What is a Tweetup?

The purpose of a Tweetup is to provide an opportunity for a real world meeting between two or more people who know each other through the online twitter service.  However, they are not limited to tweets.  At the end of the day, a Tweetup is about networking with like-minded, business-oriented people in a fun, high-energy environment.

I like Charlie Wollborg’s (@charliecurve) definition from the Royal Oak Tweetup we had recently:  “A tweetup is like the world’s largest, online cocktail party where people are sharing news and information, as well as having conversations about virtually anything, in real time.”

Interested in hosting your own?  Here are some tips.

1. You will want ot find a fun atmosphere to host the Tweetup. Ideally, choose a big venue where people can walk around and comfortably meet and communicate with people.  Low noise and low smoke is preferable.  Make sure to reserve an area large enough for the number you estimate will be attending. Speak to the manager of the establishment (Conference Room, Bar/Lounge, coffee shop), and fill him/her in on what is going on. See if you can get any specials on drinks or appetizers since you will be bringing in a large number of people. Make sure you visit the place beforehand to get a good feel for the venue.

2. Make sure to bring all of the supplies that you will need.  Here is list of the basics:  name tags, markers, sign up sheets for names/emails/twitter handles, camera’s (Flip is recommended) for documenting the event so you can post it and promote your next one. Everyone is welcome to a  tweetup, not just people already on twitter.

3. Make sure that the venue you choose has wifi!  People will want to tweet and be online during the event.

4. Bring plenty of business cards. (I ran out at the last tweetup and learned my lesson)

5. Use Facebook and Twitter to spread the word about the event. Get the word out well ahead of time so people have time to spread the word by re-tweeting your message.

Example:

We had a very successful Tweetup in Royal Oak on 2/27/09 at Mr. B’s in Royal Oak. The main organizers being @kenburbary @bchesnut @balanon It was an excellent place to host the Detroit Tweetup because it was very accommodating for the 100+ people that attended.

Stephen Clark (@sclarkwxyz) from Channel 7 News was at the tweetup covering the event and interviewing people to find out what twitter is all about. The story was broadcast at 11pm that night, then in the morning the following day. Watch the live newscast on channel 7’s website!

Why Host A Tweetup You Ask?

1. Meet people you are connecting with on twitter face to face. Build a more personable relationship.

2. Make great connections with people in your specific interests and niches.

3. These events will create a buzz about twitter and how fun tweetups are, so your next one is even bigger from people that went spreading the word onto others.

4. Find new clients/customers that would be interested in the services or products you provide.

5. Tweetups create a great low pressure environment to meet people. In my experience everyone is very friendly and outgoing because we are all their for the same purpose…to hang out and get to know eachother outside of twitterverse.

If you have never been to a tweetup, I highly suggest you check them out! Very Powerful way to expand your reach!

Make it a great day!