How to Start a People Analytics Meetup:
Practical Steps from Experts
In the world of people analytics, building connections and sharing knowledge are essential for growth. One of the best ways to do this is by starting or joining a local meetup. Recently, the Society for People Analytics (SPA) hosted a webinar where seasoned professionals shared their experiences and tips on launching successful meetups. Here are the key takeaways from that discussion.
Did you miss the webinar, don’t worry!
Click here to watch the replay and keep reading for the recap!
Why Start a People Analytics Meetup?
Richard Rosenow, VP of People Analytics Strategy at One Model, kicked off sharing his journey with meetups. For Richard, it began when he was an HR Business Partner in New York City, where he was passionate about HR data but struggled to find others who shared his interest. Attending the HR Strategic Analytics meetup not only helped him connect with like-minded individuals but also played a significant role in his career development. Similarly, Annika Schultz, who leads the Bay Area People Analytics Meetup, emphasized the important role communities have played for her career and wanted to extend the same opportunity to others.
Getting Started: Your First Steps
When you're ready to start a meetup, Annika Schultz’s advice is to focus on finding just one or two people who share your passion for people analytics. Even if your first gathering is small, what matters most is forming those valuable connections and building a community from the ground up. Richard added that once you have a core group, the actual location becomes secondary—whether you meet at a coffee shop, library, or corporate campus, the key is to begin somewhere.
Deciding on Content and Location
Choosing the right content and location can be challenging, especially in large metropolitan areas. Annika suggested rotating locations to ensure the meetup is accessible to everyone, particularly in regions like the Bay Area. She also stressed the importance of content being relevant and broadly applicable. Richard noted that while content is important, it often serves mainly as an initial draw to get people out to the meetup; the real value comes from the relationships and networks that develop.
Jordan Hartley, who runs the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) People Analytics Meetup, shared that the Dallas meetup lets the host company choose the topic, with a focus on keeping the sessions engaging and interactive. The primary goal, according to Jordan, is to build a strong community through meaningful interactions.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Starting a meetup isn’t without its hurdles. Richard emphasized the importance of finding co-organizers to share the workload, while Annika highlighted the need for organization and preparation, using templates to streamline the process. As mentioned previously, location can also be an issue, especially in large cities with sprawling commutes. Annika recommended being strategic with your location choices, understanding that sometimes you can’t accommodate everyone but can rotate to different spots to reach more people.
Vendor Participation
When it comes to involving vendors, the panel agreed that while vendor support can be valuable, it’s essential to maintain the focus on the community. Richard advised setting clear boundaries to ensure that vendor participation enhances, rather than detracts from, the meetup experience.
As this question comes up a lot, here are some additional tips for working with vendors:
Set Clear Expectations: Before involving a vendor, outline specific guidelines that align with your meetup’s goals. Ensure the vendor understands that their role is to support the community, not to focus on their sales pitch.
Focus on Value: Invite vendors to contribute in ways that genuinely benefit your attendees, such as sharing thought leadership, technical expertise, or sponsoring venues. The vendors are doing exciting work in our space, but their involvement should enhance the meetup experience, providing real value to participants if they are involved as more than attendees.
Maintain Control: Keep the focus on the practitioners by leading the content and structure of the meetup. Use vendor support strategically, whether it's for logistical needs or providing relevant insights, without letting them steer the direction of the event.
Another recommendation from the webinar was that vendors reserve the word “meetup” for events handled by local practitioners.
Leveraging SPA Resources and Vendor Participation
SPA offers a supportive community and resources for new and existing meetup organizers. From list of local meetups to people analytics resources like this webinar, SPA is here to help. Annika mentioned that SPA provides a centralized platform for connecting with others in the field, which can be especially helpful when starting a new meetup. Jordan also pointed out the value of sharing templates and resources to make organizing easier (templates coming soon!).
Final Thoughts
Starting a people analytics meetup can be a rewarding way to connect with others in the field, share knowledge, and grow professionally. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand an existing meetup, focus on building strong relationships, staying organized, and leveraging the resources available through SPA. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so tailor your efforts to your community's needs and goals.
If you’re interested in starting a meetup or want to connect with others in the people analytics community, reach out to SPA and take that first step toward building a thriving network.
