
Why Host a Meet-Up?:
Working on your store, blogging, posting to social media, and the like can sometimes be isolating. It’s such an interesting world that we live in online that not everyone “gets it.” Finding your “teacher tribe” or your mastermind group can easily happen at meet-ups! Some of the best friendships and collaborations come from those face-to-face interactions with others. Nothing can replace meeting people in real life.
Tip: Take a look at the “Conference, Meet-Ups, Get-Togethers, and More” area of the TpT Sellers’ Forum to find out about and announce events.
Quick Step-By-Step Guide to Hosting Your Own Meet-Up:
Are you feeling inspired and want to host a meet-up of your own? Here are some quick tips to help you throw a successful meet-up:
1. Pick A Venue. Decide what kind of a meet-up you are hosting. Do you want a sit-down dinner? Are you looking to host an entire weekend meet-up that is more conference-style? Do you want people to be able to mix and mingle? Keep your purpose in mind when choosing a venue!
2. Create A Sign-Up Form through Google Forms. This will help you keep track of your attendees and their information. Ask for their names, store names, blog URL, email address, and any other information you deem necessary.
3. Look for Sponsors. There are many teacher-friendly companies that are more than willing to make teachers feel special and appreciated! Send out a simple email to companies asking if they would like to sponsor or donate to your event. (This is not necessary for a successful meet-up, but it’s nice to make teachers feel extra special!)
4. Communicate With Your Attendees. Make sure everyone knows what to expect when attending your meet-up. Send out an email with a name tag template to printout and wear, include information about the venue (parking, food, etc.), and give them an idea of what to expect from your meet-up!
5. Discussion Starters. To help facilitate discussions about marketing, collaboration, strategies, and more, come up with a plan to get attendees talking about these topics. Maybe you include notebooks for people to jot down ideas and share them with your attendees later. Or maybe you host a more formal meet-up with panels, presenters, or round-table discussions.
6. Have a Great Time! You’ve worked hard to put this together. Now is the time to enjoy everyone’s company and relax. Try to meet or say hi to everyone who has attends!
Caitlin from EB Academic Camps has been teaching since 2008, with four years spent as a high school English instructor and most recently as a middle school English Language Arts teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies and a Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education and recently received the Teacher of the Year Award for the 2014-2015 school year.
Aris from Sailing into Second has been teaching for 8 years and received her multiple subject credential and Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of California, Irvine. She loves teaching above all else, but when she’s not teaching, she loves to scrapbook, cook, and share ideas on her blog.
Hosting a meet-up for the first time and have questions? Feel free to reach out to either of us — caitlin@ebcamps.com or aris@sailingintosecond.com.