Re: [UG-ADMINS] How do you generate enthusiasm?

Hi,

We usually try and write announcements, get interesting topics etc, but 
you seem to be doing that as well. We also try to have something to 
raffle every meetup. Sometimes it's a PHPStorm license (Jetbrains are 
cool!), sometimes it's a book (have you registered for the O'Reilly 
usergroup program yet?). That definitely helps.

We've also organized a lasergame-meetup once. No speaker at all, just 
some rounds of lasergaming and bowling. That helps getting people 
together and getting to know them.

We're only just starting with PHPAmersfoort but so far attendance has 
always been reasonably good.

Stefan

> Joel Clermont <mailto:[email protected]>
> October 9, 2013 9:01 PM
> Last night, we had our monthly meeting for MKEPUG (Milwaukee, WI). We 
> didn't have high expectations, since only 13 people RSVP'd, but we 
> only had 5 show up. The topic was new items in PHP 5.4 and 5.5, 
> something several members had expressed interest in. To make it even 
> more engaging, we formatted it as an interactive discussion, instead 
> of a single speaker talking for 45 minutes.
>
> Overall, we have a core group of regular people, but our attendance 
> averages 15 for a group of over 300 members. We'll occasionally spike 
> up to 25 or 30 if we have a visiting speaker, but that's rare.
>
> I'm discussing the issue with my fellow organizers and my current plan 
> is to send a heartfelt letter to the members asking them why more 
> people don't come? Is it logistical (bad time/location/day)? Is it the 
> topic? The format? Something else?
>
> We even have free beer (and soda/water/juice) provided by our host! 
> The location is comfortable with free wifi, plenty of seating, good 
> A/V, free parking.
>
> I'm getting frustrated because I want a more vibrant community. Any 
> advice/suggestions/help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Joel Clermont
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