First Event Checklist

The minimum for a first meetup is simpler than most people expect. You need a place, a speaker, and people to show up.

Before RubyMX, there was RubyCUCEI: three people in a private room at a university library, working through a Ruby book together and sharing what they learned. No sponsors, no streaming, no brand. Just a small group with a shared interest and a quiet room.

Some of the best first events happen in settings like that: a borrowed conference room, a table at a coffee shop, or a TV in someone’s living room. Start early and the structure will come later.

The three things you actually need

• A venue (any space that fits a small group)
• A speaker (start with someone you know)
• An audience (tell your network, post on social media)

Everything else in this handbook; sponsors, streaming, branding, and swag is something you add as you grow. None of it is required for event one.

What to skip your first time

Don’t worry about streaming: your first event can be in-person only.

Don’t worry about a polished brand: word of mouth works for the first few editions.

Don’t worry about sponsorship: a borrowed conference room or a coworking space day rate is enough to get started.

The one thing worth getting right

Tell people about it clearly: what the event is, when, where, and how to register. Even a simple Eventbrite listing with a short description is enough. If people can’t find the information quickly, they won’t come.

The biggest mistake to avoid

Waiting until everything is ready. Your first event will be imperfect. That’s expected and fine. The organizers who build lasting meetups are the ones who ran the first event before they felt ready.