Venue

What to look for

The minimum requirements for a tech meetup venue:

• Capacity for 40 to 50 people. If you are starting, a smaller space works fine.
• A projector with HDMI connection. It can be a TV in case of a smaller venue.
• Internet access for speakers (guest wifi for all attendees is a bonus, not a requirement)
• Accessible location: ground floor or elevator access

For the most common model, where a sponsor company hosts the event at their offices, see the Sponsors section.

When there’s no local office

Not every sponsor will have an office in your city. A few alternatives:

If the company has budget, some coworking spaces rent out their event rooms by the day. It works, but it adds cost to the sponsorship ask.

If there’s no local presence and no budget, non-profit organizations and local government venues are worth exploring. In Guadalajara, some make their facilities available in exchange for a sponsorship mention at the event. Universities may be another option, though that route hasn’t been tested directly.

Before the event

Arrive at least an hour before doors open to test the setup. Bring your own cables and adapters: HDMI, USB-C to HDMI, and anything a speaker might need to connect their laptop. Don’t assume the venue has what you need. A wireless clicker is also very useful.

Confirm the venue’s rules and closing time well before the event date. Plan the schedule around the venue, not the other way around.