I've always been interesting in the idea of meeting up with like minded local people. Living where I do, there doesn't seem to be many people in the industry but they must be out there. I had the idea of creating my very version of Refresh and as usual, jumped right in with the domain and not much planning. Now I need to do something to follow through. Can you help?
When I first thought about setting it up, I hadn't put enough thought into how these things were done and what would be expected of me. The desire to just meet some new designers and developers took over so I just got the site up and hoped everything would fit into place when I didn't really know what I was doing.
Over the past few months, it's just been sitting there and I'm no closer to getting the first meet-up together. I'm definitely still interested in the project and need to get things moving. I just don't know where to start. I'm not sure how much of a budget it would take for venues, speakers and so on – any advice in this area would be greatly appreciated.
My main goal was just to connect people and possibly work together on some things but once setting up the site and checking out the others, my instant reaction was that this alone wouldn't be enough and people would be expecting more. A lot of the others have highly accomplished and respected people come and give presentations and talks. That sounds like a bit of a stretch to be able to set up but I feel it's what people would expect. I don't even know anyone worthy of talking that lives within a reasonable distance besides Andy Clarke and I simply don't have that kind of budget!
So here's what I'm thinking – I would like to get an initial meet-up together, nothing too formal or expensive. Maybe just a bunch of people out for a drink and a chat. That way we could gauge how much interest there is in the area and decide amongst each other which the best way forward would be and how we want the next one to go, if at all. Do you think this would be a decent enough start? It sounds more like a Tweet-Up to me than a Refresh event but at least it would be a start.
If you have attended or run your own local Refresh, please leave your comments below and let me know how you went about setting up or what it was like attending for the first time. If you live anywhere near to Chester and would be interested in meeting up with others, drop a comment here too. On that note, I'm wondering if there are any better ways of reaching local designers and developers. My audience is limited here as it is so the chances of those subscribers being local to me is even more limited. If you can think of any way of reaching the locals out there – comment that one up too!
Share This Post
If you use the following, consider sharing this article!
Social Media Icons courtesy of Rogie King
My local Refresh (http://www.refreshrichmond.org/) takes a very relaxed approach and I think it works very well. There’s no money involved and the speakers are most often members of the group. Often, basic social get togethers at local bars are the month’s event, and it works.
I wouldn’t go into it with any money involved. Just do what you can to spread the word. Send emails to local design/development firms in your area to let them know it exists. You’ll be surprised how the word will spread as people send it to others they know in the field. Post messages on Craigslist, Facebook, MySpace, etc. Any sort of free advertising will be your friend.
I think the most important thing about a Refresh is just having a good time and meeting new people who share similar interests. Treat it that way, don’t get stressed out or invest your money, and you’ll enjoy the experience a lot more.
Chris
Thanks for the tips Chris, that sounds more like what I had in mind but just wasn’t sure if people would be expecting more.
HI Dave.
If you are putting something together in the North West, you want me to help/speak and I’m around at the time, I’d love to help and there won’t be any fees, nadda. I’m sure that there are others too, Patrick Lauke springs to mind, who would also want to get involved.
Gimme a call, you have my number.
Andy, thanks very much for the offer - it’s very generous of you! Once I have some plans together and know the best way to go about it, I’ll give you a call.
Thanks again