Dear members,

Thank you for participating in our Meetup group activities. A big shout-out to Paul who has been doing a terrific job of organizing these foodie events among us! We've had great turnouts at the last few Meetups, and we hope you keep coming.

Last Meetup at First Chinese BBQ, we had reserved 3 large tables for our group based on the number of RSVP's we received. There was even at least one person on the waiting list. Unfortunately, we filled only two of those three tables, which means not everyone who had RSVP'ed "yes" came, and the person on the waiting list was left, well, waiting.

I would like to kindly remind you, for any Meetup event, please update your RSVP as soon as possible to "No" if at any point (even after the event has started) you realize that you cannot attend. We ask that you do this for multiple reasons:

1. It frees up RSVP slots for anyone on the waiting list who may still want to attend. You might be the one on the waiting list in the future.
2. It gives us an expected headcount, which is important for: (a) planning how much space we need so we can all be comfortable, (b) having the venue hold the appropriate number of tables and seats so we have a place to sit, and (c) knowing how many people we need to wait for if they do not allow seating incomplete parties.
3. It helps us build better relationships with the venues, because we will have more reliable headcount, and they will be more welcoming and accommodating to our Meetup group. One time, we were given a huge room for our party and even desserts on the house because of the number of RSVP's who actually came.

Furthermore, while this is a social group, the name of it is called "Austin Asian Professionals," and I would like to suggest the following for the sake of maintaining a "professional attitude" that will help all of us in the long run:

1. If you are sure you can make the event, RSVP "Yes." If you are sure you cannot make the event, RSVP "No" or don't RSVP at all. If you are maybe yes but maybe no, don't RSVP "Yes." Only RSVP "Yes" when you are fairly certain about going and you can plan to attend.
2. If you do RSVP "Yes," be there!! We understand things like work, illness, and other emergencies happen, but if for whatever reason you can't make it, please change it to "No" as soon as possible. If you just don't feel like going, still change it to "No." No one likes a flake, so please don't flake out without changing your RSVP.
3. While the more, the merrier, if you forgot to RSVP "Yes" and the event is full or RSVP'ing for the event is closed, please do not just show up at the venue unless you want to let someone sit on you at the event. Ask the event organizer beforehand to see if more places can be added, or let the organizer know that you would like to attend. Otherwise, it just creates more headache for everyone. If it is determined that you cannot attend that particular Meetup, there will be others. Attend the next one or suggest one of your own.
4. Be at the event venue on time. We understand Austin traffic can be ridiculously bad, and I have been late to a few Meetups myself, but if you are chronically late or will be very tardy, please consider not even attending and change your RSVP to "No." At venues with "will not seat incomplete parties" policies, we will just move on without you, and a seat might not be available when you show up. If you really want to go but have to be late, let an attending organizer know beforehand so we can plan ahead to try to save an extra seat for you.
5. Put the event on your calendar. Add reminders. Be responsible and responsive. If you said "Yes" then go. Plan for it, plan around it. If you can't go or don't want to go, again, change it to "No" as soon as possible.

It is my hope that through these suggestions, we can respect and be fair to our fellow members, have a fun time socializing with each other in comfortable, adequate space, and put our best foot forward as a group with the local establishments that generously lend their space to us. It is a lot of work and responsibility to organize these events and make sure they go smoothly. Your cooperation is part of that and most appreciated for the continued success of our Meetup.

Cordially,
Larry