Featured Release: Member+

• Member+ is a new monthly subscription that allows members to join an elite cohort of the most dedicated folks on Meetup. Upgrading to become a premium member gives you:
  • First notice about events
  • An ad-free experience of Meetup across all platforms
  • A Member+ badge on your profile
  • Custom app icons
  • Early access to features
  • Insights into attendees at your upcoming events
• Learn more about Member+ in Community Matters or our Help Center.
  • Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)

September 26, 2023

Redesigned Money page 

• Platform: Web, Mobile Web
• Product Area: Money
• Who this is for: Organizers

The group Money page has been redesigned! All functionality is the same but the page has a clean new look. Learn more about managing your group’s Money page.

September 21, 2023

Hybrid Events

• Platform: Web, Mobile Web
• Product Area: Events
• Who this is for: Meetup Pro organizers

In the event scheduler, Pro organizers can now schedule an event that is both in person and online. This first release supports the following features:

Organizers

• New tab control in the event create menu. Choose between in person / online / hybrid options
• Set a different attendee limit for both event types (in person & online)
• Set a different guest limit for both event types
• Set a different event fee for both event types

Members

• The registration flow will change for hybrid even. No when attendees click “Attend” they can choose whether they will attend online or in person.
• If a member updates their RSVP, they can switch between online and in person
• When searching for events, they will now see a hybrid event tag
• Hybrid events will appear under all three types of search results: any type, online, and in person

In future releases, we’ll support these features:

• Ability to schedule hybrid events in the Meetup for Organizers app
• Hybrid event insights in the Attendee Manager (see who is attending online vs in-person)

September 19, 2023

Using ChatGPT to help craft a group description

• Platform: Web, Mobile Web
• Product Area: Group
• Who this is for: Organizers

When creating a new group, try using the ChatGPT integration to generate a basic group description. The tool will generate three different descriptions for you to choose from, but for a more successful group, we encourage you to edit the AI-generated description to be more personalized and human. You can also edit your description after publishing your group. 

August 24, 2023

Event fee section in Event Scheduler

• Platform: Web, Mobile Web
• Product Area: Event Fee
• Who this is for: Organizers

You can now find the event fee section above the optional settings within the event scheduler menu.

August 14, 2023

Redesigned member profiles

• Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)
• Product Area: Member profiles
• Who this is for: Members

Tap your photo in the upper right-hand corner of the Meetup app to see a fresh new profile design. This new app member profiles contain the all information in the existing profiles and more. All information is optional so you can choose what you want others to see on your profile.

August 14, 2023

Redesigned attendee list

• Platform: Meetup app (Android. Coming soon on web and iOS app)
• Product Area: Attendee list
• Who this is for: Organizers and Member+ subscribers

The brand new attendee list is designed to give members a clearer sense of who will be there, why they should attend the event they’ve registered for. It also showcases the amazing people they have the opportunity to meet.

Similar to the “Who will be there” feature on event home pages, members who are attending an event for the first time are emphasized. Event hosts are labeled more clearly, as well as guests.

Organizers and Member+ subscribers can see a detailed attendee list view. This showcases:

• Interests of the attendees, including shared interests
• What members are looking for (e.g. practicing hobbies and/or making friends)

Organizers and event hosts can access all of the attendee management tools that they’re accustomed to by using the Meetup for Organizers app. We include a shortcut in the Meetup app to directly open the event in the Meetup for Organizers app as well. 

July 31, 2023

Redesigned Event Feedback Page

• Platform: Web, Mobile Web
• Product Area: Post-Event Feedback
• Who this is for: Organizers & Leadership Teams

We have redesigned the Event Feedback page to include the following details:

• Show up results
• Rating breakdown
• What people had to say
• What people liked
• Your group info
• Recent events
• Organizer resources

Learn more about this page in our Help Center: Viewing event feedback from members.

July 13, 2023

Member+ Subscriptions on Web

• Platform: Web, Mobile Web
• Product Area: Member+ Subscriptions
• Who this is for: Members

Members can now subscribe to Member+ on Web.

July 7, 2023

Edit featured event photo in Meetup for Organizers App

• Platform: Meetup for Organizers app (iOS & Android)
• Product Area: Event Scheduler
• Who this is for: Organizers

When you upload a featured event photo on the Meetup for Organizers app, you can now crop and adjust the photo.

June 29, 2023

Editing an event after it starts

• Platform: Web, Mobile Web
• Product Area: Event Scheduler
• Who this is for: Organizers

We have launched an update to the event scheduler that allows Organizers and Event Hosts to edit the event after it starts. The option to “Edit event” will be available up until the event ends.

If the event has already started, you can edit the following information:

• Event title
• Featured photo
• Description
• Pro speaker (if Pro group)
• Event topics
• Location (online & venue)
• COVID-19 safety measures
• Event Host

If the event has already started, you cannot edit:

• Event date and time
• Communication tool
• Optional settings

June 26, 2023

Copying event times in the Meetup for Organizers app

• Platform: Meetup for Organizers app (iOS & Android)
• Product Area: Event Scheduler
• Who this is for: Organizers

We updated the app for organizers so that when you copy a past event it also copies the event time. We thank all the organizers who requested this feature. 

June 20, 2023

Restricting Member Photo Uploads

• Platform: Web, Mobile Web
• Product Area: Photos
• Who this is for: Organizers & Pro Network Administrators

Organizers and Meetup Pro network administrators can now limit the ability for group members to upload photos to groups and events. The setting can be found in the group’s Optional Settings page and on the Pro Network’s Settings page.

When the setting is on, all members of the group can upload photos. When the setting is off, only the group’s leadership team can upload photos.

Learn more in our Help Center: Managing who can upload photos

May 30, 2023

Event topics in Meetup for Organizers app

• Platform: Meetup for Organizers app (iOS & Android)
• Product Area: Event Scheduler
• Who this is for: Organizers

The Meetup for Organizers app now supports adding event topics to your event! Add up to five (5) topics so prospective attendees with relevant interests are more likely to find your event in search results or suggestions.

May 9, 2023

“About our members”

• Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)
• Product Area: Groups
• Who this is for: Organizers and Member+ subscribers

We’ve launched “About our members” on the Meetup app to show potential members more information about other members in a group. Organizers and Member+ subscribers can see member insights, including:

• How many members have recently joined
• The ratio of genders
• How many members share your age range
• What members are looking for
• The interests you share with fellow members

Learn more about this new feature in our Help Center: “About our members”

May 8, 2023

Updated Event Fee Flow

• Platform: Web, Mobile Web
• Product Area: Payments
• Who this is for: Members

We’ve updated our PayPal integration for an enhanced checkout flow so that members can now pay event fees via PayPal, credit, debit, or Venmo.

Learn more about how this impacts your group in our Help Center: Setting event fees

April 25, 2023

“Who will be there”

• Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)
• Product Area: Events
• Who this is for: Organizers and Member+ subscribers

We’ve launched “Who will be there” on the Meetup app to give your members a better idea of who is attending the event. Organizers and Member+ subscribers can see attendee insights, including:

• How many members will be attending for the first time
• The ratio of genders attending
• How many members are in your age range
• What members are looking for
• The interests you share with fellow members

Learn more about this new feature in our Help Center: Finding “Who will be there” at upcoming events

April 17, 2023

Toggle Event Chat and Event Comments

• Platform: Web, Mobile Web, Meetup for Organizers app (iOS & Android)
• Product Area: Event Scheduler
• Who this is for: Organizers

You can now turn event comments and event chat on/off before you save your event. By default, event comments will be turned on, and event chat will be turned off. Note that after you save your event draft or publish the event, the settings are locked in.

April 4, 2023

“What you’re looking for” section

• Platform: Web, Mobile Web
• Product Area: Account Settings
• Who this is for: Members

We have launched a new section on your Personal Info page. You can now share “What you’re looking for” on Meetup. The options are: Practice a hobby with others, socialize with others, make new friends, and build your professional network.

April 4, 2023

Goal setting

• Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)
• Product Area: Member Profile
• Who this is for: Members

We have launched a feature that prompts members to set a monthly attendance goal! On your member profile, you can access the goal setting page to set your attendance goal each month or see your progress toward completion of your goal of attending 1, 2, 3, or 4 events.

March 22, 2023

Freezing and archiving event chats

• Platform: Web, Mobile Web, Meetup app (iOS & Android), Meetup for Organizers app (iOS & Android)
• Product Area: Event Chat
• Who this is for: Organizers

We’ve heard that it would be helpful if event chats could be archived after the event ends. Here is what will happen now:

• After 7 days, the event chat will be read-only (frozen)
• 30 days after the chat is frozen, the chat will expire (archived)

March 21, 2023

Fixed network event RSVP count

• Platform: Web
• Product Area: Pro Dashboard
• Who this is for: Meetup Pro organizers

Event hosts are no longer double counted in the total RSVP count of network events 

This change is only applicable to network events created on or after March 21, 2023

March 21, 2023

Display all attendees & groups hosting in a network event

• Platform: Web
• Product Area: Events
• Who this is for: Members

Members can now see the total number of groups hosting a network event and the total number of attendees, in addition to the number of members attending from a specific group.

March 21, 2023

Time of day search filter

• Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)
• Product Area: Search
• Who this is for: Members

Find events that fit in with your schedule. On the Explore page, you can now filter events by any time, morning, afternoon, evening, and night.

March 14, 2023

Post-Event Feedback V1.2

• Platform: Web, Mobile Web
• Product Area: Events
• Who this is for: Members & Organizers

The updated post-event feedback experience is now available on Web/Mobile Web! After an event ends, attendees will be asked to leave a review of the event. Updates include:

• Ability to submit rating without reason
• Updated reasons for the rating
• New question: Would you attend another event from this group?
• Option to leave freeform feedback
• Feedback is not anonymous; Organizers can see who left the review

Learn more about how to see your event feedback in our Help Center.

March 2, 2023

Edit all recurring events in the Meetup for Organizers app

• Platform: Meetup for Organizers app (iOS & Android)
• Product Area: Event Scheduler
• Who this is for: Organizers

The Meetup for Organizers app now supports editing all events in a series! You can choose to apply edits to a single event or all following events.

February 27, 2023

Choose your event communication tools

• Platform: Web, Mobile Web
• Product Area: Event Scheduler
• Who this is for: Organizers

The Event Scheduler now has the ability to choose which event communication tool to use: Event Chat, Event Comments, or both! 

Learn more in our Help Center: Managing event communications

February 22, 2023

Mute Event Chats in Meetup App

• You can now mute a noisy chat channel in the Meetup app without having to leave the chat or change your registration status. Tap the three dots on the chat and select “Mute notifications.”
  • Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)

February 22, 2023

Post-Event Feedback V1.2

• Thanks to your feedback about the post-event feedback feature, we’ve made some updates to this experience. After an event ends, attendees will be asked to leave a review of the event. Updates include:
  • Ability to submit rating without reason
  • Updated reasons for the rating
  • New question: Would you attend another event from this group?
  • Option to leave freeform feedback
  • Feedback is not anonymous; organizers can see who left the review
    • Platform: Meetup App (iOS & Android)

February 13, 2023

Mute Event Chats in the Meetup for Organizers App

• You can now mute a noisy chat channel in the Meetup for Organizers app without having to leave the chat or change your registration status. Tap the three dots on the chat and select “Mute notifications.”
  • Platform: Meetup for Organizer App (iOS & Android)

February 8, 2023

Event Chat Entry Point on Upcoming Event Cards

• We’ve added an event chat icon on the event cards in the Upcoming Events Section on the homepage, allowing you to easily engage with upcoming event chats.
  • Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)

January 30, 2023

Photo Comments and Captions

• Photo comments have returned. By clicking a photo, you’ll see the ability to add a caption at the top and comment underneath. You can also edit or delete the comment if you need to. 
• For more information about managing albums and photos, check out this Help Center article: Managing group photo albums
  • Platform: Web, Mobile Web
    

January 25, 2023

Post-event Ratings

• Event ratings are back in the both the classic and the Meetup for Organizers app! After an event you’ve registered for ends, the app will prompt you to leave a star rating for the event. Tapping on that will open up the feedback modal where you can change the star rating and select options to provide feedback about the event.
  • Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)

January 25, 2023

Your Next Events Section

• When you open the Meetup app, the top of the screen will display the next five events you’ll be attending. The last card will be a prompt to explore more upcoming events that will lead to search results for upcoming events.
  • Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)

January 24, 2023

Use Google Play to Become an Organizer

• Purchasing a Meetup organizer subscription on Android is now easier than ever. When you create your first group, you can use Google Play to pay for your subscription.
  • Platform: Meetup app & Meetup for Organizers app (Android)

January 23, 2023

“First to Know” Member+ Feature

• Member+ now offers an exclusive feature: priority event announcements. Member+ subscribers will be notified about new events before the rest of Meetup. Subscribe to Member+ on the Meetup app.
• Learn more about Member+ in our Community Matters blog or our Help Center.
  • Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)

January 20, 2023

Start groups in the Meetup for Organizers App

• If you’d like to create a new Meetup group, open the Meetup for Organizers app and tap the four dots in the upper left-hand corner of the screen. You’ll see the option to start a new group at the bottom.
  • Platform: Meetup for Organizer App (iOS & Android)

January 12, 2023

Mute Event Chats

• You can now mute a noisy chat channel without having to leave it or change your registration status. Click the three dots on the chat and select “Mute notifications.”
  • Platform: Web, Mobile Web

December 20, 2022

Meetup Pro Speaker Section

• Meetup Pro organizers now have access to a Speaker Section in the event scheduler. If someone is speaking at your event, you can display their name, bio, photo, and social media on the event page.
  • Platform: Web, Mobile Web

December 14, 2022

New Organizer Section on iOS & Android apps

• We have added an organizer section to the app home screen for the first 30 days of an organizer’s tenure. This section will have prompts that encourage organizers to take actions that we know will lead to more success, such as downloading the Meetup for Organizers app, reading resources in our Help Center, and creating a first event.
  • Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)
    

December 12, 2022

Member+ Subscriptions

• Member+ is a new monthly subscription that allows members to join an elite cohort of the most dedicated folks on Meetup. By upgrading to Member+, you will receive a Member+ badge on your profile, an ad-free experience of Meetup across all platforms, custom app icons, prioritized support, and early access to new features.
• Learn more about Member+ in our Community Matters blog or our Help Center.

Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)

November 30, 2022

Event Ratings on Web

• In addition to seeing event ratings on the Meetup for Organizers app, organizers can now see an average of their group’s event ratings on your group homepage on the web platform.
  • Platform: Web, Mobile Web

November 21, 2022

Event Ratings

• Meetup has enhanced the event feedback experience. Organizers can now see an average of your group’s event ratings on your group homepage within the Meetup for Organizers app. For now, this average rating will only be available for organizers and members of a group’s leadership team. Access individual event ratings and detailed feedback from attendees by visiting past events.

Platform: Meetup for Organizers app (iOS & Android)

November 17, 2022

Event chat moderation

• We heard your feedback about the importance of an organizer’s ability to moderate Event Chat messages. If you need to delete a message left by a member, click the three-dot menu and select Delete from the options to permanently remove a message from the chat.
  • Platform: Web, and Mobile Web

November 17, 2022

Photo captions

• Photo captions allow you to describe the photo you’ve uploaded. You can now add and edit the text that is displayed with the photo by selecting “Update caption.”
  • Platform: Web, Mobile Web

November 17, 2022

Event Chat on Messages page

• Your Event Chats are now visible alongside your Direct Messages.
  • Platform: Web, Mobile Web

November 15, 2022

Messages tab in Meetup for Organizer app

• You can now access your Event Chat messages by tapping the Messages tab at the bottom of the screen. The tabs also include quick navigation to your Group page and Notifications.

Platform: Meetup for Organizers app (iOS & Android)

November 14, 2022

Interests on Home

• Adding and updating Interests is critical for receiving group and event suggestions that match a member’s states. As such, we’re making it easier for members to update their interests by adding an interests menu to Meetup’s logged-in home experience.
  • Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)

November 9, 2022

Photo albums redesign

• Photo albums now have a new look. The redesigned Photos page lets you manage your group and event photo albums.
  • Platform: Web, Mobile Web

Event Check-In

• By popular demand, organizers can take attendance in real time using Event Check-In. The check-in feature opens one hour before your event starts in the Meetup for Organizers app. Use this handy tool to mark your attendees as checked-in or absent and keep records of attendance for all your events. You can even flag attendees as no-shows.
• For more information, check out our Help Center article: Checking in attendees
• Read the article about Event Check-In
• Platform: Meetup for Organizers app (iOS & Android)

October 24, 2022

Event Hosts in the Meetup for Organizers app

• Event hosts can now access and manage their events within the Meetup for Organizers app. Upon logging in for the first time event hosts will be able to log into the app to see any upcoming and past events the group has hosted.

Platform: Meetup for Organizers app (iOS & Android)

October 18, 2022

Event comments

• You can now communicate with your members and attendees via both Event Comments and Event Chat.
  • Event Chat not yet available to all groups. If you are not seeing Event Chat, stay tuned for this feature to launch to you soon.
    • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, Meetup app (iOS & Android)

October 17, 2022

Event Chat in Messages tab

• The Messages tab now shows all of your Event Chat messages in one place! We’ve also introduced a floating button to create a new message in the DM tab.
  • This feature is not yet available to all members. If you are not seeing Event Chat, stay tuned for this feature to come soon.
    • Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)

October 17, 2022

Redesigned organizer subscription page

• The organizer subscription page has been redesigned to look more like the rest of the Meetup platform you know so well. All account settings pages are now updated too.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

October 14, 2022

Event Chat in Meetup for Organizers app

• Event Chat is now available in the Meetup for Organizer app. Use chat to stay in touch with your attendees by sending, replying, editing, and deleting messages. You can also react to messages with emojis, see who reads your message, and share photos and files.
  • Please note: This feature is not yet available to all groups. If you are not seeing Event Chat, stay tuned for this feature coming soon.

Platform: Meetup for Organizers app (iOS & Android)

October 1, 2022

Event chat beta update

• Event Chat is now available to all group members, even if they have not RSVPed for the event. If they haven’t RSVPed, they will be able to join the chat and leave the chat. If they have RSVPed, they are auto-enrolled in the chat and do not have the option to leave (this way they can stay current with what’s going on!).
• For more information, check out our Help Center article: Event chat
  • NOTE: This feature is not yet available to all groups. If you are not seeing Event Chat, stay tuned for this feature to launch to you soon.
    • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, Meetup app (iOS & Android)

October 1, 2022

Nominated members in the Meetup app

• A nominated member—a member who has been nominated to take over as a group’s organizer—can now see that they have been nominated everywhere that group shows up in the app: on Home, within one’s Group List from Home and in a member’s Profile, and on Group Home.
  • Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)

September 26, 2022

Event Check-In

• By popular demand, organizers can take attendance in real time using Event Check-In. The check-in feature opens one hour before your event starts in the Meetup for Organizers app. Use this handy tool to mark your attendees as checked-in or absent and keep records of attendance for all your events. You can even flag attendees as no-shows.
• For more information, check out the Help Center article: Checking in attendees
  • Platform: Meetup for Organizers app (iOS & Android)

September 16, 2022

Fundraising on Group Home

• If you’ve activated Fundraising for your group, you and your members will now see it on your group homepage.
  • Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)

September 7, 2022

Event chat beta

• Event chat is a new way to stay connected with your attendees in real time. Members who have RSVPed to the event can now use chat to reply to messages, edit and delete their messages, react to messages with emojis, see who reads your message, and share photos and files.
  • Please note: This feature is not yet available to all groups. If you are not seeing Event Chat, stay tuned for this feature coming soon.
    • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, Meetup app (iOS & Android)

September 6, 2022

Native step-up features

• The Meetup app now offers more step-up features like prompts to step up to a group, highlight groups to nominated members, and show leaderless groups on the homepage.
  • Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)

August 26, 2022

Group notifications feed

• In the Meetup for Organizers app, you can now view your group’s notifications! Tap the bell icon on the group page to access a list of group-specific notifications.
  • Platform: Meetup for Organizers app (iOS & Android)

August 25, 2022

Redesigned Update Credit Card page

• The Update Credit Card page has been redesigned to look like the rest of Meetup.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

August 23, 2022

Event chat on-site notifications

• Attendees who are part of event chat will now see on-site notifications when a new chat is posted!
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

August 22, 2022

Update your email address in app

• By popular demand, we have added the ability for you to edit your email address in the Member App! Tap the pencil icon on your profile page to update your email address.
  • Platform: Meetup app (iOS & Android)

August 17, 2022

Final Attendance Reminder notification 

• To help your members remember to show-up, we are now sending a more timely event reminder. Attendees for in-person events will receive a reminder 2 hours prior to the event start time. For online events, attendees will receive a reminder 10 minutes before the event’s start time.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, Meetup app (iOS & Android)

August 15, 2022

Redesigned Password Reset page

• The Change Password page has been redesigned to look like the rest of Meetup.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

August 12, 2022

Attendee List Management

• The Meetup for Organizers app now offers attendee management! Tap your attendees to view a list of members who are ”Going” and “Not Going.” You can also search for members to add, mark them as Paid, edit their guest count, and make them an event host.
  • Platform: Meetup for Organizers app (iOS & Android)

August 9, 2022

Redesigned Payments Made page

• The Payments Made page has been redesigned to re-platformed to look like the rest of Meetup. This page shows the history of payments you have made on Meetup, including Event Fees and Member Dues. It also shows your active Member Dues subscriptions, which you can edit as needed.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

August 1, 2022

Redesigned Payments Received page

• The Payments Received page has been redesigned to re-platformed to look like the rest of Meetup. This page shows an overview of your payments, including Event Fees, Member Dues, and Sponsorships. You can also link and unlink your PayPal account on this page.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

July 20, 2022

Event map view

• Now you can browse in-person events in your area by using the map view in the apps! Any event with a venue will appear on the map.
  • Platform: iOS & Android app

July 18, 2022

Organizer Dashboard

• The logged-in homepage will now display the groups you organize, the next event you’re hosting, and event drafts. If you don’t have any event drafts, you will see a prompt to use the Meet & Greet template.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

July 14, 2022

• Event Chat experiment
  • We have launched an experiment to test an event-level chat feature. Event Chat will only be available to members who have RSVP’d to the event. The chat includes features like replying to messages, editing and deleting your messages, reacting to messages with emojis, seeing who read your message, and sharing photos.
    • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

July 7, 2022

• Pledge Fundraising
  • Supported by a third-party platform called Pledge, organizers may activate a campaign to raise optional funds for each of their groups. Learn more here: Setting up a Pledge account
    • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

July 6, 2022

Redesigned Email Updates page

• The Email Updates page has been replatformed to look like the rest of Meetup. We even added the ability to toggle all group-specific emails on and off.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web
  • Watch a demo on updating your email settings

June 30, 2022

Create a group prompt for Meetup Pro Organizers

• If you’re a Pro subscriber without any groups, we’ll now remind you to create a group to get the most out of your Pro subscription!
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

June 28, 2022

Promo code on Pro subscription checkout page

• When subscribing to Meetup Pro, the checkout page will have an option to input a promo code. This means you can enter a subscription promo code for Meetup Pro, similar to how you can for the standard Meetup subscription.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

June 28, 2022

Leaderless groups will now stay open for longer

• We’ve increased the amount of time a group will stay open to 30 days after the Organizer steps down. This will give members more time to step up and become the leader of an existing Meetup group.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, iOS, Android

June 23, 2022

Add interests on Find page

• When you search for a keyword on the Find page, there is now the option to “+ My Interest.” There is also an “Explore related interests” section on the right where you can add similar interests.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

June 15, 2022

Step down flow improvements

• We’ve enhanced the step down page for when an organizer no longer wishes to lead a group. The page will now display the group’s accomplishments and active members the outgoing organizer should consider nominating to take over the group.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

June 6, 2022

Option to delete an account and personal information in iOS app

• There is now an option to permanently close your account and erase all of your personal information on the Settings page in the iOS app.
  • Platform: Meetup app (iOS)

June 6, 2022

Redesigned Apps settings page

• The Apps settings page has been replatformed to look like the rest of Meetup.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

June 2, 2022

Zoom integration

• You can now connect your Zoom account to quickly generate Zoom meetings in the Event Scheduler! Visit this Help Center article to learn more: Creating an online event with Zoom
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, Meetup for Organizers app (iOS & Android)

May 26, 2022

Redesigned Privacy settings page

• The Privacy settings page has been replatformed with an updated look and feel.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

May 23, 2022

Redesigned Account Settings pages

• The following Account Settings pages have been replatformed: Edit Profile, Personal Info, Account Management, and Interests giving it an updated look.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

May 12, 2022

Featured Event

• Organizers and Leadership Teams can now feature one event at the top of their group home page. This feature acts as a “pin” to highlight one upcoming event.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, iOS, Android

May 9, 2022

Event topics in keyword search

• We have incorporated event-level topics into event search. This means that members can find your events from the event topics you chose when scheduling the event.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, iOS, Android

May 9, 2022

Meet & Greet Event Templates

• Getting to know your members is such an important part of community building. That’s why we’ve launched Meet & Greet event templates to help you easily schedule your first event.
• You can edit the Meet & Greet event as you see fit, but the template will help you get started. It has a pre-populated featured photo, description, and tool-tips.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

April 28, 2022

Video tutorials and to-do list for Pro trialists

• After you sign up for a Meetup Pro trial, you’ll see a series of six tutorial videos available for you to watch on your homepage. These videos will help you get started on setting up your Meetup Pro Network.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

April 26, 2022 

View Pro network profiles in the apps

• Meetup’s app users are now able to navigate Pro network profiles from event & group pages of Pro groups, creating more exposure for Meetup Pro customers.
  • Platform: iOS, Android

April 18, 2022

Redesigned Social Media page in Account Settings

• Your Social Media settings page has been redesigned to include Instagram and LinkedIn. When you link your social media accounts, they will be displayed on your site profile and group profile.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

April 11, 2022

Edit interests in apps

• Based on popular demand, you can now add and edit your interests in the Meetup apps for iOS and Android. Head to your Profile page and tap “Edit interest.”
  • Platform: iOS & Android

April 7, 2022

Save and share events from Pro network profiles

•  We added the ability for you to save and share upcoming events on Pro network profile pages.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

March 31, 2022

Shortcut to edit group info

• If you need to edit your group’s basic information, you can now easily get to that page using the “Edit group info” button on your group’s homepage.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

March 30, 2022

Sync events to a personal calendar

• We have returned the ability for you to sync the events you’re attending with your personal calendar. You can now add your Meetup events to Google calendar, iCal, Outlook, or RSS.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

March 28, 2022

Checklist for new organizers

• When new organizers create their first group, they will see a checklist on their homepage to help them get their group going. The checklist will prompt you to complete important tasks like: create your first event, add a profile picture, add a group photo, and more.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

March 22, 2022

Indoor/outdoor event venue filter

• We have launched a new filter on Event Search that allows you to filter by venue type.
• The “Any type” filter is renamed to “Any venue.” Under this filter there are five options: Any venue, Online, In person, Indoor only, & Outdoor only
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, iOS, Android

March 15, 2022

Requesting new topics

• We have moved the form to request a new group topic. If you don’t see a topic that fits your group, you can request it from your Basic Group Settings page in the search bar. The form will appear if there are no search results.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

March 14, 2022

New Groups on the homepage

• We are promoting new groups on the homepage, making them easier to find than ever! When new groups start in your area, you’ll see them on your homepage when you log in.
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

March 2, 2022

New Groups on the Find page

• We are making it easier to find new groups (< 30 days old) find new groups’ events.
• We have added an option in the Category Filter on the Find Events & Find Groups page where you can filter event and group search results by “new groups.”
  • Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, iOS, Android
• We added a dedicated section with events from new groups on the Explore page.
  • Platform: iOS & Android

February 22, 2022

Creating a new event from the homepage

• Thanks to organizer feedback, we have re-added the ability for anyone on a group’s leadership team to easily create an event directly from your homepage. 
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

February 17, 2022

New organizer onboarding test

• We are testing a slightly different series of steps for organizers creating their first group. This flow encourages organizers to create their first event and share their group.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

February 16, 2022

Rich text in event descriptions

• Organizers now have the ability to edit event descriptions by adding bold text, italicized text, bullet points, numbered items, and hyperlinked text!
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, iOS, Android

February 15, 2022

New groups on the notifications page

• We want groups to grow as quickly as possible when they are first created. That’s why we have launched a test that highlights new groups on a member’s notifications page.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

February 10, 2022

Removal of event data feeds

• Meetup will no longer support group events data feeds in the following output formats: ATOM, JSON & CSV. We will continue to support the RSS event feed. If you are using ATOM, JSON or CSV feeds, please migrate to the RSS feed for your group.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

Improvements to the Meetup Pro Dashboard

• It’s now possible for Meetup Pro organizers to view what role(s) a member in your network has for any groups they are a part of. 
• We updated the role filter on the Members tab of the Pro Dashboard to ensure accurate results.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

February 8, 2022

Redesigned homepage experience— Phase 3

• The new homepage is live for 100% of members!
• What’s new?
  • A calendar
  • Suggested events toggle
  • Your next event
  • Your groups
  • Your interests
  • A redesigned “your events” page
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

Copying events now copies the event’s start time

• When you copy an event, the event’s start time now remains the same as the event you copied
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, iOS, Android 

January 28, 2022

New Group Announcements on notifications page

• We want to get your group in front of as many members as possible. In addition to new groups being announced by email, we are testing new group announcements on the Notifications page. 
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

Email sent when a photo is uploaded

• We fixed an issue was prevented email notifications when someone uploaded a photo to groups and events. You can opt in or opt out of these emails in your email settings.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, iOS, Android

February 22, 2022

Creating a new event from the homepage

• Thanks to organizer feedback, we have re-added the ability for anyone on a group’s leadership team to easily create an event directly from your homepage. 
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

February 17, 2022

New organizer onboarding test

• We are testing a slightly different series of steps for organizers creating their first group. This flow encourages organizers to create their first event and share their group.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

February 16, 2022

Rich text in event descriptions

• Organizers now have the ability to edit event descriptions by adding bold text, italicized text, bullet points, numbered items, and hyperlinked text!
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, iOS, Android

February 15, 2022

New groups on the notifications page

• We want groups to grow as quickly as possible when they are first created. That’s why we have launched a test that highlights new groups on a member’s notifications page.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

February 10, 2022

Removal of event data feeds

• Meetup will no longer support group events data feeds in the following output formats: ATOM, JSON & CSV. We will continue to support the RSS event feed. If you are using ATOM, JSON or CSV feeds, please migrate to the RSS feed for your group.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

Improvements to the Meetup Pro Dashboard

• It’s now possible for Meetup Pro organizers to view what role(s) a member in your network has for any groups they are a part of. 
• We updated the role filter on the Members tab of the Pro Dashboard to ensure accurate results.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

February 8, 2022

Redesigned homepage experience— Phase 3

• The new homepage is live for 100% of members!
• What’s new?
  • A calendar
  • Suggested events toggle
  • Your next event
  • Your groups
  • Your interests
  • A redesigned “your events” page
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

Copying events now copies the event’s start time

• When you copy an event, the event’s start time now remains the same as the event you copied
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, iOS, Android 

January 28, 2022

New Group Announcements on notifications page

• We want to get your group in front of as many members as possible. In addition to new groups being announced by email, we are testing new group announcements on the Notifications page. 
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

Email sent when a photo is uploaded

• We fixed an issue was prevented email notifications when someone uploaded a photo to groups and events. You can opt in or opt out of these emails in your email settings.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, iOS, Android

January 20, 2022

‘Step up’ banner on the homepage

• Your favorite group lost its organizer? When an organizer steps down from a group, you will see a banner that allows you to step up as the new organizer right from the homepage. This will give you a chance to keep the group going. 
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

January 3, 2022

‘Delete group’ button has moved

• If you need to close your group, you can now find that option on your Group Settings page. 
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

December 22, 2021

Increased character limit for event descriptions

• Need more words? You can now have up to 5000 characters in your event descriptions, allowing you to include more information to communicate the details of your event to your members.  
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, iOS, Android

December 21, 2021

More ‘Share’ options for groups and events

• In addition to Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, you can now share your group and events directly via email. Clicking on the email option will open up your default email client. Huzzah! 
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

December 20, 2021

COVID safety measures are easier to find

• The COVID-19 safety measures are easier to find when scheduling an event; you can now add safety features without having to select a venue first.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, iOS, Android

December 14, 2021

Two-factor authentication for blocked members

• We take your safety very seriously, but sometimes, we might have taken it a tad too far. If your account becomes mistakenly blocked for suspicious activity, you can now unblock yourself through a two-factor authentication email, without having to check in with our support team. 
• Platform: iOS, Android

December 7, 2021

Subscription checkout improvements

• We’ve updated the checkout flow to be mobile friendly to make it easier to select and pay for a new subscription.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

November 30, 2021

Language toggle for guests

• Guests can now choose the language they view Meetup in via the language toggle in the upper right-hand corner of any guest pages.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

Rich Text Formatting & Video Embeds enabled on group homepage

• You asked, we listened! Organizers can now add rich text formatting (such as bold, italic, bullets, numbering, and hyperlinks) in their groups’ descriptions. 
• Organizers can also embed a video from YouTube or Vimeo directly on their group’s homepage.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web, Apps (display only, editing coming soon) 

November 29, 2021

COVID safety measures in RSVP confirmation email

• The RSVP confirmation email now displays any COVID safety measures set by the Event Host so members who are attending in-person events have easy access to that important information.
• Platform: All

November 23, 2021

Online Event URLs update

• It’s now easier and faster for Event Hosts to add a valid videoconferencing URL into the Online Events field. 
• Platform: All

November 18, 2021

Forgot Password improvements

• We all forget our passwords sometimes and it shouldn’t be hard to fix that. So we built a faster, more reliable Forgot Password tool.
• Platform: All

November 8, 2021

Improvements to Event Scheduler

• Event Scheduler is critical to make sure Event Hosts can reliably create and host events every. single. time. We updated the page to make it more reliable and performant. 
• Platform: All

November 2, 2021

Timezone in Event Scheduler

• When creating a new event, you can now see the timezone the event is being created in.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

October 28, 2021

It’s easier to join Meetup

• It should be easy to join Meetup to find or create a community. So we’ve begun to roll out an all new Sign Up page.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

October 11, 2021

A NEW Group Stats page

• We have launched a redesigned Group Stats page with three interactive charts:
  1. Group joins
  2. RSVPs
  3. Total/Active Members
• You can also download the last 3 years of data into a .CSV file.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

September 30, 2021

Upgrade to Meetup Pro

• Upgrading to Meetup Pro unlocks some great features. So we’ve added a few prompts across the platform to show where and how Meetup Pro can drive more value for organizers.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

September 30, 2021

COVID-19 Safety Measures

• Safety is one of our biggest priorities in these unprecedented times. This feature allows organizers to select COVID-19 safety preferences in the event scheduler and have those preferences displayed on the event page for members to see. This includes selecting if the event is: outdoors or indoors, if a mask is required or not, and/or if proof of vaccination is required or not. 
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web
• Read more on the blog past, Safely Meeting in Person—How to Navigate the New Normal

September 29, 2021

A new login page for all!

• We updated the login page to make it more stable, easier to use, and even more secure than before. We also made some UX improvements including the ability to hide/show your password amongst other updates. 
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

September 28, 2021

Calendar for past events

• The Your Events page calendar now appears for past events! When a member selects a date that is in the past, the page switches to Past mode, and loads events from that date.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

Event-level topics

• Topics help members find events on Meetup. Organizers can now specify up to 5 topics when they are scheduling or editing an event. By default, an event will inherit the first 5 topics from the group’s topics but hosts can remove, replace, or add topics. If no topics are added or removed, the event will be published with the default 5 group topics.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

September 23, 2021

Google Pay

• Hooray, accelerated payments are here! Google Pay is now available for Organizers to pay with during checkout.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web & Android

September 14, 2021

Auto-loading of more events on Your Events and Find page

• Events will now load automatically as you scroll instead of having to click to load more.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

Dot indicators on Your Events calendar

• Green dots now appear on Your Events calendar to indicate if you are RSVPd to or have saved an event.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

September 8, 2021

Delete group draft

• We get it, plans change. Organizers who started a group but want to delete their draft can now permanently do so via a link on their homepage.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

September 1, 2021

Sunset Files, Polls, and Feed

• In order for us to move more quickly when maintaining Meetup and building new features, we have removed the Files, Polls, and Feed features.
• Organizers can get access to old Files by contacting support.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

Multiple Canadian tax IDs

• Canadian organizers can now input multiple tax IDs to become tax exempt when they purchase a subscription.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

August 31, 2021

Improved topics and categories

• In order to make sure Meetup is getting members to the groups that fit them best, we’re working on a better way to organize our topics and interests. Fun facts:
  • Topics are what organizers use to tell Meetup what their groups and events are about. 
  • Interested are what members use to tell Meetup what they are interested in.
• We previously debuted this update on the search page. This time, we’ve launched the updated topics and interests across the product.
• This update includes updating the topics assigned to existing groups.
• Platform: All

August 27, 2021

Homepage enhancements

• We heard feedback from members who were having trouble finding their upcoming events. So we added a more prominent button to navigate to Your Events page.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

August 26, 2021

Your Events page enhancements

• We received feedback that it was frustrating to have to click “Apply filter” after each change made on the Your Events page. So, we fixed that! On the Your Events page, you no longer have to click “Apply filter”. The events auto-reload when you toggle the filters.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

August 9, 2021

New photo upload tool in Pro Dashboard

• The Pro Dashboard is now using the new photo upload tool.
• This completes the rollout of this new photo upload tool across the entire product! 🎉
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

New Group Settings page in apps

• The iOS & Android apps now support the updated Group Settings page.
• Platform: iOS & Android

August 4, 2021

New logged-in home experience full launch

• After considerable testing, we’ve launched the redesigned homepage experience to all Meetup members worldwide. It includes a new homepage, Your Events page, Your Groups page, Find page, and Notifications page.
• Read more about it in the blog post Get Acquainted with Meetup’s New Logged-in Look.
• Just because it’s live, doesn’t mean we’re done. We are still happily accepting feedback.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

Returning members bug fixed

• Long-time members who returned to Meetup often encountered a bug that effectively locked them out. That’s not a great welcome back, so we’ve fixed it by creating an easy way for them to view and agree to our updated Terms & Conditions pages.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

July 28, 2021

New logged-in home experience pre-launch

• We’ve been testing and building a new, redesigned homepage experience for members and organizers. As of today, we’ve begun to roll it out to 10% of Meetup members.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

July 27, 2021

Displaying time in your local timezone

• For online events, the event page now displays the event’s time in a guest/member’s system time instead of the group’s local time. This makes it easier for attendees to know when to show up for events.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

July 26, 2021

New photo upload tool in apps

• The new, improved photo upload tool has been launched in the iOS & Android apps.
• Platform: iOS & Android

July 15, 2021

Improved topics and categories

• In order to make sure Meetup is getting members to the groups that fit them best, we’re working on a better way to organize our topics and interests. Fun facts:
  • Topics are what organizers use to tell Meetup what their groups and events are about. 
  • Interested are what members use to tell Meetup what they are interested in.
• When searching for events or groups (on the web at www.meetup.com/find or on the apps’ Explore screen), you’ll see an updated categories filter.
• Platform: All

July 14, 2021

New photo upload tool on event scheduler

• The event scheduler now supports the new photo upload tool when uploading a featured photo to your event.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

July 13, 2021

New Event Home on Android

• The Android app has released a redesigned Event Homepage that better highlights the event’s date, time, and description.
• Platform: Android

Pro Network Sponsors

• This feature allows Meetup Pro Network Admins to add sponsors in their network settings. Sponsors appear across all of the groups and events within the network.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

June 29, 2021

Saved cards for Dues and Organizer Subscriptions

• During checkout, Members and Organizers can now choose from a list of saved credit/debit cards for member dues or organizer subscriptions, and add a new card to save to their list
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

June 25, 2021

Rolling out our new photo upload tool

• The new photo upload tool has begun to roll out to Meetup members. We are continuing to test and improve this new tool and can’t wait to offer it to everyone soon.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

June 24, 2021

New GraphQL API documentation

• The new GraphQL API documentation is live! This documentation is your guide to authentication, querying, and publishing with Meetup’s GraphQL API. The API is one of the awesome features that is a part of Meetup Pro.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

June 15, 2021

New logged-out homepage

• The redesigned logged-out homepage, which has been in testing for a few months, has been rolled out to all Meetup users, worldwide.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

Cleaned up some older pieces that no longer work

• We cleaned up an old page that allowed organizers to print name tags and table cards (with our old logo :-O).
• Previously, groups were able to customize their page backgrounds and colors. In order for us to move more quickly in upgrading these older pages, we’ve removed this feature.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

New account profile page

• The new account profile page has been launched to all Meetup members.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

June 9, 2021

Group Topics page merged into Basic Group Settings page 

• Organizers can now add and edit group topics on the Basic Settings page
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

June 2, 2021

Better group drafts

• Organizers who already have an active group can now create a draft of a new group instead of having to complete it all at once.
• Platform: Desktop/Mobile Web

The post What’s New at Meetup: Product Release Notes appeared first on Meetup Blog.

A major upgrade is coming to the Meetup app, and it’s sure to enhance your experience of finding friends. Member profiles are getting not just a slick new design, but a whole array of features that will make it easier than ever before to share things about yourself and learn more about others on the app.

Discover how updating your profile will help you connect anytime, anywhere with people who share your interests. 

What’s new about member profiles

The goal of this upgrade is to make event attendees a more significant part of the overall Meetup app experience. When scoping out potential events in the past, you might only see event attendees’ names and a tiny picture of them. Now, member profiles will feature: 

• Larger photo options, ideal for uploading high-resolution headshots
• A “Shared in common” section, highlighting how you might relate to fellow members 
• More prominent displays for name, bio, and location information 
• A “Looking to” section where you can describe what you aim to get out of the Meetup experience, using a list of pre-written options like “networking,” “making friends,” and “support”  
• The option to include a short bio (250 characters max) where you can share more about yourself in your own words
• A refreshed, modern, and mobile-friendly design

How these improved member profiles will create more connection

With their fresh redesign, member profiles will become more of a destination on the Meetup app. Event attendees can dive into the RSVP list and find out more about who’s going to be there. You could strike up a conversation with someone new, days before the event takes place, then have an easier time deepening that connection in person. 

The mobile aspect of member profiles means you connect wherever, whenever. Plus, the larger picture format lets you showcase yourself better to future friends who may also be perusing the RSVP list.  

Deeper into the member profile, the “Looking to” section allows you to be more intentional about your Meetup experience and your reasons for joining. Instead of wondering if people like you are looking for friends too, or looking to expand their professional networks, you can make it crystal clear from the get-go. 

Then, the “About me” section and the personal bio let you share your story more intimately. Whether you’re exploring a new city after moving, searching for couple activities, or changing careers, your situation may resonate with someone else on Meetup who joined for a similar purpose. If you’re a software engineer with a passion for global cuisine, or a shy Star Wars fan and labradoodle-owner looking for new hiking buddies, just say so! Once you RSVP for a few events and people check out your profile, the Meetup community will work its magic.

How to get started on your member profile 

An important note: the only way to see another member’s full profile is by updating your own.  

These new and improved member profiles create a mutually beneficial situation. There’s a level of trust and commitment that goes hand-in-hand with the ability to see more personal information on the app, and Meetup always strives to be a more inclusive platform. It seems only fair that you have to put yourself out there and update your profile in order to see someone else’s full profile. It’s a two-way street.  

The goal is that, by getting to know a bit about fellow attendees beforehand, people will find events less intimidating and be more inclined to join. 

To get started, simply download the Meetup app. Tap on the upper right icon where your photo appears (or where your name appears if you haven’t uploaded a photo yet). From there, you’ll be prompted to update your profile using all the new features! 

Learn more about Member+, a subscription designed for sparking friendships!

The post New and Improved Member Profiles appeared first on Meetup Blog.

Meetup’s product team is always working to provide a more seamless experience for the Meetup community. Watch this recording with Johnson Tang, Lead Product Manager; Colin-Pierre Larnerd, Customer Support & Operations Manager; Alex Marden, Customer Support Content Lead; and Brian Munn, Senior Lifecycle Marketing Manager for an overview of the latest updates. Hear about features launched to help you engage with members, find new members, and increase RSVPs. 

Timestamps:

Things we did to…

• Help Organizers Get More Members and RSVPs (2:24)
  • Personalizing Every Touchpoint (2:51)
  • New Automations to Spur Activity (5:15)
  • Search Improvements (7:16)
  • Search by Time of Day (8:23)
  • Your Interests on Home (8:46)
  • Explore Events on Home (9:27)
  • Explore Events on Post-RSVP (9:49)
  • Goal Setting Experiment (10:12)
  • PRO: Speaker Section (10:50)
  • Increase Registrations (11:35)
• Help Organizers Manage and Engage With Members Better (12:19)
  • Event Chat Improvements (12:27)
  • Post Event Feedback (13:42)
  • Group Photos Improvements (15:27)
  • Organizer App Improvements (16:12)
• Improve The Stability and Performance of Meetup (16:34)
  • Infrastructure Improvements (16:49)
  • Accessibility (17:49)
• Sneak Peak (18:19)
  • Hybrid Events (18:27)
  • Discount Ticket Pricing (19:04)
• Q&A (19:28)

Top Q&A Questions and Resources:

• What makes Event Chat real-time and Event Comments not real-time?
  • JT: Event Chat and Event Comments are different things. Chat has its own area. Event Comments show up on your event’s page. So think of Event Chat as a group text messaging app. As soon as someone writes something into the Event Chat, everyone who’s in that chat will see the message and get notified. Now Event Comments, that’s the section that lives on the event homepage and behaves as a message board. Another key difference is Event Comments will live on the event homepage forever, but Event Chats disappear a couple of weeks after the event has passed.
• How are ratings and event feedback presently being used by Meetup?
  • JT: Currently, it’s primarily for organizers to know what’s working well and what can be improved so they can get more people to join, come back, and recommend the group to their friends. We are thinking about the right way to surface this for guests and members, but we have to be careful and responsible about how we do this because ratings can be a double-edged sword. Ratings can negatively impact a group if there are bad apples deliberately and unfairly trying to harm a group’s reputation and if the organizer doesn’t agree, it’s difficult to mediate that in a fair way. We are being careful that we don’t do more harm than good.
• Can you speak to any plans to make it easier for members to find online meetings right across the world?
  • JT: Currently in search, there is a filter that just searches for all events using the default parameters. It’s a robot that uses a bunch of different signals to figure out what’s the best events to suggest. If people want to only specifically look for online events, there is a filter that allows them to just choose online events. When you choose online, we expand the distance range because we recognize that if it’s an online meeting, you’re not bound by your location anymore. In search, there’s a filter you can switch to in-person or online events.

Resources:

• Sign up to be a participant in our next user feedback session, here
• Stay up to date with the latest updates and product releases from the Meetup team on Meetup’s blog
• Join the Organizer Discord Community 

The post Recording | Product Update: Spring 2023 appeared first on Meetup Blog.

Member+ is the latest development in our decades-long project of helping people keep connected. This new monthly subscription will allow members to join an elite cohort of the most dedicated Meetup members. It also opens up access to a whole suite of exciting features and benefits, some previously offered only to organizers, and others brand new. Learn more about what makes Member+ so special, how it’s going to amplify community togetherness, and how you can subscribe today. 

How Member+ works   

In the past, there were three membership tiers you could choose from: Member, Organizer, and Pro Organizer. Now there’s a tier between Member and Organizer that gives active community members the opportunity to customize their experience and gain some organizer capabilities, all at a lower monthly fee than the Organizer tier. Check out these Member+ benefits. 

Member+ badge 

Every member who gets a premium subscription will receive a distinct Member+ badge attached to their profile. It’s an easy way to stand out from the crowd and demonstrate that you’re an active, invested community participant. Whenever you RSVP, send a message, or appear throughout the app, other members will know that you’re Member+.  

Priority event announcements

Say goodbye to event waitlists. As of January 2023, Member+ subscribers will hear about new events as they are announced before the rest of Meetup.

An ad-free experience of Meetup across all platforms

Member+ provides you more of what you love, and less of what you don’t. Subscribers to this tier won’t see ads appear on the Meetup app or on the website. This includes ads that normally appear on pages, as well as those that appear after you register for events.

Custom app icons

When you become a Member+ subscriber, you get access to unique app icons designed in-house by the Meetup team. This allows you to swap out the existing Meetup logo on your phone’s home screen, and replace it with a unique and personalized icon. From a range of images (some available only for a limited time), you can choose the custom icon that best represents you and how you use Meetup.

Prioritized support

Whenever you have questions, Meetup will be ready to assist. All Member+ members have prioritized access to the resources of Meetup’s Community Support team. 

Early access to pre-released features

The presence of new premium members can actually improve your own experience as a group organizer. 

As a result of the Member+ badge, you’ll be able to easily identify this self-selecting group of the most engaged Meetup members. Recruiting passionate folks to host events or become assistant organizers is a great way to share the responsibility of leadership and expand your group. 

Why Member+ is a big deal for organizers, too 

If your Meetup membership is in the Organizer tier, you’ll automatically get all of the features that Member+ subscribers receive. Plus, your capabilities on Meetup will continue to be more widespread compared to those of the Member and Member+ tiers. 

The presence of new premium members can actually improve your own experience as a group organizer. 

As a result of the Member+ badge, you’ll be able to easily identify this self-selecting group of the most engaged Meetup members. Recruiting passionate folks to host events or become assistant organizers is a great way to share the responsibility of leadership and expand your group. 

How to subscribe to Member+  

Starting in mid-December, when you log in through the latest version of the  Meetup app and visit your profile screen, you’ll be prompted with a screen that has simple instructions for becoming a Member+ member. The small subscription fee of $3.99 per month will allow you to experience all of the above features through the app. 

If you want to see what it’s like to have Member+ benefits, you can opt for a seven-day free trial period. When you do become a subscriber, the monthly fee will be auto-renewed, giving you one less thing to worry about as your social life grows.

Become a premium member of Meetup by subscribing to Member+ today!

The post Meetup Member+: Learn about our Premium Member Subscription appeared first on Meetup Blog.

Close out 2022 with an update from Meetup’s tech teams. Watch Meetup’s CTO and CPO, Rajib Ahmed; VP of Product, Prerna Singh; and product managers Johnson Tang and Ashley DeGianelli, share an end-of-year review and a preview of what’s ahead in 2023. They will present an overview of plans for improving our communication tools and discuss upcoming features for the Meetup for Organizers app. Learn about all the ways Meetup will be making it easier to engage with your communities more effectively everywhere you go! 

Timestamps:

• Intro (0:54)
• H2 2022 Updates (3:31)
  • Group Tipping (3:51)
  • Meetup for Organizers App (6:06)
  • Event Ratings (7:10)
  • Event Chat (8:22)
  • New Photo Albums (9:50)
  • Speaker Section (10:37)
• Event Chat Deep Dive (11:25)
  • Why Event Chat? (11:36)
  • Our Vision (12:54)
  • Event Chat Uses (13:37)
• Organizer App Deep Dive (16:55)
  • Why an Organizer App? (17:13)
  • Our Vision (18:19)
  • Organizer App Goals (18:54)
• Tech at Meetup in 2023 (24:55)
  • Evolving Areas (25:03)
    • Discovery (25:38)
    • Tools (26:55)
    • Notifications (30:27)
    • Security (31:26)
• Building Meetup (32:30)
• Q&A (36:14)

Top Q&A Questions and Resources:

• Now that there is Event Chat, will Event Comments be removed?
  • Ashley: It’s certainly a consideration. There are certain things that Event Chat does really well, it’s real-time, and it’s accessible across all the platforms, which is not the case for Comments. It might feel like there’s duplication between the two tools, but right now Event Chat doesn’t have all the features that Comments do. Removing Comments is not something we’re considering in the immediate future.
• Is there a plan to allow for multiple Speaker Profiles? We often have panels with multiple speakers.
  • Prerna: That is great feedback. Right now we launched with only one speaker profile, but that is definitely something we should consider. I’ll take that back to the product team and see what we can do about that.
• What does it mean by “signal” in the signal and notifications slide?
  • Rajib: One of the things that Meetup does in order to find the best recommendations for our members is to match based on the interests of members. Many members don’t tell us their interests, but they show us through the events they search for and the events that they’ve joined in groups. When we say “signals”, we mean there’s information that we can leverage to give more accurate recommendations. These are part of our machine learning algorithms, to determine other types of events that we can surface, as well, as some level of randomization minimization that goes into what we recommend. We use many different signals to be able to give recommendations.
• How does the Meetup for Organizers app affect the desktop website?
  • JT: So underneath the covers, it’s still all the same data, it’s still in the same place. So if you update something in any of the apps, and you go into the web, it will be updated there and vice versa. We’ve made sure that every piece of both the apps and the desktop is constantly talking to each other. We believe it’s important to keep everything in sync. Now as I mentioned before, some features are only available on certain platforms. This is because some features make more sense on certain platforms. When we’re building out a new feature, sometimes we would choose a platform, either desktop or app, and build it there first to make sure it’s great.

Resources:

• Sign up to be a participant in our next user feedback session here
• Stay up to date with the latest updates and product releases from the Meetup team on Meetup’s Community Matters blog here
• Join the Meetup Organizer Community on Discord to meet fellow organizers, get advice from mentors, and hear updates. 

The post Recording | That’s a Wrap on 2022: Tech Update appeared first on Meetup Blog.

The addition of Event Chat to Meetup’s communication toolbox is (if we do say so ourselves) quite a big deal. A real-time conversation embedded within a Meetup event page, this chat will open up a whole new world of connections. 

For over two decades, Meetup has provided a platform to help people find and build local communities. During that time, Meetup events have brought people together to interact, ask questions, learn, laugh, and form bonds. Now, with Event Chat, you can enjoy all of those same things between events, too.  

From an organizer perspective, Event Chat represents a seismic shift in the ability to make sure people who RSVPed actually show up to your event. You can let people know more about your event and your group at lightning speed, helping you establish a rapport with potential new group members before the event begins. Plus, you can ask members what they want out of the event and get real-time replies, helping you shape or modify your plan on the fly. If you’re a group member, you can use the chat to ask questions about an event and get real-time responses from the event host. 

Overall, Event Chat is designed to help members feel like they’re part of a thriving and active community that doesn’t disappear when an event ends.  

How Event Chat works and where to find it 

On the right hand side of an event page underneath the date and time of the event, there is a button for Event Chat. Clicking the button enters you into the chat, where you can ask questions, make comments, or simply follow the conversation. By joining the Event Chat, you’ll be opted into push notifications as new chat messages occur.

There’s also a simple opt-out for group members who haven’t registered for an event and no longer need chat notifications. Just go to the event homepage and click “Leave Event Chat.”

Who can use Event Chat

An earlier version of Event Chat was available to some Meetup organizers. This version only allowed members who had RSVPed to an event to join the Event Chat.  

But from here on out, Event Chat is available to all Meetup members and organizers! Based on feedback from organizers during beta testing, we’ve decided to open Event Chat to all group members, not just those who have already RSVPed to the event. 

Event Chat makes it easy for more members to participate in group discussions, but we want to ensure Meetup organizers remain in the driver’s seat. Organizers and event hosts will have the ability to moderate the chat by deleting messages that don’t contribute to the conversation or violate the rules of the group.  

Why Event Chat is a useful game-changer   

There’s no need to be coy: Event Chat is a serious upgrade from event comments, the existing way to communicate on an event page. Where comments are static, old-fashioned, and impersonal, Event Chat is lively, sleek, and feels like a genuine conversation. Event Chat supports: 

• Photo sharing 
• Link previews 
• Emoji reactions to messages 
• Visible timestamps for messages
• Sharing pdf documents 

If you’re an organizer or event host, you can get a daily email summary of the chat. This will help you stay current on what’s exciting the group and where there may be room for improvement in your event planning. An active chat function helps questions get answered efficiently, leading to far fewer no-shows. Even when you leave the Meetup app, you can keep up with the conversation via push notifications triggered each time a message is sent. 

Start chatting today 

The goal is always to facilitate connection in both simple and long-lasting ways. With that in mind, the Event Chat tool will keep evolving as members and organizers share their experience. For example, there are already plans to add features like message threading and more sophisticated chat moderation tools for organizers.  

A life-like conversation is at your fingertips. Try it out before your next event. Afterward, keep connected by joining the Event Chat for another upcoming event!

The post Event Chat: Meetup’s Latest Communication Innovation appeared first on Meetup Blog.

The Meetup for Organizers app is getting a powerful new update that will revolutionize the attendance-taking aspect of the events you host. With Event Check-In, you no longer have to guesstimate your attendance figures or waste time arranging pen and paper sign-in sheets. But that’s far from the only benefit of this exciting new tool. So read more about how Event Check-In works and all the ways it’s going to make your life easier.  

The basics of Event Check-In   

When members register for your event, they will be automatically added to the Attending list. Using this list, you’ll be able to quickly and effectively mark who has arrived, know exactly how many remaining guests you’re expecting, and be able to easily monitor no-shows. 

Event Check-In is built with a mobile-friendly interface so you can use it on-the-go, and so that your screen time can be limited while you’re enjoying the event. To check in a guest, all you have to do is swipe their attendee card right to check them in, or swipe left to mark them as absent. For smaller gatherings, you can also do a bulk check-in to mark everyone present at once.

Event Check-In is easily accessed via the event info section within the Meetup for Organizers app. You can start checking in attendees an hour before the event starts, and up to 24 hours after the event has ended. After that, you can always go to the Attending list for the event and update attendance there. In a future update, the Event Check-In feature will become available to all event hosts, even if they are not one of the Meetup group’s organizers.  

How Event Check-In is changing the game  

The benefits of a quick and simple check-in process are going to make event-hosting an even more enjoyable, rewarding, and efficient experience. By taking advantage of this new offering, you can: 

• Plan ahead for teams or smaller breakout groups — Some Meetup events, like pickup soccer in the park or an urban scavenger hunt, require the group to be temporarily split up. Knowing your exact number of attendees is crucial for this type of event. Event Check-In makes that responsibility so much easier. 

• Store event attendance info within the app — As an organizer, it can be extremely useful to reference past event attendance sheets as a way of learning more about what members of your group like to do. With Event-Check In, all of that info will be categorized and accessed for you to review. You can add a no-show flag to attendees who RSVPed “yes” but never came. And you can even distinguish between no-shows and absences (people who RSVPed yes, but let you know beforehand that they would no longer be able to make it).  

• Avoid guest stress — Event Check-In allows you to see which guests are planning to bring a guest, and how many guests each of them are going to bring. This way, you won’t be caught off guard by a suddenly bigger-than-you-expected event.  

• View profile info about your attendees — Preparation is an organizer’s best friend. Through Event Check-In, you can access some simple but helpful data about your event attendees before they arrive. For example, you can track whether they have paid the event fee (when applicable) or see if a certain attendee is joining one of your group’s events for the first time. Plus, you can view every attendee’s name and profile photo, which makes the social aspect of hosting stress-free.  

• See a real-time progress bar — This feature automatically, and in a visually pleasing way, tracks how many attendees you’ve checked in and marked absent to your event. Located at the bottom of the Event Check-In tool within the app, the progress bar is great for a quick glance while you’re still in the action of hosting.  

• Track no-shows — The no-show feature in Event Check-In allows you to distinguish between attendees who did not attend the event (absences) and no-shows, a special flag that lets you mark who RSVPed as attending, but didn’t provide an indication that they wouldn’t come. A no-show flag is an optional tool for organizers who want to keep track of group members who have inconsistent attendance. Some groups even have a policy of being removed from the group after three no-shows. 

Check out Check-In!  

Try out Event Check-In for yourself by downloading the Meetup for Organizers app today. If you already have the app, be sure to update it so you have the most recent version that includes this powerful new tool. Stay up to date with the latest in Meetup features. 

The post New to Meetup: the Event Check-In Feature for Organizers appeared first on Meetup Blog.

There are often costs associated with organizing a group and hosting events. The first up-front cost for organizers is the subscription fee that enables you to host events on Meetup’s platform. But in addition to that, it’s not unusual for events to require a bit of investment, whether that money is going to venue booking, equipment rentals, food and drink, or other items that raise the overhead of running an active community. 

You don’t have to shoulder all of these expenses on your own. Now it’s easier than ever to offset the various costs of organizing through Meetup’s new Fundraising feature! Meetup is teaming up with Pledge, a secure payment collection company, to allow organizers to collect voluntary contributions from group members. 

U.S.-based groups have the option to enable a fundraising campaign tied to their group, which can be done on the website when logged into an organizer account. Learn more about this exciting partnership and how to start Fundraising today. 

What is the new Fundraising feature? 

Crowdsourcing some investment for your group can take your events (and your connections!) to the next level. The new Fundraising feature allows people to make voluntary donations to your group. Although group members are the main audience for monetary contributions, a person does not need to be a group member in order to donate to a group fundraiser.  

When you start a new fundraiser, you’ll set a certain amount of money as your fundraising goal. This number will be visible to everyone, as well as a tracker showing your fundraising progress. As a group organizer, you can adjust your fundraising goal at any time. 

Speaking of time, fundraisers have no time limit. Plus, you can receive funding that exceeds the goal amount you set. 100% of all donated funds go directly to you, the organizer, after subtracting a small credit card service fee, which is about 3%. This is made possible by Meetup’s partnership with Pledge.

What is Pledge?    

Pledge is a company that provides quick, easy, and most importantly, secure payment options for fundraising. They’ve helped connect and empower people supporting all kinds of impactful causes around the world.  

If you want to start fundraising for your Meetup group, just sign up for a free Pledge account and enter your bank deposit information. Then, when people make donations, the process of actually receiving those funds becomes totally hassle-free. 

You can easily find out who has donated to your fundraiser using the Pledge dashboard within your Pledge account. You can even access the Pledge dashboard directly from Meetup through your group fundraiser settings. For more information on creating a Pledge account and starting a fundraiser for your Meetup group, check out the Help Center.

How Fundraising looks from a member perspective  

Although donations are powered by Pledge, they take place directly within the Meetup platform, so members can rest easy knowing their payments are safe and going to be used as intended. Members can also be assured that group organizers see their specific donations. However, there is an anonymous donation option available to anybody who prefers it. The minimum donation amount for every fundraiser is $2. 

When you start a new fundraiser, U.S.-based members will see an invitation to donate on your group homepage below the Discussions section. You can also tie Fundraising initiatives to your events—this will give members a prompt to donate after registering for a specific event. Once the event begins, another donation prompt will appear to attendees. 

You can also follow up with members after an event and invite them to donate. Just use the contact members feature on your group’s homepage, and send along the link to your fundraiser with a little personalized message thanking everyone for attending. Following that link is a simple way for members to show their appreciation for the community. And it feels more “official” than paying cash or sending money to an organizer’s personal Venmo account.

In addition to their donations, members have the option to leave an extra tip amount to support Meetup’s fundraising infrastructure that charges 0% fees on payments.  

Why you should start using the new Fundraising feature today  

If Meetup’s history has demonstrated anything, it’s the power of community! Not only can you share the cost of an organizer subscription, but Fundraising could help your group broaden its horizons and reach new heights. 

Maybe you want to expand your networking community by advertising online, or perhaps your backyard astronomy club wants to rent out a real observatory for a night. Whatever your reasons are, it’s a wonderful thing for members to be able to voluntarily contribute to the power of your community. 

The Meetup fundraising feature is currently available to organizers and members based in the United States. Non-U.S.-based groups and groups that are part of a sponsorship Meetup Pro network will not have access to fundraising at this time.

The post New to Meetup: Group Fundraising appeared first on Meetup Blog.

Watch this recording with Prerna Singh, VP of Product, and Johnson Tang, Lead Product Manager, for an overview of new Meetup features coming your way! Learn all about the upcoming attendee manager, a tool that will allow organizers to see who’s coming to their events, mark their status, and more. Meetup’s product team will also walk you through the attendance tracker: a highly-anticipated feature that will let organizers record who showed up to an event directly within the Meetup for Organizers app.

Timestamps:

• Agenda (1:07)
• Q2 Updates
  • Web & Mobile Apps (1:42)
  • Web Only (9:08)
  • Meetup Pro (12:06)
  • Mobile Apps (12:32)
• Organizer App (13:21)
  • Why an Organizer App? (13:45)
  • What’s Our Vision? (15:38)
  • What Can You Expect? (16:01)
• New Release
  • Search Past Events (18:03)
• Coming Soon
  • Attendee List (18:59)
  • Event Check-in (20:30)

Top Q&A Questions & Resources:

• Will we be able to mark payments from event attendees?
  • JT: Yes, you will be able to mark payments if it’s a paid event. You’ll be able to mark whether someone has paid or not paid.
• When will the Event Chat be available internationally?
  • Prerna: It is something we are actively investigating right now. We will get back to you on when you can expect that to be rolling out. This also applies to Event Chat and Pledge as well. So stay tuned!
• Can you provide more information on the Meet and Greet event template?
  • JT: Any organizer can try this on the web right now, we’re only testing it on the web. When you go to create an event, the button “schedule” takes you to the page. On the right-hand side, there is an “explore template” or “try template” button. When you click on that, it basically pre-populates the event with a default title, description, and event photo. You can change anything. The idea is that we want to make it easy for you. This is great for when people still don’t know each other and you just want something casual, low commitment to get people to know each other. Set up an online event first, and get people accustomed. It’s not just for new groups, some of our superstar organizers are constantly holding separate Meet & Greets for new members who come. It’s available on the web and it is available now.

Resources:

• Sign up for the event chat beta test
• Download the Meetup for Organizers app
• We’re hiring a product manager to join our team, if any of these problems seem like interesting challenges you would like to solve, please reach out to us here.
• Join the Organizer Discord Community to meet fellow organizers, get advice from mentors, and hear about updates related to Meetup features.

The post Recording | New at Meetup: Product Update appeared first on Meetup Blog.

There’s something about meeting in person that feels so special after years stuck inside, but online events have their own appeal that’s here to stay. Online events save you the trouble of finding a venue and save everyone’s time commuting to the event. Virtual events also have the ability to expand your group to a wider audience for more connections and conversations. Even if your group typically only meets in person, you might find value in adding online events to your calendar. Check out these tips for setting up and hosting a fantastic (and safe!) online event:

1. Set the tone at the beginning

Start the virtual event off right and welcome people as they join, just as you would in person. This step is especially important online, where social cues like body language are harder to read. 

Introduce yourself, share a quick overview for what the event will be like, and set any basic ground rules for the event, such as reminding attendees to mute themselves when they’re not speaking. Both new and returning members should feel comfortable and ready to dive into the event after a warm welcome.

2. Encourage participation

Share the stage and encourage members to join in! Participation possibilities vary depending on how large the event is. For events with hundreds of people, ask attendees to share where they’re calling in from in the chat to keep them engaged and feel like they’re a part of the conversation. Check out these tools to boost engagement in online events.

For smaller groups, encourage attendees to keep their cameras on if they’re comfortable and start the event with an optional icebreaker question to get the conversation rolling, though allow people who aren’t comfortable speaking to a group to listen. Try and identify first-time attendees who may be more reserved, and give them the opportunity to introduce themselves to the group.

3. Have an agenda with time limits and stick to them

It’s a good idea to set a structure for events so that members can have an idea of what to expect. Having a structure can be as simple as sharing the length of your event, or as detailed as having a breakdown of each segment of the event. Communicating your agenda helps align expectations and shows consideration for others’ time. Research indicates that virtual events feel more draining than in-person events so it’s good to keep things short and sweet. Need inspiration for an online event? Check out these examples and their agendas.

4. Break up the event with a variety of content and activities

Keep the event engaging by switching things up and segmenting the event. Avoid long speeches from a single person. Instead, include opportunities for attendees to ask questions and engage with the group. Incorporate images, videos, and polls to bring more energy to a presentation-style event. If there are many attendees, try breakout rooms to make smaller group conversations possible, especially for more reserved participants. Re-group at the end and debrief, allowing members to share anything interesting from the breakout session. 

5. Secure your event

To avoid uninvited guests or disruptions, follow our security guidelines for online events. Require a passcode for the event and restrict participant screen sharing. You can also edit security options while in a meeting. If you’ve never hosted a virtual event before, create a test event by yourself or with a friend to make sure you’re ready to go. Learn from an expert how to use Zoom in this event recording. 

6. Embrace technology

There’s a feature that’s sure to make online event organizing even easier: Meetup’s integration with Zoom! Oganizers can add a Zoom link to an online event with the click of a button. Similar to integrations on Google Calendar, this seamless way to add a link makes setting up online events a breeze. 

Be sure to test your tech in advance—check your internet connection and settings before the event. Bring some fun by encouraging your participants to select a fun virtual background image on Zoom, or try different virtual event platforms to keep things fresh and engaging. Don’t be afraid to try things out, find what works best for your group, and ask for feedback along the way. 

Need help setting up an online event? Check out this guide. 

Online events are an important tool in any community builder’s toolkit, and they offer an easy way to stay connected with your group and make real connections with members across the globe or just across town. Jump into great conversations with friends without leaving home and stay connected with the community you’ve built on Meetup! 

Join Meetup Live for live sessions with expert organizers and more, and check out the event recordings. Listen to Meetup’s podcast, Keep Connected, to learn more about the power of community and how it’s impacted Meetup organizers across the globe. Stay up-to-date with Community Matters and check out other articles like this one in our Organizer Guide. Lastly, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for inspiration, reminders, and tips for finding and building community.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Online Events appeared first on Meetup Blog.