The Enriching Power of Tech Meetups

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This chapter explores the casual yet rewarding nature of tech meetups compared to formal conferences, emphasizing the value of authentic knowledge sharing over sales pitches. It highlights personal experiences and strategies for nurturing new speakers, while also discussing the significance of community interaction and networking opportunities within the tech scene. Through anecdotes and reflections on early meetups, the speakers illustrate the impact these gatherings have on professional growth and community building.

In this episode of Syntax, Wes and Scott talk with CJ Reynolds about the resurgence of meetups in a post-COVID world. They discuss the benefits of attending and speaking at meetups, and the logistics of organizing them. CJ also shares his experiences running the DenverScript meetup, including sourcing speakers, finding venues, and ensuring a welcoming community.

Show Notes

00:00 Welcome to Syntax!
01:35 Brought to you by Sentry.io
01:49 CJ’s history hosting meetups
- DenverScript
- Code Talent
06:35 How do you structure a meetup?
09:50 How do you raise awareness for a meetup and get people to attend?
- Meetup.com
- Guild
13:27 How to pay for a meetup
15:22 How to get speakers at meetups
16:50 The length of these talks
17:03 Does live-streaming hurt attendance?
- Syntax 806 - The King of Drag and Drop: Alex Reardon
19:32 Is there a vetting process for finding speakers?
- Syntax 019 - How to Get Into Speaking at Conferences
24:26 A meetup doesn’t have to be talks
- Develop Happy Hour
27:48 What’s the worst part about hosting a meetup?
29:37 What was your first meetup like?
33:27 What’s the best meetup you’ve been to and why?
37:10 How to be a good attendee
40:45 Are meetups back?
44:00 Tips for organizing a great meetup
45:29 How to find a meetup
47:37 Sick Picks & Shameless Plugs