New members drinks event. I am adding this again as it has been a while since we ran this kind of event and have not had many new members joining recently.
Back at the Hop Inn, I will try and secure the large table at the back for the group
The idea is to offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can hear people talk and where a number of people are in the same boat of meeting people for the first time. For that reason I've chosen a week night and the Hop Inn as it is a large well located pub with a great drink selection.
A deposit of £2 per person is required to secure places to https://www.paypal.me/CCarlton30. This is fully refundable on the proviso that you attend when you say you are or cancel with at least 24 hours notice.
A decision on whether to run the event will be taken the day before based on numbers. Only those who have paid deposits will be considered as part of this.
A minimum of 3 new members (not including any organisers or existing members) is required for this to go ahead.
The first 30 minutes is exclusively for first timers (and anyone nervous!) - if you have been to Meet Up before, please turn up from 19.30 onwards. This first half hour means that new people can arrive knowing that everyone else is in the same boat but also allowing you an easy out of being able to leave after 30 minutes if things aren't going as you hope. If you are feeling nervous about coming you only need to think of it being at worst 30 minutes of discomfort - how bad can that be?
I will also be there from the start to greet everyone new and welcome you to the group.
For anyone who is new to the group, I can completely understand that meeting new people can be daunting for some and I myself felt the nerves the first few times too. I am pleased to report that things worked out well for me, with Louise and I meeting through meetup as well as some other lovely people, and it can for you too. All you have to do is overcome that first time fear of the unknown and push yourself a little. I promise you won't regret pushing yourself to try something regardless of how the event goes.
The plan is for there to be lots of other first timers there, and we will greet you and help you to settle in. I promise you we're all nice, as is everyone else in the group, and will do our absolute upmost to make you feel welcome and as at ease as possible .
Anthony from the Bristol meetup group posted a number of meet up tips which I've stolen here because they are very helpful:
- Everyone is there to meet new people. That makes it amazingly easy to start a conversation.
- If you are really nervous, plan to come for just the first 30 minutes. If you are enjoying it, you can stay, but if not, then you always planned to leave anyway.
- Remember why you are there - to make 'real world' friends. While you are mingling, ask yourself "would I be comfortable inviting this person round to my house for a coffee and a chat?". These evenings are fun and social events in themselves, but we are really there to find people to hang out with outside Meet Up.
- Don't be put off by large or small numbers of attendees - in fact, the larger events mean that there is more chance of meeting someone you get on really well with.
- Look after other people - sometimes you will spot someone struggling in a conversation or looking at their phone. Be kind and try to include them.
Top Five Ways to Exit an Awkward Conversation:
"I'm going to get a drink"
"I haven't mingled enough, I am going to speak to some more people."
"I'm going to the loo"
"Can I introduce you to....."
"Excuse me, I need to Facetime my cat"