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818: CJ × Hosting Meetups - Lunch and Learn

Sep 6, 2024

50:35

Snipd AI

CJ Reynolds, an experienced meetup host, shares insights from running the DenverScript meetup. He discusses the resurgence of meetups post-COVID and their role in fostering community connections. Topics include strategies for organizing effective events, sourcing speakers, and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere. CJ also highlights the low-pressure nature of meetups compared to formal conferences, emphasizing authentic knowledge sharing. Finally, he shares tips for networking and discovering local events to enhance community engagement.

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Quick takeaways

The revival of meetups post-COVID emphasizes the crucial role of in-person interactions for networking and community building.

Selecting an inviting and accessible venue, often in partnership with local businesses, significantly influences attendee engagement and experience.

Effective promotion through platforms like meetup.com and social media is essential for maximizing attendance and fostering a vibrant tech community.

Deep dives

The Revival of Meetups Post-COVID

Meetups have gradually made a comeback following the pandemic, yet the revival has been slow. Many established meetups experienced dwindling attendance due to remote work and social distancing. The importance of in-person interactions in the tech community remains evident, as individuals express excitement about networking and sharing ideas face-to-face. Organizers who are passionate and committed to reviving these events play a crucial role in rekindling interest and attendance.

Intro

5min

Navigating Tech Meetups

9min

Navigating Meetup Sponsorships and Speaker Engagement

5min

The Enriching Power of Tech Meetups

25min

The Value of Meetups and Community Connections

5min

Food Tips and Community Engagement in Denver

2min

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