Readers around the world have used Meetup to make their dream book club a reality. The following clubs have gotten creative to build communities that gather regularly to chat about books. Learn how these non-traditional book clubs are bending all of the rules:

You don’t have to read the same book in your book clubs.

To some, reading a required book feels like an assignment rather than a fun hobby. When Samantha created The “Choose Your Own Book” Book Club in Melbourne, Australia, she gave members the freedom to choose their own books. “It’s a book club without the homework,” Samantha explains. “A choose-your-own-book club allows people to come together to share their passion for stories.” 

Sally, co-organizer, adds, “Even though we don’t have a set book, our group never runs out of things to discuss! We don’t mind what you read, we want to hear about it [and] explore the themes it brings up with you.” This style of book club is great for groups who have varying taste in books, but also want to chat about what they’re reading with others! 

You can discuss more than just books in your book clubs.

Books can certainly teach us about new topics, but you don’t have to limit the conversation books! In Seattle, Social Equity Study Group meets monthly to discuss equity and social justice, but branches out beyond the written word. Incorporating podcasts, documentaries, YouTube videos, and more into their studies, this group’s multimedia approach is engaging, adaptable, and meets people where they are. A mixed media style “book” club is a great way to dive deeper into any topic and learn together.

You can take it to the trails!

A book club can be adventurous! In Birmingham, Michigan, Hike with Avid Readers, Learners, and Thinkers gathers monthly for a hike to chat about their recent reads while getting some exercise and fresh air. “I enjoy reading and hiking, which both tend to be solitary activities. By combining them in a Meetup group, we turn them into a social activity where we can meet a variety of new people,” Norm, the organizer, explains. 

In this group, attendees are expected to arrive ready to discuss what they’ve been reading, but they don’t have to all read the same book. “By sharing what we are reading during the hike, we overcome the awkwardness of starting a conversation with a stranger,” Norm adds. If you love the outdoors, getting active, and one-on-one conversations, this style of book club might be for you.

You don’t have to talk.

An introvert’s dream, the Silent Book Club in NYC, Seattle, and online starts events with introductions, followed by an hour of silent reading. Afterward, attendees are invited to share about what they’re reading if they’d like. This optional discussion is similar to a choose-your-own-book club event, but the low-pressure nature of these Meetup events means that anyone who loves to read can join! 

You don’t even have to read the book!

Typically, book club members are supposed to read something in order to participate. In Chicago, the I Haven’t Read the Book Club does away with that expectation. “I was having difficulty finishing the books in time for the book clubs that I signed up for. It was hard to consistently commit to the book clubs I joined, and consistency is key to developing friendships and feeling like you’re ‘part of the club,’” Tierney, the organizer, explains. 

Tierney chooses books that have been turned into movies or books by well-known authors to make it easier for everyone to participate in a discussion. Low-pressure events like these can be great for casual readers looking to build a community around books.

Ready to start your own book club? 

There’s no right or wrong way to organize a book club! Organizers of these book clubs have tips for anyone thinking about starting one: 

Tierney: Figure out exactly what you want to get out of the book club.  If you’re trying to attract a certain demographic (e.g., horror novelists, music lovers, biography bingers), theme your book club in a way that will attract them. If you just want to meet like-minded readers, then start with a book you recently read that really stuck with you. 

Samantha: Group size and acoustics matter! We cap our meetings to no more than 15 people. You don’t want the group to be too big as it’s hard to have one cohesive discussion, plus it gets hard to hear everyone properly. If your group becomes really popular, introduce a small attendance fee. This encourages people to only RSVP if they are truly planning to attend, and it helps pay for organizer fees. 

Norm: Have modest goals for attendance because often the response is small and some people won’t show up. Make sure that you are receiving a net positive benefit from the work that you’ll need to do to organize each event and handle issues as they arise. It needs to be a win-win for you; otherwise, you will burn out. The longer that I run the group, the easier it gets.

Sally: Be open-minded. Some of the perspectives and discussions we’ve had are so thrilling and engaging. I’ve considered things in different ways, learned things, and really listened to experiences and ideas that were new to me.

Share your love of reading with others—start your own book club today.

The post Forget Everything You Know About Book Clubs appeared first on Meetup Blog.

Meetup organizers are always looking for interesting and inspiring ways to get their communities together. But sometimes the most effective method is also the simplest: a party! Everyone loves a good party. The fun and informal setting is perfect for celebrating birthdays, holidays, and milestones. Although some of the best parties are thrown for no reason at all other than relaxing and socializing. 

One of the joys of attending a party is making new friends, which is easy to do when everybody’s enjoying themselves in a no-pressure environment. As the host of a party, you have both the responsibility and the privilege of introducing different groups of friends to one another. 

An excellent party is one that feels natural and takes on a life of its own. The conversation is flowing, every guest feels included, and there’s an almost magical buzz in the air. But don’t just cross your fingers hoping to capture lightning in a bottle—there’s plenty you can do to make sure your party is a hit! Follow these guidelines and your party is guaranteed to be a memorable one. 

Tips for planning, throwing, and enjoying a great party 

With just a little effort and some outside-the-box thinking, your party will be a success from start to finish and leave your guests wondering when the next one will be. Here’s some advice to make your party a smash: 

• Pick a date early — The best way to ensure high attendance at your party is by choosing a date and time well in advance. Share the details with your guest list at least a week or two before the party, but no more than a month out. You don’t want to leave too little or too much time between your invitation and the event itself.   

• Consider a theme — Introduce a unique aspect to your party that will get people excited to attend. It can be as simple as preparing a signature cocktail, or as involved as hosting a Greek Gods & Goddesses costume party. The possibilities are endless! Your theme can be expressed in food and drink, decorations, activities, music, attire, and more. Think less about choosing the right theme and just do anything that sounds fun. It won’t make or break the party on its own. 

• Remember music and lighting matter — Have you ever walked into a party, a bar, or a restaurant and felt something was just a little bit off? That little something that’s hard to put your finger on is usually the ambiance. It’s the mood, the atmosphere, the vibe. You can influence these intangible characteristics with a little forethought about music and lighting. Make a playlist beforehand, listen to it, and imagine you’re at the party. Does it feel right? As for lighting, it shouldn’t be too bright or pitch black. Some cheap string lights will go a long way!  

• Remember too much is better than too little — When it comes to refreshments, it’s better to over-prepare. It’s a party, so embrace the excess! Running out of food or drink may be the number one cause of a party losing its momentum.  

• Give people something to do — People like to contribute. Before the party, you could ask invitees to bring food, drink, games, or even items of decor. If a few guests arrive early, make them feel involved by giving them simple tasks to help you set up. During the party itself, you can plan for specific activities that align with your theme, whether it’s a blind wine tasting, a dance-off, a talent show, or anything else suitable for your group.  

• Take an active role in introductions — As the host, you are the bridge connecting different friend groups who may not know each other well, if at all. To get all of these people having a great time together under one roof, you should facilitate introductions, especially if you notice little side groups not interacting with others. People aren’t generally standoffish, they’re probably just a little shy. You can act as a positive social model and help them circulate. 

• Be careful not to micromanage — There’s a subtle difference between good hosting and being overbearing. Once you’ve done your planning for the party and it gets underway, get ready to expect the unexpected and be okay with it. Parties are a living, breathing thing. They rarely go exactly how you think they will. So don’t force anything—if you notice people are really into dancing, don’t kill the momentum with a new activity just because it’s on the docket.   

Ways to practice your party hosting skills  

Be a party researcher and attend some parties! Check out different kinds of events and see what works. Cast a wide net and attend things like this Bollywood Dance Party on the beach in Chicago, a vintage trolley party through the streets of Dallas, or a Denver stoplight party (where the color of your clothes matches your relationship status). 

When you begin hosting parties yourself, start small. Your first event doesn’t have to be a blowout. Dip a toe in with a small get together, then slowly increase the size of the event by asking guests to bring a friend or two next time.  

You can even get hands-on hosting experience by becoming a co-organizer of a Meetup group, so that you’re collaborating with others and the responsibility is shared. 

The post How to Throw a Great Party appeared first on Meetup Blog.

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.

Hybrid events are a convenient new way to bridge in-person and online events. In the past, organizers who wanted to provide members with both physical and virtual attendance options had to create two separate Meetup events or had to add a Zoom link to the description of an event. 

Now, Meetup Pro organizers can remove the hassle by combining those attendance options into one streamlined event, where attendees simply choose how they want to engage when they register. Follow this guide to learn the basics of hosting a hybrid event, and discover how this new tool can greatly expand the horizons of your growing community.  

Hybrid events are a convenient new way to bridge in-person and online events. In the past, organizers who wanted to provide members with both physical and virtual attendance options had to create two separate Meetup events or had to add a Zoom link to the description of an event. 

Now, Meetup Pro organizers can remove the hassle by combining those attendance options into one streamlined event, where attendees simply choose how they want to engage when they register. Follow this guide to learn the basics of hosting a hybrid event, and discover how this new tool can greatly expand the horizons of your growing community.  

How hybrid events work  

Whenever you create an event on Meetup, you are prompted to enter information into the Location field, starting with the choice between the “In Person” and “Online” tabs. Now, you’ll see a third “Hybrid” tab in the Location field, with its own unique icon. 

Under the “Hybrid” tab, you can enter the physical location of your event, and also provide a link to attend the event online through a video conferencing service like Zoom. In fact, with Meetup’s special Zoom integration, you can create your virtual event link directly within the “Hybrid” tab. 

Later, when members come across your hybrid event and are interested in attending, they will automatically be asked to select how they plan to join. 

How hybrid events benefit organizers 

The days of duplicating events are over! With the new hybrid feature, you can cut down on administrative tasks and avoid situations where members are confused about where to RSVP.

Another helpful tool that hybrid events provide is the ability to set different capacity limits for each attendance option. For example, the venue you use as the physical location may have a limit to the number of people who can attend. But online, you can engage with hundreds, perhaps even thousands of attendees. 

Similarly, you might have different costs associated with people attending in-person or online. The flexible fee feature allows you to customize your ticketing by venue type, so you can charge separate fees depending on how a member attends. 

Hybrid events mean flexibility for Meetup organizers and members alike. Hybrid events extend the reach of an event to a global audience and make an event more accessible for people with disabilities or other obstacles to attending in person. Online components to an event allow for a host of digital tools from event chat options to closed captioning that would be much harder to facilitate for an event that is only in person. 

Overall, when creating a hybrid event on Meetup, you’ll be sure your community members are clearly informed about the different ways they can participate. 

How hybrid events benefit members  

The ability to attend the same event either IRL or online gives Meetup members so much more flexibility in how they approach everything from socializing and hobbying to fitness and career development. 

With this new advantage, your backup plan is settled. For example, imagine you plan to attend a yoga session at the park, but a scheduling issue comes up. Instead of missing out and feeling frustrated, you could still reap the rewards of mind and body by joining the class online, from anywhere! 

And with the confidence of this reliable backup plan in mind, there’s more leeway to be adventurous in RSVPing for future events. Members who sign up for hybrid events will know that the virtual option has them covered, should something like illness, transportation problems, or any other of life’s twists and turns arise. 

Plus, there’s no guesswork involved. When browsing Meetup, members will be able to see at a glance which events offer this helpful accommodation. 

The current beta version and the future of hybrid events

A beta version simply means that Meetup is beginning to roll out the new feature to organizers, and collecting feedback for improvements. While this beta version includes all the capabilities described above, the experience of Meetup Pro organizers during the beta launch will help the tech team develop even more sophisticated tools for flexible event planning. In fact, there are already plans to update the hybrid events feature with enhanced options like:

• The ability to view attendees by venue type in the Meetup for Organizers app and web platform
• The ability to create hybrid events in the Meetup for Organizers app

If you want to take full advantage of event-hosting powers on the cutting edge, start a free 30-day trial of Meetup Pro today. 

The post Introducing the Hybrid Events Feature for Meetup Pro appeared first on Meetup Blog.

Watch Grey Bryson (they/she), a ten-year Starbucks® partner and Coffee Master, who showcases coffees from multiple distinct regions, each on a different brew method. From the Starbucks Reserve ® store at the Empire State Building ® in NYC, learn how to brew the optimal expression of:

• Starbucks Reserve® Malawi Sable Farms on Chemex
• Starbucks Reserve® Sumatra Wahana Estate on Coffee Press
• Starbucks Reserve® Decaf Hacienda Alsacia for Espresso

Throughout the demonstration, you’ll learn about the subtle craft of roasting, preparing, and tasting coffee. Learn how minor differences in origin and brewing methods can make all the difference in flavor. Hear about the production of coffee and different growing techniques from regions around the world.

Main Takeaways

• General tips
  • Brew your coffee on a scale:  Brewing on a scale will give you a more accurate and repeatable brewing experience
  • Use a 1:16 ratio:  Take the amount of ground coffee you want to use in grams and multiply by 16 to get the amount of water to use 
• Brew method: Chemex
  • Filter:  Filters come in a circle or square shape, fold it up to create a triangle. When you open it up there’s going to be 3 ply on one side and 1 ply on the other. Put the 3 side ply against the spout.  Pour some of the brew water over the filter just enough to get it wet and let it drip through. This rinses the filter to remove the flavors from the filter and heats up the brew vessel.  Once all the water dripped down remember to pour out the rinse water 
  • Water temperature should be 195 to 205 F (boil from the stove and let it sit)
  • Bloom water:  The purpose of the bloom is to pour just enough water to allow the gasses to escape, then pour the rest of the water so the majority of the water does its best job at extracting the coffee.  In general you want to use twice the weight of water as the weight of the beans that you are using.  Bloom for about 45 seconds to 1 minute.  If you don’t do the bloom the water will just go through quickly and not pull all the flavor
  • After the bloom pour the rest of the water using slow circular motions
• Brew method:  Coffee press
  • Coffee press is a full immersion brew – the coffee and the water are brewing together through the entire process.  This maintains all the oils and allows different flavors to show up
  • Tip:  Don’t stir the coffee when you pour in the water unless you aren’t able to coat all the grounds evenly. If needed stir as little as possible, folding the grounds
  • Time:  Time it for 4 minutes from the time you first start pouring the water.  You want that first extraction to be the full 4 minutes otherwise you can end up with an over extracted brew which becomes more bitter
  • Pressure:  When the timer goes off, press slowly especially as you’re getting to the bottom, if you press too hard you can get some of the bitter compound you don’t want to taste

Q&A

• Is there a color we should look for during the bloom?
  • No, the color is going to change depending on the roast. During the bloom process you want to look for the foam, if you don’t see foam then your coffee could be stale or if it’s a darker roast it wouldn’t foam as much. 
• What is the point of a Chemex? Is it for people that want a lighter brew? 
  • Generally, people prefer lighter roasts. The filter creates a clarified brew and brings out flavors that are more distinct and unique. It makes the fruits and floral flavors shine.
• What are your favorite food pairings for the coffees shown?
  • Starbucks Reserve® Decaf Hacienda Alsacia for Espresso – we pair it with sourdough and portana olive oil, the bread pairs really well because of the similar toast flavor from the coffee and the olive oil goes well with the acidity
  • Starbucks Reserve® Malawi Sable Farms on Chemex – we have a chocolate with citrus zest that pair well with this coffee, the chocolate mellows out the bright flavors and the citrus pairs well with the acidity of the coffee
  •  Starbucks Reserve® Sumatra Wahana Estate on Coffee Press – blueberries or soft cheese, soft cheese will go nicely with the little bit of acidity and the blueberries mix well with the mulberry 

• What is a Starbucks Reserve store?
  • A reserve store is like a flagship store of Starbucks. There’s the reserve bar and the roastery, the reserve stores carry the single origin coffee and it provides a unique experience. At the roastery you can roast the coffee as well, there’s 6 locations–New York, Chicago, Seattle, Milan, Shanghai, and Tokyo. 

Resources

Empire State Building | Starbucks Reserve

Coffee | Starbucks Reserve

The post Recording | Beans, Blends, and Brewing: National Coffee Day with Starbucks appeared first on Meetup Blog.

A new year has arrived, and with it, a wave of new possibilities. Whether you have specific New Year’s resolutions planned, or you simply want to make some healthy adjustments to your daily life, now is the perfect time to start. The efforts you put in now will go a long way in developing consistent habits throughout 2023, and beyond. 

Making strides toward self-improvement is a great way to be your own friend, both nurturing and challenging yourself along the way. You might even get to know yourself a bit better as you navigate the obstacles and the rewards of your hard work.  

In addition to the stronger bond you form with your best self, committing to self-improvement can also be a highly rewarding social activity, too! Follow this simple guide to get inspired and learn practical tips for self-help that really sticks. 

What to do when there’s room to grow 

Once you’ve identified an area in your life where you could be doing a little better, you’re halfway there. Admitting the need for change isn’t always easy, and you should feel proud for having the courage to be real with yourself.  

At the same time, don’t feel pressured to put yourself in a box. There are tons of different ways to achieve a goal—the important part is being intentional about setting that goal. But, for example, if your aim is to lose 10 pounds, there’s an incredibly wide range of activities you could pursue that’ll help you on your journey. Think everything from kickboxing to cooking classes to volunteering as a dogwalker, and so much more.  

With all that in mind, check out just a few of the endless possibilities that await you this year. You’re sure to discover at least one activity that aligns with your self-improvement goal. 

Learn a new skill    

Make an addition to your life that sparks curiosity and expands your potential. There’s no shortage of communities based around the principle of new skill development, with topics as far-ranging as computer programming and visual art to foreign languages and more. 

For example, if you’ve always wanted to pick up a crafty skill that lets you work with your hands but in a lowkey way, you could learn how to knit with a Meetup group while sampling the best coffee shops in Denver. 

If you want to take your language learning to the next level this year, you could supplement your Duolingo hours with in-person authentic conversation practice. Find a vibrant community like The Chicago Spanish Language Meetup Group y habla con gente amable.  

Pick up a sport  

There’s a group on Meetup for every sport at every level. Hit up a beginner-friendly event for communities practicing sports with lower barriers to entry, such as Brooklyn Outdoor Badminton and New York Dodgeball.  

If you’re looking for a physical activity that’s a little more adventurous, check out groups like Seattle Climbing or the Nashville Hiking Meetup. 

You can even find communities embracing the weirder, sillier, and kitschier side of athletics, such as Spikeball Portland and Brooklyn Ultimate Frisbee Pickup.   

Discover new ways to relax and self-soothe 

The seemingly simple task of relaxation can actually be a big obstacle for a lot of people. Your self-improvement journey could just revolve around finding healthy ways to unwind. Luckily, there are thousands of groups dedicated to this exact purpose, with so many diverse methods for reaching that same ultimate goal of chill. 

For some folks, communities like Boulder Zen Meditation provide a lightly structured framework for intentional periods of mindfulness and reflection. Members in this group, as well as many others like Dallas’s Random Acts of Kindness Volunteer / Non-Profit Meetup and Code for Orlando, find peace of mind by giving back to their local communities, whether that’s through meal delivery programs or something more niche like hacktivism.

Plus, you can always seek out groups like Miami Figure Drawing Saturday Morning Group or Dashing Whippets Running Team whose main topics are inherently relaxing to you.  

Discover a new you with new people   

People who feel like they’re part of a communal public goal often see more success in their New Year’s resolutions. So fast-track your self-improvement by creating a public goal through Meetup! It’s quick and easy to create your own Meetup group and invite others to join you as you devote more time to life-enhancing activities in 2023.

The post A Guide to Self-Improvement for 2023 and Beyond    appeared first on Meetup Blog.

Book clubs are wonderful (we’re clearly big fans)! But let’s be honest, it would be nice to have an excuse to get together and make new friends that doesn’t come with quite so much prep-work. If you find you aren’t always in the mood for your book club, but you still want an opportunity to gather as a community around a shared activity (and maybe even meet new people!), try one of the following instead:

1. Wine & cheese club

There are two types of people in this world: people who attend book clubs for the book and those who are really there for the wine, snacks, and conversation. If you’re in the latter camp, consider skipping the pretense and straight to the charcuterie board with a wine & cheese club.

Each meeting, pick a few wines to taste and pair with some well-matched cheese (or another food item for those diary-sensitive folks out there). You can create custom scorecards for your guests to rank their favorites or just host an open discussion about what everyone likes/dislikes about each. Take it a step further by creating a unifying theme or activity, such as picking an ultra-specific type of wine and tasting varietals from different regions, or have your guests test their skills as a sommelier with some blind taste tests.

2. Houseplant or gardening club

If you’re someone who entered the pandemic with only a few houseplants and now find yourself living in what is essentially a jungle of leafy friends, this is definitely the club for you! Meet with fellow plant parents to introduce your plant babies (and share any pun-tastic names they may have), discuss care instructions for the more temperamental in your collection, and troubleshoot any persistent or common issues. For those whose green thumbs extend outside, start a gardening club to compare notes on best times for plantings during different seasons within your region or to rotate helping with one another’s yard work. Learn more about how Meetup can help grow your plant passion with this recent Community Matters blog post.

3. Crafting club

Crafty Meetuppers unite! Whether you’re a novice knitter or have spent hours stringing together pieces of jewelry, organizing a group for crafting is a great way to gain inspiration for your next project while also making new friends! Create a group either around an existing hobby or one you’re looking to start, just be sure to set expectations by making the goal of the group clear in the description. Maybe you want to casually learn how to embroider a pillow or dress, but others might want to crochet 100 blankets by Christmas.

4. Subscription box club

If you’ve ever received a subscription box (monthly or quarterly boxes themed around hobbies and intrests such as beauty, food, entertainment, home decor, etc.), you almost certainly know the struggle of attempting to figure out what to do with all the leftover products you have no use for. It’s wasteful to just throw them out, but it’s not always immediately apparent where they can be donated or who might want them. Rather than relegating these products to a lifetime of storage in a closet or basement, organize a group to swap and exchange subscription box products you have no need for.

As an organizer of a subscription box group, you get to decide if you want to limit members to a specific type of subscription box (such as just those for makeup or tea and coffee), or if you’d prefer to open it up more broadly to any type of product from any type of subscription box. Not only does this help clear up clutter in your home, but it’s just one more way to be more environmentally conscious.

5. Dessert (or sweet & salty) club

Whether you’re an expert baker or just someone with a serious sweet tooth, it’s hard to go wrong with a club organized around anything as decadent as desserts. Simply ask members to bake or buy a dessert related to a theme. Themes can range from a type of dessert (think ice cream sundae building or cookies from around the globe), a set of ingredients (like chocolate or pumpkin spice), or something topical and culturally relevant (such as spooky desserts for Halloween). Let your imagination run wild and have fun while eating delicious treats.

Not a sweets person but find the idea compelling? Why not bring the best of both worlds together by making it a sweet and salty club?

6. Mutual aid club

The world can feel a bit intense right now. Try channeling some of that anxious energy into something that is not only productive and beneficial, but also helps foster a real sense of community with a mutual aid club. Never heard of mutual aid? It allows people to come together in order to meet each others’ needs in a mutually beneficial, reciprocal exchange of resources/services. If you’ve ever lent sugar to a neighbor or offered to grab lunch for a co-worker, knowing full well that they’d do the same for you in the future if needed, you’re already familiar with the basic concept behind mutual aid.

Other mutual aid initiatives include clothing swaps, parents forming learning pods when the pandemic forced schools to go virtual, or a sou-sou savings club. The best way to start is to figure out what service or resource your community could benefit from that you can offer to others and then build from there. This Ioby article is especially helpful for more tips and tricks on how to get started.

7. The “catch-all” club

If you can’t decide what sort of club you want to start, but you know you want to start gathering around some sort of shared experience or interest, it sounds like a “catch-all” club (also sometimes referred to as a “little bit of everything” club) is the goldilocks solution! Rather than organizing a group around a single topic or activity, each meeting is a new and different shared experience to enjoy together. Rotate through the ideas shared above or something entirely different, the possibilities are endless.

As you may have gathered from these seven suggestions, the activity that you choose for your group can be as creative as you want! You don’t have to be an expert on a topic to bring people together to have a good time. Start a Meetup group to gather your community today.

The post 7 Book Club Alternatives to Try with Friends appeared first on Meetup Blog.

Charisma may be hard to define, but you know it when you see it. Charismatic people have that magnetic quality that seems to attract others in social situations—the conversation flows smoothly both to and from them. 

A unique trait that makes someone “likable” and “easy to talk to,” charisma is about more than just confidence. It’s about being approachable, making a positive first impression, reading social cues gracefully, being your authentic self, and having the verbal ability to make small talk fun. 

In short, charisma—or “rizz,” as Gen Z refers to it these days—is another word for that special something called charm. However, this particular kind of charm isn’t manufactured. In fact, it extends far beyond the surface level. Charismatic people are often emotionally intelligent, sensitive, and just as interested in genuinely connecting with others as they are in presenting the best version of themselves.  

Although charismatic people make it look so easy and natural, this characteristic is typically developed over time, through lots of experience. The reason people keep working on it is because charisma is incredibly valuable in so many arenas, from job interviews and professional leadership to dating and making friends. This simple guide will show you how to put together the fundamental building blocks of charisma.  

Boost your charisma with these simple habits 

Broadly speaking, you can break down the social skill of charisma into three main categories: body language, friendliness, and authenticity. 

Becoming fluent in body language  

Like any form of communication, body language is a two-way street. It’s not only about reading other people’s signs and signals, but mastering your own, so that you’re in control of how you present yourself through non-verbal cues.  

The most basic skills here are eye contact and smiling. Keep in mind that these behaviors aren’t all-or-nothing—what you want to aim for is a healthy balance that shows confidence and conveys your interest in your conversation partner, without being too intense. Just making a point to meet the glance of your conversation partner with a warm expression now and then will go a long way.  

You can also focus on facing people head-on while talking and listening, as well as gesturing while you talk to increase your sense of engagement. 

Exuding a friendly aura 

At a recent Meetup Live event, friendship expert and best-selling author Dr. Marisa G. Franco described how you can set yourself up for successful connections with new people. One of her key tips is to approach every encounter with a positive mindset, believing that people will like you. This kind of “benefit of the doubt” approach can help reduce your anxiety and indecision. Plus, when you’re feeling comfortable and open to possibility, that feeling is infectious! 

Other tips for creating a friendly atmosphere include: 

• Introducing yourself
• Greeting newcomers to the conversation 
• Keeping the mood light
• Asking questions and follow-ups 
• Giving your full attention
• Making an effort to remember people’s names  

Being your authentic self 

Coming across as genuine and relatable makes a big difference in any social setting. When someone tries to be more appealing by creating a manufactured version of their personality, it usually backfires. People generally have a strong “radar” that exposes this kind of performative interaction. On the other hand, when you embrace who you are, it helps other people see that you’re self-secure, trustworthy, and willing to be vulnerable. 

Practice being charismatic through healthy and fun social activities 

Like any other skill, charisma takes practice. From those people who seem naturally gifted to the late bloomers on the social scene, everyone who wants to be likable needs opportunities to learn and grow. 

To put yourself in more social situations, the easiest thing you can do is take full advantage of the events that naturally cross your path, like birthday parties, work functions, family occasions, and happy hours. Then, you can take it up a level by actually seeking out social activities you might not be aware of yet. Meetup events are a great resource for this because there’s something for everyone, with a huge range of interests and hobbies being explored both in person and online. 

For example, you could do anything from Knitting Around New York to capturing scenic Miami beaches on film with The Art of Photography International. Maybe you want to drink local brews and learn about ancient philosophy with Nashville Stoics, or simply meet fellow dog owners and spend some time outdoors with San Diego Dog Meetup – #PackWalk. 

For the purposes of practicing your charisma, the topic of each event is just the icing on the cake. As long as you’re getting together with new people, giving yourself a healthy challenge, and making genuine connections, you’re doing it right! You can even create your own Meetup group and invite others to join you for a laid-back hang, an awesome adventure, or something in between.

The post How to Be More Charismatic appeared first on Meetup Blog.

When you’re trying to meet new people, motivating yourself to attend some kind of social event is half the battle. But once you arrive, the next step—chatting up the people you meet—can be a little intimidating, especially for those who are a bit more introverted and a bit less talkative to begin with.

Striking up a conversation with folks you don’t know is a valuable skill both personally and professionally. You can open doors to new friendships and make a good impression on your colleagues. Overall, you’ll feel a more rewarding sense of connection with your fellow human beings.

Like any skill, navigating the intricacies of small talk takes practice and patience, but you’ll be surprised how quickly progress comes. With a little effort and a few helpful hints, you’ll be chatting the day away at your next Meetup event!

Tips for making conversation with people you don’t know yet 

When you find yourself in a social setting with somebody you just met, the best advice is simply not to panic. It’s perfectly normal to feel a flutter of nerves at first, but going overboard with worry is a surefire way to grind any conversation to a halt. Calm those nerves by keeping in mind that you and the other person already have some common ground by attending this particular Meetup event. 

Start off by exploring what piqued your interest about this event. For example, if the Meetup group you’re socializing with is a book club, language exchange, film appreciation group, or a community of museum-goers, you have an amazing foundation for conversation built into the event. Your shared passions can be a stepping stone into chat about your background, your work, your hobbies, your creative goals, and so much more. From there, stick to these best practices:

• Ask lots of questions — People want to feel engaged by their conversation partners. In fact, the American Psychological Association has published research indicating that people who ask more questions are better liked by their conversation partners than people who ask fewer questions. Your questions can be as broad as “What career would you have if you could choose anything?” or as specific as “Those are awesome earrings; where did you get them?” Just use common sense to guide your questions. Don’t go too personal too fast.  

• Be an active listener — Conversations are a two-way street. Nobody wants to feel like the person they’re chatting with is barely listening or just waiting for the chance to talk about themselves again. Remember: it’s not all about you. If the other person has different interests, keep an open mind and put yourself in their shoes. When you’re really listening to what the other person has to say, it’s much easier to respond and keep the conversation flowing. 

• Be yourself — Don’t let your nerves convince you that you have to put up some kind of false exterior or made-up persona in order to appear interesting to others. Most people have a strong radar for fakery and can tell when someone’s not being genuine with them. Who you are is more than good enough! So go into your conversations with confidence and honesty. 

• Be complimentary — You’re not the only one feeling a little anxious about making connections with new people. Therefore, it takes more than overcoming your own nerves to help conversation blossom. You can take some of the pressure off your conversation partner and help them feel relaxed by offering a simple compliment. Plus, focusing your attention onto them can help you get out of your own head. A comment as simple as “I like your shoes” can be a gateway into many minutes of chat.  

• Be courageous — Once in a while, conversation with someone you don’t know comes naturally. It feels like you’ve been friends for years. More often, though, it takes a bit of effort, and there may be fits and starts. Don’t let the fear of a few awkward moments prevent you from forming new connections. Dig deep and discover your bravery. You’ll realize that a bit of turbulence along the way is totally normal, and the destination is so worth it.  

More strategies for different stages of your social journey 

Maybe you’ve tried some of these tips, but you’re still having trouble developing past small talk to actual friendship. Maybe all of this sounds like a scary dive off the deep end. Don’t worry! Getting comfortable with chatting is a process, not an on/off button. There is no test: you’re not failing simply because you’re facing some challenges. If anything, those challenges are helping you gain experience and grow. 

To make things easier, you could bring a friend you already know to your next Meetup event. In a social situation where you don’t know most people, one friend can be a safety net. But try to make sure you spend some time apart making new connections before reconvening. Another strategy is to try an online event before meeting in person. This allows you to establish yourself with the group in a low-pressure environment, so you’ll have a little confidence boost when you meet other members IRL.  

Keeping in mind that getting better at conversation takes practice, you can commit to working on your small talk skills by making your own Meetup group like David Good. He’s a self-described introvert who shared his guide to friendship on the Keep Connected podcast with Meetup CEO David Siegel. You can easily create your own Meetup group like David’s West Michigan Geeks and invite others to join you on your social journey.

The post How to Have a Conversation with Someone You Just Met appeared first on Meetup Blog.

Order your cappuccino in Italian, navigate Paris with ease, or make a new friend in Beijing. Before you pack your bags to wander the streets of Santiago or Tokyo or Berlin, satiate your wanderlust and learn a language! The world expands when you know more languages, and soon, we’ll be able to explore it again. Learning a new language is a fun and productive way to pass the time. It’s not only great exercise for your brain, but it’s a gateway to a new world of connections.

Why you should learn a new language

If adding destinations to your bucket list was one way you got through the pandemic, get a head start and learn the language spoken at your next vacation spot. While you can get by speaking English in many places around the world, speaking the native language wherever you travel is a great way to connect with others and find more authentic experiences. Chat with locals, understand the culture, and experience the world outside of touristy must-see lists.

Learning a new language means making new friends! Meet others who are learning the same language. Connect with native speakers you never would have met otherwise. Also, you can brush up on your social skills by making small talk in your new language! 

Outside of authentic experiences and new friends, learning a new language has many cognitive benefits. Bilingualism boosts your creativity, empathy, concentration, and memory. It can lead to better conflict management, problem-solving, and listening skills. Bilingualism is also proven to protect against cognitive aging, including Alzheimer’s disease. Regardless of when you learn your second language, all of these benefits apply. Plus, once you learn a language, it’s easier to learn more! Polyglotism, here we come.

How to start learning a new language

Immersion is one of the best ways to learn a new language, but that doesn’t mean you have to travel. Surround yourself in the language however you can: label your belongings to memorize vocabulary, watch foreign films, journal, listen to podcasts, or memorize songs in your new language. Incorporate the language into your everyday habits and you’ll be immersed without needing to leave your home. So, binge watch that telenovela, sing along to K-pop, and fill your new language diary with your deepest secrets—no one’s judging.

Some tools that can help with memorization include Duolingo, Lingodeer, Memrise, and Rosetta Stone. If you’re learning Spanish, News in Slow Spanish can help. 

It might feel daunting to aim for fluency, but you can start out small and learn a few phrases. Even if you don’t become fluent, knowing some basics in your chosen language can help you connect with others wherever you go.

How community can support your language-learning journey

So you’ve memorized the words for your furniture and verb conjugations no longer terrify you: congrats! Memorizing vocabulary is a necessary step, but practicing the language with others is also important. There are nearly 5,000 language exchange groups on Meetup, so there is plenty to explore. From online art gallery tours to cooking classes to conversations, these groups offer a variety of events to help you learn your new language. Most groups are open to all language ability levels, so check out an event! Here are some groups to explore:

• Inglés-Español Intercambio 
• German Conversation Club Munich 
• Casual French Speaking
• The Vancouver Mandarin Chinese Club 
• Italian English Language Social and Cultural Exchange 
• The San Francisco ASL Group
• Mundo Lingo New York City 

Besides groups dedicated to language exchange, there are Meetup groups for any and all interests, including those that speak your new language. Find a dance lesson, book club, drawing class, knitting circle, or any other event that you’d love to attend, where your new language is spoken. Practicing your language with native speakers is a great way to learn a language, and online events on Meetup make it easy. Daydream about your adventures abroad, then show off your language skills when you finally explore the world.

If you can’t find the perfect language group for you, start one! You don’t have to be an expert to start a group, and there are others like you ready to learn. Get started here.

The post Learn a New Language and Expand Your World appeared first on Meetup Blog.