This guide covers the basics of getting a Meetup started, recommendations on how to grow and market it, a pre-packaged first Blockstack Meetup, content ideas for future Meetups, tips for finding a venue, reimbursement information for hosts/organizers, and some additional helpful links.
As you start to read this guide, don’t get overwhelmed, there’s a lot of information and possibilities here, but at the end of the day, Meetups are ultimately just about getting like-minded folks together in a room together. It can be as simple or as complex as you’d like it to be. A few people at a bar is a great Meetup, so is one where 100 people come out for a big name guest. It’s really just about getting started - as your Meetup grows so will the support you have and the possibilities of what you can do.
In getting started, do what works for you and your community and let us know how we can help you along the way. Thank you and good luck!
First things first, thank you so much for putting your time in to organize a Blockstack related Meetup. We’re really grateful to you, you’re an indispensable part of this community and the growth we’re seeing. We want to make things really easy for you and support your efforts, so if any point this guide doesn’t cover something you need or you have other questions or concerns, get in touch with us at community@blockstack.com.
Basics:
Before you start, it’s great to let us know you want to do a Meetup as we have several resources in addition to this one to help you along the way. We even sponsor every Meetup to make things easy!
After you’ve connected with us and you’re ready to get started, you’ll next want to establish a Group page on Meetup.com. During our initial call, we’ll give you a code/link that will allow you to setup a new Blockstack Pro connected Group or connect an existing one. This is totally optional, but will allow Blockstack PBC to pay for the Group for you and will give you extra visibility through our portal here. It also gives you easy access to the templated Meetup sessions we’ll be offering. Through Meetup, you can also request space in WeWork locations for your events.
If you don’t have a Group setup yet, contact community@blockstack.com to receive a code that will let you setup a new Pro connect Group or connect an existing one.
A date - select a date that’s far enough out, say 4 weeks, to give yourself some time to plan and build interest.
A venue - this might seem daunting at first, but with our combined networks and experience, finding a venue shouldn’t be a blocker for your Meetup. Here are a few resources and recommendation to help you find a great location:
WeWork Meetup program - through Meetup you can look for WeWork locations that are open to hosting you. Other co-working spaces and particularly independent co-working spaces are great places to look as their always looking for ways to bring people into their space.
Your office or a friend’s office - often times there are conference rooms or spaces in buildings you already have access to and are open to hosting you(it benefits them in the long run too!). Just get permission and take care of the space, of course!
Offices of organizations that have sponsored events in blockchain, dapps, etc. before. Usually that means they want to be involved more and this can be an easy way for them to do it.
Tech hubs, libraries, makerspaces, etc.
A public place like a bar or restaurant - if your group is small enough or there is a space that doesn’t mind a large group coming in, this can be really simple.
Table of Contents
Thank you!
Basics:
Basic Logistics