All over the world, communities have come together to slow the spread of the coronavirus by staying apart. On Meetup, organizers have switched to hosting online events to keep their communities connected. We’re inspired by the millions of people who’ve attended online Meetup events since they launched in March.
Online events are here to stay, and as countries open up we support people getting back together in person as long as they do it safely. That’s the foundation of Meetup. As governments and local health officials update their guidance on public gatherings, we’re committed to helping organizers host safe and responsible in-person Meetup events as well as continue their online events.
Meetup will make a donation to GlobalGiving’s Coronavirus Relief Fund in countries where organizers host responsible in-person events following laws and guidelines from local government and health experts (we recommend meeting outdoors). If it’s not safe, organizers can participate by hosting an online event. Learn more about starting a group.
We’re moving forward cautiously so please keep an eye out for an email with more details on when organizers in your country/state can get involved.
In-person event suggestions
Help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Use these recommendations to plan your next in-person event.
Communicate with members before and during your event
- Share your group’s safety guidelines with your members in your group description, event description, and at the beginning of your event. You can use the following recommendations as a guide.
Encourage healthy behavior
- Discourage members with flu-like symptoms from attending. Remind members to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Encourage members to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of their elbow.
Meet outside when possible
- Host events outdoors or in a large, well-ventilated area.
Recommend personal protective equipment
- Ask members to wear cloth face coverings and other personal protective equipment during the event.
Promote social distancing
- Plan activities that allow members to stay about 6 feet apart as often as possible.
Set an attendee limit
- Limit the number of members who can attend your event. This limit may vary based on requirements from your local government.
Set a flexible cancellation policy
- Whether or not you charge an event fee, give members the option to stay home if they’re not feeling well up until the event starts.
Accommodate hand washing
- Encourage members to wash their hands with soap and water frequently or provide hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid sharing
- Minimize sharing equipment of any kind and avoid communal food. Ask members to bring their own snacks and equipment. Use disposable materials whenever possible.
Clean up afterward
- Ask members to help disinfect the event space. If you clean the event space on their behalf, wear protective gear like gloves and wash your hands immediately afterward.
Space out your events
- Schedule your events at least one week apart to allow members to evaluate their health. We recommend hosting online events in between in-person ones.
These recommendations are based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please follow local requirements and guidelines issued by your government authorities and public health officials.
Last modified on September 18, 2023
