On June 14, 2002, Meetup was born! Even before the era of smartphones and apps, the site began connecting people in unprecedented ways. One of the very first social networks, Meetup quickly grew and developed, reaching milestones like 1 million members in less than two years! Since then, the Meetup community has only continued soaring to new heights of togetherness.
Now that Meetup is officially in its 20s, let’s look back at the incredible journey that led to this moment, and the impact that Meetup members have had on the world.
How it all began: the origins of Meetup
We’re two full decades removed from the founding of Meetup, so a lot of folks have never heard the story of why Meetup was created in the first place. It’s a powerful one.
Back in 2001, Scott Heiferman was living in downtown New York City. On September 11 of that year, he watched in horror along with millions of others as two planes crashed into the World Trade Center. Before then, Scott never had much of a relationship with his neighbors, but on that day he found comfort in their shared experience of grief and support. Those feelings inspired him to get more involved with his community in the aftermath, attending vigils and volunteering with the Red Cross at Ground Zero.
In the wake of these events, and the profound sense of togetherness he discovered, Scott wondered how to continue authentically connecting people for good causes. The answer would be Meetup, a social platform that helps people use the internet to get off the internet.
Meetup’s early days
Meetup events used to function a little differently. Years ago, a gathering would be centered around a worldwide “Meetup Day” for particular interests. For example, August 30 might be declared the International Ultimate Frisbee Day, and the site would have postings for frisbee events taking place across the globe on that day. Some early sensations were International Pug Lovers Meetup Day, International Witches Day, and social gatherings for Tori Amos fans!
Meetup’s political history
It started with a feisty Vermont Democrat running for president in 2004: Howard Dean. Although he ultimately didn’t secure the nomination, his meteoric rise into the national spotlight was due in no small part to his use of Meetup!
Howard Dean and the Meetup team saw a common goal in each other’s work. Dean began saying “Join your local Howard Dean Meetup” after every speech, and the results were staggering. In fact, his campaign’s embrace of the internet as a tool for grassroots organizing is credited with revolutionizing politics.
In just a few short years, Barack Obama was using the same strategies (including event planning through Meetup) during his presidential campaign. He would go on to say that these tools helped get people in productive face-to-face conversations around the country. He believed they had the ability to transcend isolation and create genuine community. In 2009, founder Scott Heiferman was invited to the White House as President Obama recognized the power of community organizers!
Meetup friendships
The fundamental value at the heart of any Meetup event, regardless of its topic, is the social opportunity. Encompassing everything from marathon training to sewing circles, Meetup has become the trusted app for bonding over all kinds of activities and interests. Meetup is mentioned in the WikiHow article on making friends, and has had several groups profiled in the New York Times, including a group for women over 50 and a Brooklyn-based roller-skating group.
Meetup milestones and innovations
In the past 20 years, Meetup has not only eclipsed the 50 million member mark, but has continued making it easier for people to find each other and build lasting communities. Some highlights from two decades of innovation include:
- Introduction of online events so you can connect anywhere at any time
- Meetup Live group organized by Meetup HQ with over 111,000 members sharing resources
- Community Matters blog keeping people in-the-know and in touch
- A new Meetup for Organizers app that streamlines event management
Change your life with Meetup
There’s 20 years of evidence proving that Meetup has the power to transform lives! Self-described introverts have overcome their social anxieties, organizers have started new businesses based on the success of their groups, and people have even gone from strangers to soulmates by attending Meetup events.
Everybody in the Meetup community should celebrate this tremendous achievement together! Harness the spirit of this group effort by starting your own Meetup group today, and get in at the beginning of Meetup’s next 20 years!
Last modified on November 15, 2023
