A tweetup -– a meetup meets Twitter -– is a great way to actually meet the people behind the @name. Taking the time to get together allows for longer conversation and networking beyond 140 characters. And while some tweetups are huge and start to resemble conferences, with guest speakers, famous Twitter personalities, and lavish food and drink, putting together a simple, local tweetup need not be daunting or extravagant. Here are some easy steps to organize your local tweetup, along with notes from our recent Loudoun County tweetup:
Where? Ideally, you or another Twitter user you know has connections to a local restaurant. If not, approach a local restaurant to see if they are open to hosting the tweetup. Be prepared to offer a day/time that is normally a slow period for them. You are looking for the restaurant to provide the space, and possibly appetizers to share. In return, you’ll be mentioning the restaurant before, during and after the tweetup. One key: the location should offer free wifi!
-One of our organizers recently opened MacDowell Brew Kitchen, and he agreed to host the tweetup. The venue provided some homemade chips, and attendees ordered food, if they wished.
When? This may depend on space availability. If not, try and schedule the tweetup around lunchtime or just after the workday. Do you foresee frequent tweetups? Then alternate the scheduling times, so people can attend one or the other.
-The LoCo tweetup was at 12:30pm, but we did get feedback about having one on the evening, which we are looking to do next time.
Who? The easy part! Send a call out through Twitter for the group you’re targeting. Will it be for a certain industry? Or a geographic location?
-Ours was open to all those on Twitter from Loudoun County.
How? You certainly want to get a head count, as your locale may require it, and it will help spread the excitement.
-Our organizers used Twtvite for RSVPs.
As the organizer, it’s your job to generate excitement about your tweetup. Tweet about it often, at different times, to make sure your catching the attention of those you’d like to come. If there are those you definitely want to attend, @ mention them in your tweet. Decide on a hashtag ahead of time, so those tweeting during the event are all on the same page -– and those who couldn’t attend see what fun it is!
At the tweetup itself, relax and have fun. Mingle, tweet, take and upload photos. Remember that the key to social media is the word social, so get out there and meet your folks!
About Lisa Karl
Lisa Karl is the president of Nova Creative Media, a social media/marketing firm in Ashburn, VA. She is also the publisher and editor of Find It In Ashburn! Connect with Lisa via Facebook (NCM), Facebook (FIIA), Twitter and LinkedIn.