiet one isn't that hard, especially on a week night.

Quiet little 'mom and pop' italian restaurants are the best choice, especially if something goes wrong.

Re: How to run a Meetup – Lessons learned running React Vienna for a year

#13

Post by herge »

macintux wrote: post #6
herge wrote: post #3

The key to a meet up or a community's longevity is consistency. If you can consistently schedule events like the second Monday of every month or every two months, people can remember that and plan around those events, as opposed to waiting for an announcement. Also, a meet up does not have to be long. A couple of presentations for a total of a hour is a fine excuse to meet at the bar afterwards and talk technology. F…

> A couple of presentations for a total of a hour is a fine excuse to meet at the bar afterwards and talk technology. Speaking as someone who rarely drinks and doesn't like trying to listen to conversations in loud environments: organizing a short meetup as a prelude to retiring to a bar isn't necessarily going to be the most inclusive strategy.

Even for drinkers, it's important to find a 'quiet' bar, or at least one where you can talk among yourselves, especially towards 8-9pm when meetups finish.

Re: How to run a Meetup – Lessons learned running React Vienna for a year

#14

Post by olegp »

That's a good and concise summary. If you're considering running a meetup but want more info before diving in at the deep end, check out this series of blog posts I've started writing on the topic:

https://blog.toughbyte.com/what-is-a-meetup-and-why-should-i...

The blog series is still ongoing, but it is based on a talk I gave earlier this year, which you can check out here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNZTLcutqKk

PS. If you're looking for a platform geared towards technical meetups, take a look at Meetabit which we're working on at Toughbyte: https://meetabit.com/ - your feedback would be really appreciated. We're currently available in only a few cities, but would be happy to add more cities if there's enough interest.

Re: How to run a Meetup – Lessons learned running React Vienna for a year

#15

Post by philh »

jdironman wrote: post #12
Eridrus wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't drink either, but sadly there's not a tonne of good alternatives to bars. And not all bars are loud, finding a quiet one isn't that hard, especially on a week night.

Quiet little 'mom and pop' italian restaurants are the best choice, especially if something goes wrong.

You have to factor in that a lot of people might not want a meal. If there's a large group of which only about half are eating, I'd be more comfortable taking them to a bar than a restaurant.

Though if the restaurant is fine with it, go ahead.

Re: How to run a Meetup – Lessons learned running React Vienna for a year

#16

Post by vmorgulis »

lowglow wrote: post #7

I know meet-up organizers and members are going to want to post about their meet-ups here! Reply back with a meet-up and what is cool about it, we can get a list going.

Good idea :-)

We are starting HN meetup in Paris (France):

https://hn.silexlabs.org/

Re: How to run a Meetup – Lessons learned running React Vienna for a year

#17

Post by lexoyo »

vmorgulis wrote: post #16
lowglow wrote: post #7

I know meet-up organizers and members are going to want to post about their meet-ups here! Reply back with a meet-up and what is cool about it, we can get a list going.

Good idea :-) We are starting HN meetup in Paris (France): https://hn.silexlabs.org/

nice!!
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