In this episode of Syntax, Wes and Scott talk with CJ Reynolds about the resurgence of meetups in a post-COVID world. They discuss the benefits of attending and speaking at meetups, and the logistics of organizing them. CJ also shares his experiences running the DenverScript meetup, including sourcing speakers, finding venues, and ensuring a welcoming community.

Show Notes

• 00:00 Welcome to Syntax!
• 01:35 Brought to you by Sentry.io

01:49 CJ’s history hosting meetups

• DenverScript

Code Talent

06:35 How do you structure a meetup?

09:50 How do you raise awareness for a meetup and get people to attend?

• Meetup.com

Guild

13:27 How to pay for a meetup

15:22 How to get speakers at meetups

16:50 The length of these talks

17:03 Does live-streaming hurt attendance?

• Syntax 806 - The King of Drag and Drop: Alex Reardon

19:32 Is there a vetting process for finding speakers?

• Syntax 019 - How to Get Into Speaking at Conferences

24:26 A meetup doesn’t have to be talks

• Develop Happy Hour

27:48 What’s the worst part about hosting a meetup?

29:37 What was your first meetup like?

33:27 What’s the best meetup you’ve been to and why?

37:10 How to be a good attendee

40:45 Are meetups back?

44:00 Tips for organizing a great meetup

45:29 How to find a meetup

47:37 Sick Picks & Shameless Plugs

Sick Picks

• CJ: Fillo’s Walking Tamales

Shameless Plugs

• CJ:
  • DenverScript

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