Over the last two years, Local Guide and 2021 Guiding Star @KamalHossenR has made it his mission to support small businesses facing challenges in Bangladesh. He chooses his meet-up topics and activities carefully, depending on the situation. When red water lilies started blossoming in Satla, Kamal visited the village to add businesses on Google Maps in time for the tourist season. When it was time for guavas to be harvested and sold, he went to one of Asia’s largest floating markets to share fresh contributions.
But his meet-ups haven’t always been so successful. Read on to see how Kamal prepares for his events and what he’s learned along the way.
What do you love about meet-ups?
There are a number of things I love, such as contributing with fellow Local Guides, exchanging knowledge, finding new places, making new friends, and hanging out together. The most gratifying is the impact my meet-up activities have on my community.
What was your first experience with meet-ups? For how long have you been hosting meet-ups?
I was a bit disappointed by my first meet-up because there was no expert Local Guide [among the attendees], and I didn’t know anything. Later I was able to learn gradually, and I’m still learning.
My first meet-up was in February 2020, and the latest one — at the end of March this year.
How do you prepare for a meet-up?
There is a lot of preparation behind an event. First of all, I select the venue. After choosing it, I research the place and try to contact any Local Guides [there] via a private message on Connect or social media. I try to visit the venue once before the meet-up, so I have an idea of what activities we can do there. We pre-plan the activities [to ensure] the meet-up goes smoothly.
We noticed that you host a lot of meet-ups in support of small and women-led businesses. What tips can you share for Local Guides who wish to host similar events?
First, you need to do a survey in the area where you want to host a meet-up. Second, you have to find which businesses are [the most impacted] and contribute to those. For example, I hosted my first “Let’s Support Small Businesses” meet-up to help those who sell books at Barishal University. It was obvious that booksellers would suffer while educational institutions were closed due to COVID-19. We did not stop at just contributing to the bookshop, though; we also contributed to other small businesses so they could prosper.
Once you have a complete idea of the place and situation, start planning your activities and try to give your best.
What are the three most important things you’ve learned from organizing meet-ups?
- Since I became a Local Guide, I have been hosting meet-ups every month and [gained] experience with managing a group. This comes in handy in my personal life, too.
- Part of the meet-up activities is talking to shopkeepers and explaining the benefits of Google Maps. I was a little hesitant to talk to them at first but solved this by continuously organizing meet-ups. This [communication skill] has been useful in many cases in my life.
- As a meet-up organizer, I [developed] a sense of responsibility and dedication. I have noticed that, at times, I have had to take over responsibility for some things and give up on others.
Do you have a favorite meet-up you’ve (co-)hosted or attended?
I have never had the opportunity to be a co-host, [but as an attendee], I have two favorite meet-ups.
“[RECAP] - Bangladesh Local Guides 150th Meet-up and share my Experience:” The two-day event was at Jaflong and Lalakhal, popular tourist destinations in Bangladesh. I had the opportunity to meet some of the senior Local Guides in my country. 
“ 
[RECAP]Accessible Bangladesh, Part 10: Accessibility Knowledge Sharing:” I would like to thank @MukulR for hosting a nice accessibility meet-up and inviting me to participate. I’m glad I contributed to accessibility.
What advice would you give to someone who’s about to host their first meet-up?
My advice is to host today without delay because every meet-up will give you a new experience. Choose a venue where you can easily contribute and choose an impactful topic which meets people’s needs. Plan ahead so you don’t have to think of activities on the spot.
Never worry about how many people attend. There is no guarantee that your meet-up will be more helpful [because] there are more people, but it is good if there are five to seven attendees.
If no one participates in your first meet-up, don’t be disappointed. Try again.
Have you attended any of Kamal’s meet-ups? Do you have a question for him? Let us know in the comments below.
Want to see who else is a Meet-up Champion? Read our previous post here.
. I’m sure you learned a lot and be an example for the community and for how has fear organizing his first meetup 
for your outstanding achievement.