Why create your meet up in London?
Becoming an event organiser is a great way to make new friends in London. Start by researching for other similar groups and see what they are doing and where they are meeting in London. Try and create a meet up group that is slightly different to everyone elses.
When you are ready you need to write a compelling statement to explain exactly what your meet up group is about. Make sure it is clear and descriptive and not too vague. Also try and convey your passion and excitement about the group. Ensure you finish with a call to action such as “What are you waiting for – sign up now!”
Inviting new friends to your meet up
The secret to creating your meet up is to have a clear idea of what you want to do and where to meet. Or open up a discussion to your new friends of what they would like to do – then pick a time and place to meet. If you are too vague with your event details people will get scared off or bored and find another event.
You should use the check list below to ensure your meet up will be a success
1) A date and time to meet (with at least 2 weeks notice)
2) What will happen at the meet (plus the benefits of attending eg make new friends fast!)
3) A specific meet up location (somewhere easy to find and visible is best)
4) How you will identify the meet up leader
5) Give everyone the contact details of the meet up leader
Venue for the meet up
Once you decide on your meet up activity, you need to tell people where to meet in London. Ideally you will want find a free venue. If your meet up only has 10 or so attendees you could just go to any pub or bar. More than 10 friends coming? You will likely need to let the venue know you and your group are arriving.
Avoid busy nights for bars if you want the venue for free. Bars and pubs are busiest Friday and Saturday nights.
Ensure there are signs both outside and inside the venue letting friends know where to find the event.
Managing event responses
Once you have the meet up activity agreed, the venue booked and the meet up time sorted… Thats it – post up your invite and wait for responses!
The responses you receive to your meet up will fall into 3 categories:
1) I cant make it because: Im busy that day, I live too far away etc
2) I can make it that day but can we change the location, meet up time etc
3) I can make it – look forward to seeing you all there
Avoid the temptation to change your event once it has gone live. As this will just irritate the people who said they could make it at the start and potentially cause chaos on the day of your event with some friends missing the changes to the event.
If some guests want to change the meet up location in London – suggest to them that on the next meet up we can meet at their favourite location.
The day before the meet up
Remind your new friends that the event is still on. Perhaps personal message some of the key people coming to double check they can still attend.
On the day of the event – before the meet up starts:
1) Send one final event reminder
2) Print off a list of people who are coming and contact numbers
3) Give everyone your contact number
4) Double check reservations you have with the venue for the meet up
5) If there is a reservation, make sure attendees know what name it is under
Day of the meet up
For everything to run smoothly on the day of the event do some last-minute preparation before your group meets.
At the meet up venue make sure that the staff know who you are and ask them to direct your event visitors to the correct room where your meet up is happening.
Keep your phone on at all time and ask a friend to help you welcome guests
So there you have it – the secrets to organise a successful meet up in London
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