What makes a good tech Meet-up?

If you've attended meet-ups in the past, what made the difference for you between a good, welcoming one and one where you'd rather not be coming back?

What are you looking for when attending meet-ups? Is it the company, networking and catching up with friends, or is the focus for you more on the talks & content? Or something else entirely?

I have to say, I can be very socially awkward and events where I don't know anyone, at it makes a massive difference if people are open and welcoming. This starts at very clear information as to what to expect, where to go and the schedule, but also whether there might be someone near the door welcoming people in, and the vibe of the group. I'm a big fan of hosts encouraging the 'packman-method' of letting people into your circle when you see them floating around alone.

As I'm organising a meet-up in two weeks, I'm super curious to hear your thoughts & preferences.

Thanks so much in advance!

Comments

[Jess Lee]

• Love the pac-man method and think all organizers should actively either mention that to the crowd so everyone is looking out for floater, and/or be very clear in modeling that behavior so folks feel included.
• An area where someone could gravitate towards if they need a break or want to be alone for a moment. Events can be overstimulating. This could be as simple as a corner couch or hightop table with some books/stickers/info packs/whatever for folks to look at and browse through.
• This is hyper specific but...I have mixed feelings when organizers ask you to shake hands and introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you. I don't like it because of that split second moment of deciding who you're going to turn to first if there are two people around you. Plus, if you came with people you're most likely sitting with them to begin with. Also, if we're already sitting, my brain has context switched out of networking and into being an audience member.
• In general, I appreciate more detailed instruction beyond 'introduce yourself'. So often people just say 'Hi' and then don't really know what to say next so feeding folks the next question/sentence can be helpful (i.e. ask them why they're here, what their favorite food is, whatever).
• Name tags and pronouns are always helpful.
• I think a good event should have a balance of both presentations and networking time so it appeals to both audiences, and (like you said) a shared rough agenda is always helpful for both organizer and attendee time management.

[Josefine Schfr]

Thanks so much for sharing, @jess ! This is soo helpful! I'm so happy to read about your experience with the third point you made - the 'forced introductions'. I always thought I was the only one who had a hard time with that!

[Narnaiezzsshaa Truong]

Engineered serendipity. Like most people, I come for the content but stay for the connections. You can design for this:
• Structured mingling (two prompts, three minutes each)
• Topic‑based tables
• “Ask me about…” stickers
• A short facilitated breakout
People relax when the social friction is reduced.

Or A “frictionless entry” ritual
Most people walk into a meet‑up slightly anxious. You can dissolve that in 30 seconds.
Examples:
• A single question on a whiteboard (“What are you building this month?”)
• A check‑in card they fill out
• A small prompt at the door (“Find someone who…”)
This lowers the social activation energy.