The Everything Feed - All Packet Pushers Pods HN803: How to Start a Networking Meetup
Oct 31, 2025
Steinn “Steinzi” Örvar, a lead product development engineer and founder of the Iceland Network Operators Group, shares his journey of launching ISNOG. He discusses the motivations behind starting a networking meetup in Iceland and the surprising turnout of around 100 attendees. Steinn provides insights into overcoming imposter syndrome, organizing venue logistics, and effective marketing strategies. He emphasizes the importance of sound quality and shares tips on engaging attendees with prizes and creating FOMO for future events.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Get People First, Organizers Later
- Get people in the room first and recruit volunteers during or after the event to share organizing work.
- Start small with one or two reliable helpers to avoid excessive coordination overhead and email tax.
Leverage Regional NOG Support
- Contact regional organizations like RIPE NCC for sponsorship, speaker travel, and other support.
- Use their templates and funding to drastically lower your initial costs and administrative burden.
Use 'Nerd Bringers' To Seed Attendance
- Recruit 'nerd bringers'—people who will actively bring colleagues and friends to the event.
- Ask organizers at local companies to rally a handful of attendees to seed strong turnout.