11-11-2018 11:35 AM - last edited on 01-22-2020 10:45 AM by KlaudiyaG
Post Connect Live 2018, a number of the attendees were super excited to host their very first meet-up and in our group chat, there were loads of questions being asked especially when one or two had their submissions rejected. I wouldn't consider myself a pro meet-up organiser as I've only hosted 10 meet-ups in the past three years, but folks seemed to like what I had to say and suggested that I put my tips and how-tos on Connect! So here you go: these are my tips and advise on how to prepare and submit your very first meet-up. Nothing ground breaking, just lessons learned.
Who is this post good for?
The official Google meet-up sites
Breakdown of the Submission page
So now that we know what is in store for us, let me target those specific areas and help you fill them in!
Banner picture
When your meet-up is approved, you will find that two web pages will be generated for you; one is the RSVP page which is hosted at maps.google.com, and a Connect post is also made. To better attract folks, you would want a banner picture that is both functional and eye catching. You will also find that there is a recommended size (1030 x 350 pixels) which I highly advise to follow strictly as you will find that any other aspect ratio will result in your picture getting cropped (and you may lose important text on it).
Tips:
Examples:
Title of meet-up
This is fairly straightforward but there's a limit in length so be mindful! My preference is to have a consistent naming structure mainly because it helps me to search for it in the future! So for me, I tend to go for "Manchester LG: <month> Meetup". If you do a search for "Manchester LG" on Connect, you will find a list of my meet-up pages! However, it's not super descriptive because it doesn't say what type of meet-up it is but coupled with my banner picture, it's workable and it's usually within the length limit!
Details and description of meet-up
According to @TimBull, he finds that choosing a popular meet-up type that is matching closely enough to your meet-up type helps. Sometimes you will find that if your meet-up is rejected without any obvious errors, changing the meet-up type helps! I've only ever hosted photo walks and food crawls so this is where the wider community can help with their tips in the comments section!
As for description, I tend to have a simple format to follow. These are just guidelines so you don't have to follow everything but having a structure helps you to remember what to include in your description!
Edit (14 Nov):
A good description (like a good banner too) goes a long, long way in helping folks decide on attending your meet-up or not! Make it fun, lighthearted and, most importantly, make sure it has all the necessary information! Don't be lazy and submit a brief description because it's really hard to know what to expect from a meet-up. Put yourself in the shoes of an interested attendee and think about all the information that you would like to know if you were considering attending a meet-up! For an example, you can have a look at one of my meet-ups here!
Tips:
Time and location of meet-up
This is fairly straightforward.
Summary
Hopefully all the above information will be useful for first timers! Some of them is not obvious until you experience it first hand! Also, there are some further things to know about once your meet-up is approved, which I've listed below:
I also have tips/suggestions about what sort of events to host especially if you're unsure about what to do for your first few meet-ups! But I'll cover that in a separate post!
Did you find this post useful? Do you have any questions or comments? If so, add your thoughts and feedback in the comments below and let me know.
11-11-2018 11:38 AM
Oh, and here is an example of a meet-up:
https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/Let-s-Meet-Up/Manchester-LG-April-Photowalk/m-p/715988#M55889
11-11-2018 05:04 PM
That is really a great post who want to arrange a Meetup. And it's very useful.
I have a question, that in which category we should submit a plantation or Accessibility walk ?
Plantation can be in "other meetup" category ?
And how we categorize Accessibility walk? In map editing walk or in "other meetups'" category .?
Gems Of the World - A Connect Travel Post Challenge
11-11-2018 08:58 PM
11-12-2018 01:28 AM
Thank you @AdrianLunsong
Because the sentences are gathered up beautifully, it is easy to read although it is abundant information volume👍
#Let's introduce your Japan with #DeepJapan hashtag. You will discover Japanese background stories.
#Let's try your native language conversation with Google Translate #UseNativeLanguage
#Enrich Google Maps with Cycling information #Bike
#lit.link/yasumikikuchi #Guiding Star 2022 Inclusive Mapper
11-12-2018 03:41 AM
Great question @KashifMisidia! And one that I'm not even sure which category would be most suitable. @PaulPavlinovich runs photo walks and @EmekaUlor does accessibility meet-ups so maybe they can help explain what a "Geo Walk" and "Map Editing" category is all about.
11-12-2018 03:41 AM
Thanks very much @KhamphoutS Glad you like it! Took me a while to write it out!
11-12-2018 03:43 AM
Thanks @YasumiKikuchi! Yes, I was a bit worried that I may write too much so I tried to break it down into sections and use nice and clear formatting to make it easier to read! I am glad that you are able to appreciate the post 🙂
11-12-2018 04:11 AM
Great post @AdrianLunsong! Immediately bookmarked!
I remember the old gold days when I was featured in a "How to host a meetup" video in LG channell, but this is even more helpful!
OT: are you serious when you write that several #localguidesconnect summit didn't know before how to host a meetup? This seems really strange!
Thanks!
11-12-2018 04:17 AM
Talking from my own experience I know that @AdrianLunsong's tips are the very best! Thanks to him I finally got my meet-up application approved and I would never have been able to succeed without his tips. KUDOS!! ❤️