Organizers are finding creative new ways to stay connected with their communities. We’ve assembled recipes for five popular events we’re seeing hosted on Meetup to help inspire your next online event. All of these are basic recipes you can customize around your members and group.
Here’s what you’ll need as an organizer to get started:
- Instructions for hosting an online event on Meetup
- A video conferencing service
- A computer with a webcam and microphone
1. Group discussion or panel
20-50 people | 1 hour
Details
Invite a member of your community or a guest speaker to lead a discussion on a topic your group finds interesting. You can even ask your members for ideas. This format can work for any group—engineers discussing data security or mountain bikers discussing their favorite gear. The topic is up to you and your speaker, but keep the discussion focused and interactive.
Agenda
- Meet & greet: Quick intros and solving any technical issues (10 min)
- Discussion: Share slides or talk directly to your audience (20 min)
- Q&A: Use a chat feature or invite members to ask questions directly (30 min)
Attendees will need
- Fast, reliable internet
- The topic in advance to brainstorm questions
- A format to ask questions (use a chat feature or invite members to ask questions directly)
2. Group meditation or yoga
5-10 people | 25 minutes
Details
Stay mindful, healthy, and connected with your community with an online meditation or yoga session. All you need is a session leader and a quiet space to give your members a small break from some of life’s stresses. Some music in the background is also a plus.
Agenda
- Welcoming guests: Share names and set an intention or goal for the session (5 min)
- Session time: Get into the zone (writing a script can help with your timing and flow) (15 min)
- Final thoughts: Wrap up by sending your attendees away with a purpose (5 min)
Attendees will need
- A quiet space to focus
- A mat or a soft place to sit
- Comfortable clothes
- An “intention” or something they’d like to focus on
3. Book club
10–20 people | 1.5 hours
Details
Come together with friends to discuss the latest bestseller or gain new perspectives on the classics with a book discussion. Give your community the space for engaging dialogue and respectful discussion on a book topic you’re all passionate about. An e-book is helpful for social distancing.
Agenda
- Introductions: Share names and ask for a first impression on the book (10 min)
- Group discussion: Provide a list of themes or topics to spark a conversation or go around and give everyone a chance to share their thoughts (60 min)
- Final takeaways: Final thoughts and selecting a book for next time (20 min)
Attendees will need
- A copy of the book
- Somewhere to take notes
- Book suggestions for the next event
4. Writing workshop
5-15 people | 1.5 hours
Details
Get creative, inspire each other, and keep everyone accountable for reaching their writing goals. No matter what you’re working on, poems, short stories, personal essays, novels, or just freewriting, invite the writers of your community together for some focus-time. You can even prepare a writing prompt and all work on the same theme.
Agenda
- Quick icebreaker: Share goals for the session and ask what everyone is working on (10 min)
- Quiet writing time: Set a timer and ask everyone to mute their microphones (60 min)
- Optional share: Ask for volunteers to share a short excerpt or an idea they’re excited about (20 min)
Attendees will need
- A pen and paper or a place to type
- A writing prompt (optional)
- Headphones for music
5. Photo-sharing happy hour
10-15 people | 1 hour
Details
Share photos from your favorite activities from the past year to inspire your community when it’s time to get back outside. Even if you can’t hit the trails, bike paths, and parks, you can still connect by sharing memories and planning future events. You can even vote on a favorite photo and bring drinks to make it a celebration.
Agenda
- Sip and mingle: Get everyone talking and give guests time to grab their drinks (10 min)
- Photo sharing: Share your screen and present photos to the group, unmuting each photographer for the details (30 min)
- Voting: Vote In the chat or by a show of hands, let the group vote on their favorite photos (20 min)
Attendees will need
- To submit their 5 favorite photos to the event page or by email
- To prepare a short story about why they chose their photo if it’s shared
- A beverage of their choice
Last modified on June 27, 2023
