Beyond Meetup: 10 Exceptional Alternatives to Meetup for Your Next Community Event

In this digital age, it’s no surprise that our ways of connecting and building communities have evolved.

In fact, these days, a lot of our social interactions happen online creating the need for more events. That’s where platforms like Meetup come in handy — they serve as a central hub for bringing people together and fostering community engagement.

But here’s the thing: as time goes on and people’s preferences evolve, it’s important to keep an open mind and explore the ever-changing landscape of community management and event organization.

While it has been a go-to platform for many, it’s also worth considering the emerging alternatives to Meetup that offer exciting possibilities.

With so many options out there, it’s essential to find the platform that best suits your needs as a community manager or organizer. By exploring different avenues, we can discover new and innovative ways to connect with others and create engaging experiences.

After all, a vibrant and engaged community doesn’t happen by chance—it takes adaptability and a willingness to embrace change.

Meetup: A Brief Overview

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Meetup is a digital platform that helps you discover and connect with people who enjoy the same activities and hobbies as you do. The Meetup app is all about connecting with people who share your passions and making new friends along the way.

By attending events, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and interact with like-minded individuals. This is a chance to exchange ideas, learn new things, and have a great time doing what you love.

How It Works

First, you create an account by signing up with your email or social media account. Once you’re all set up, you can start exploring the app to find groups related to your interests. These group meetings cover a vast range of activities such as hiking, cooking, writing, knitting, photography, and so much more.

Joining Groups

When you discover a group that catches your eye, you can join it with just a click of a button. By becoming a member of a group, you’ll gain access to their events, discussions, and updates. It’s like being part of a club where everyone shares your enthusiasm for a particular interest.

Planning and Attending Events

Meetup allows group organizers to plan events and share them with the community. These events can be in-person, like going for a group hike, or even virtual gatherings, like online book clubs or cooking classes. You can choose the events that interest you and RSVP to let the organizer know you’ll be attending.

Does anyone use Meetup anymore?

The Rise of Meetup:

Back when it started, Meetup was a shining star in the world of digital connection. It brought together folks with similar hobbies or interests, helping them create tight-knit communities and make lasting friendships.

The app provided a simple and convenient way to find and join groups centered around hobbies, sports, professional interests, and so much more.

People were excited at the ability to connect with like-minded individuals in their local communities, forming new friendships and embarking on exciting adventures together. It was like a bustling marketplace of ideas where people could explore new things and find others to share their experiences with.

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However, as technology evolved and other platforms emerged, Meetup faced its fair share of challenges. Newer apps and social media platforms offered different features and experiences, drawing some users away from Meetup.

Some people found it harder to keep up with the changes and updates on Meetup, making it feel less exciting and fresh compared to newer options.

Another obstacle that led to the rise of alternatives to Meetup was the difficulty of the financial cost of operations. As the platform grew, the need for operational costs and investments became more apparent.

This led to the introduction of fees for group organizers and attendees, which, though necessary for the platform’s survival, might have made some users stop using the platform.

Eventually, Meetup’s dominance in the market faded, leaving behind memories of the vibrant communities it had once fostered. Despite its decline, Meetup left behind a legacy of bringing people together and creating spaces for shared interests and passions.

It paved the way for the development of similar apps, inspiring a new wave of digital platforms that aimed to connect people in meaningful ways.  While it may no longer be at the forefront, Meetup’s impact on the digital social landscape will always be remembered.

Challenges Faced When Creating an Event Online

Creating and managing an online community is like nurturing a digital garden. Just like a real garden needs care, attention, and the right ingredients to thrive, and so does an online community.

Whether you’re a community manager or a content creator, understanding the key factors that influence your online presence is crucial. Let’s talk about three vital aspects that can make or break your digital community.

Growing Your Community

The first step in building a vibrant online community is to expand its reach and welcome new members. Think of it as inviting more friends to a party where everyone can share their unique ideas and experiences.

To achieve this, you will need a plan that can house all members, old and new. The platform should have the necessary features to identify members, send them updates and information, and allow the members to interact with one another publicly and in private.

You might consider promoting your community on social media, collaborating with like-minded influencers, or using engaging content to attract new members. Remember, a diverse community can bring in fresh perspectives and ideas, making the experience more enriching for everyone involved.

Making Money

While building a community is driven by passion and the desire to connect, it’s also important to consider ways to sustain your efforts. This means exploring monetization strategies that align with your community’s values and purpose.

To make any of this possible, the platform you decide on to build your community must have enough options for monetization. You might consider offering exclusive content and merch or even hosting paid events that cater to your community’s interests.

However, it is important to strike a balance between providing value to your members and seeking financial returns. After all, a community that feels valued is more likely to support your endeavors.

Enhancing Member Engagement

The heart of any successful community lies in the meaningful connections it can build among its members. Just as friends select and share experiences, interests, and support, your online community must provide a space for individuals to connect and engage meaningfully.

This could involve hosting regular interactive sessions, initiating discussions on relevant topics, or encouraging members to share their stories and experiences. By nurturing a sense of belonging and camaraderie, you can create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

What Has Replaced Meetup? Alternatives to Meetup

Finding like-minded individuals with shared interests is an exciting part of building a strong online community. While Meetup has been a popular platform for connecting communities, there are also other platforms worth considering. Here are a few alternatives to Meetup.

1. GroupApp

GroupApp is a community platform designed to empower creators, educators, and community leaders in building and managing their online communities. If you want to host your event online and grow it into an online community, GroupApp is your best bet.

GroupApp helps you build and nurture a thriving membership community. You can customize your digital space, engage members with interactive features, and monetize your passion with subscription models all on the platform. You can also retain a loyal community through exclusive benefits and effective retention strategies.

Here’s how GroupApp is an improvement on an alternative to Meetup:

Events

You can create gated or free events and set exclusive perks like access to webinars, live coaching, and priority registration for events, all in the Events page. Members can also attend group meetings online, check to see what upcoming events there are and also see past ones.

Channels

With the Channels feature, you can structure your community discussions effectively. Creators can use channel collections to categorize conversations and moderate what gets shared in each channel in their community.

You can also Customize access levels for each channel and restrict entry through subscription plans.

Better Monetization Opportunities

GroupApp offers a wide array of monetization models, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of both event creators and their communities. With GroupApp, you can choose from the following monetization options:

Monthly Subscriptions

Creators can offer monthly subscriptions, allowing community members to access exclusive content and perks on an ongoing basis. The ability to collect membership dues provide a steady, recurring income stream.

 

Quarterly Subscriptions

For creators who prefer longer commitment periods, GroupApp enables quarterly subscriptions. This model offers more extended access to exclusive content, ensuring a reliable source of income over several months.

Annual Subscriptions

Annual subscriptions grant members access to exclusive content and benefits for an entire year. Creators can offer special promotions and rewards to incentivize annual subscriptions, resulting in upfront revenue.

One-Time Memberships

GroupApp allows creators to offer one-time memberships for users who want to access exclusive content without a recurring commitment. This model caters to a broader audience base.

Pay-Per-Content

Creators can monetize individual pieces of content, aside from membership fees. This means that members only pay for the specific content they choose to access, offering flexibility and choice. GroupApp makes it easy to collect payment online for your event or other content you wish to monetize.

Messaging

There is the option for direct and group Messaging to communicate privately with other community members for better interactions.

Members Feature for Personalized Interaction:

Making event attendees feel special is key to a successful conference. GroupApp’s Members feature allows your attendees to get profiles, speaker bios, and connect in a communal learning environment.

Also, with its moderation tools, you can keep the conversations flowing smoothly and maintain a positive and productive atmosphere. You can also create private groups for different members.

Feed Feature for Pre-Event Buzz:

With GroupApp’s dynamic Feed feature, you can fuel pre-event discussions and keep everyone updated with the latest happenings, creating a buzz that’ll have event attendees counting down the minutes until your conference kicks off.

2. Odd Circles

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With Odd Circles, you can easily explore a wide range of activities and groups based on your hobbies, passions, or common interest. Whether you’re into art, sports, or technology, there’s something for everyone.

Registration is done with a few simple steps. Just create a profile, browse through the various circles, and join the ones that pique your curiosity.

Odd Circles creates a welcoming and inclusive environment, making it easy for you to connect with others who share your enthusiasm. You can participate in discussions, plan meetups, organize your own events, and host regular group meetings and group coordination.

The user-friendly interface also makes it easy to navigate and stay updated on all the exciting activities happening around you.

3. Mobilizon

Mobilizon is a digital space where you can create and join all sorts of activities, from book clubs and yoga sessions to local community get-togethers. It has a social community core and is a great way for making friends who share your interests and passions, making it easier to get involved in activities you love.

One cool thing about Mobilizon is that it’s open-source, which means it’s built by a community of people working together. This also means it’s free to use, making it accessible to everyone who wants to be a part of it.

Mobilizon helps organizers create public or private events, share them with friends, or even with people you haven’t met yet! It’s an excellent way to bring like-minded folks together and build a vibrant community around your interests.

Plus, it respects your privacy, so you have control over who sees your information and what you share. This ensures you can feel comfortable and secure while connecting with new friends and exploring exciting events in your area. You can also use it on your mobile devices, whether apple ios devices or android mobile devices.

4. Eventbrite

Eventbrite just doesn’t help you sell tickets, it is one of the most popular meetup alternatives. With Eventbrite, you can effortlessly sell tickets, manage registrations, and make everything run smoothly.

One of the best things about Eventbrite is how user-friendly it is. You don’t need to be a techie to navigate the platform and find a specific event of your choice.

Eventbrite’s search engine and discovery tools is designed to be intuitive, so you can easily create and promote your event without any headaches. Plus, they have some seriously cool promotional tools to help you get the word out and attract attendees.

It has automatic event messaging capabilities that can send invites to attendees, and the ticket pricing process is also quick. With just a few clicks, attendees can register and secure their spot at your event.

No long queues or complicated registration forms to deal with. Eventbrite makes the whole registration process seamless and quick.

5. Eventsize

While it is not a free alternative, Eventsize is another good alternative to Meetup, offering you a seamless experience in finding and participating in a variety of engaging events. It is user-friendly, making it easy to discover them and people with similar interests.

Just like Meetup, Eventsize provides detailed information, so you’re always in the know. You can learn about the details of the organizers, sell event tickets, and post online membership forms to make it easier for people. This makes it easier for you to plan your schedule and decide which ones you will love to be a part of.

Eventsize builds a vibrant community, allowing you to engage with other attendees and organizers. You can join discussions, share your thoughts, and connect with people who share your interests. The platform also offers a range of activities, both online and in-person, so you can participate no matter where you are.

6. Citysocializer

Citysocializer while being a Meetup alternative, creates an inclusive and welcoming environment for people to socialize, explore new hobbies as a guest in a new city, and build lasting friendships, much like Meetup.

It is not just a sports specific meetup platform, and it goes beyond mere event listings by actively encouraging members to organize and host their activities, enabling them to share their passions and hobbies with others.

Citysocializer can help you find cool social gatherings, allowing users to explore a wide range of activities based on their preferences and location.

The platform’s intuitive search and recommendation system ensure that users can effortlessly find activities that resonate with their interests and availability.

It also offers exciting perks to its members, including early access, special discounts, and unique experiences.

7. Bylde

Bylde is a good Meetup alternative simplifies the process of bringing people together for various activities. With its easy-to-use interface and straightforward navigation, even those new to online planning can quickly get the hang of it.

You can email your group members, start discussions and host virtual meetings, limit the number of attendees in your event, and create memberships.

Everyone who joins the Meetup alternative comes from authorizing their social profiles, as there is no registration form on the platform.

Bylde allows you to customize your event preferences, ensuring that you discover activities that align with your interests and schedule.

It puts you in control of your planning and participation, making it easy to find experiences that fit your lifestyle.

8. Facebook

This social media app is a big Meetup alternative. The social platform already has a massive user base, which offers a diverse and widespread audience for event promotion and participation. You just need to plug in and then gain access to millions of active users who can be potential community members.

Facebook Events lets you can find a wide array of activities happening in your area, ranging from concerts and festivals to workshops and classes for either public or private groups.

With Facebook Events, things are organized by both individuals and organizations, making it a diverse and inclusive space for everyone to enjoy. If you want to create sports events or other kinds, it is easy on the platform.

But there is no option to email or notify your group members except if they have a Facebook app then they will get a notification on the app.

It provides a vast network for online connections with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of inclusivity and expanding the reach of your social gatherings to a broader audience.

9. Socialiser

Socialiser the innovative platform that could be your new go-to alternative to Meetup. What makes Socialiser stand out? It’s a user-friendly social networking platform that simplifies the process of organizing and joining.

With its comprehensive event listings, you’ll never run out of things to try. Not only does Socialiser make it easy to find events alone or with a local group, but it also facilitates seamless event planning.

The platform provides various security features, such as user verification and reporting tools, to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone. You can also manage your privacy settings and choose who sees your profile and activities.

10. Kommunity

Kommunity offers an engaging and good alternative to Meetup, enabling you to discover new opportunities and expand your social network.

Whether you’re a budding artist, a sports enthusiast, or a science buff, you can find like-minded individuals in the various groups on Kommunity.

Its easy-to-use interface makes sure that finding and joining is hassle-free, while the platform’s interactive tools create smoother communication and coordination among other community members.

With its privacy settings and reporting mechanisms, event organizers have the tools to ensure a positive experience on the platform.

Tips to Create Events and Manage them to Appeal to the Community

While looking for alternatives to Meetup, knowing what comes during and after an event it also important. Planning activities that resonate with your online community can be both exciting and challenging.

Here are some simple yet effective tips to help you create and manage events that truly capture the spirit of your neighborhood.

Identify the Community’s Interests

The first step towards creating an event that really grabs the attention of your community and gets like minded people excited is to take the time to understand their interests. This means doing a bit of research and gathering feedback from the members of your community.

It’s like creating a special experience of similar interests just for them! Plus, when attendees feel like the event was designed with their interests in mind, they’ll be more engaged and enthusiastic throughout the event.

Whether it’s through surveys, community meetings, or online feedback forms, make an effort to listen to your community. By doing so, you’ll gain valuable insights that will help guide your event planning process.

The better you understand their preferences, the higher the chances of a successful turnout and an engaged community.

Test the Platform: Make Sure it is User-Friendly

The success of an online event really depends on how well you set up the technology! So, before the event goes live, it’s important to take some time to get familiar with the platform you’ll be using.

You first want to ensure that the platform you’re using is accessible and user-friendly. That means it should be easy for both you and your participants to navigate through. There should be no confusing buttons or hidden features there.

A good event platform’s tech setup should also be able to handle all the traffic that your event has in store. From presentations to videos, interactive activities to live chats, your platform should be up for the challenge.

Now, here’s a pro tip: don’t forget to test out your setup beforehand. By giving it a trial run, you can catch any sneaky technical hiccups and fix them before they have a chance to ruin the party. That way, you can ensure that everyone enjoys a smooth and glitch-free experience.

A well-prepared tech setup sets the stage for an amazing online event. So start testing and don’t hesitate to reach out to the platform support if you run into a wall.

Engage, Engage, Engage: Interact with Your Attendees

Do you want your online event to be memorable? Well, get your attendees actively involved and engaged.

To keep their excitement levels soaring, sprinkle in with interactive polls, quizzes, and breakout rooms. Take a moment to think about all the enjoyable activities you can include to make the occasion feel like a non-stop hangout.

Set aside some time for your attendees to connect with one another. By fostering connections and creating a sense of community, you’ll leave your attendees with lasting memories and meaningful relationships.

Also, encourage your attendees to get involved by asking questions, sharing their insights, and expressing their thoughts. And don’t forget to celebrate their contributions! Reward their participation with virtual high-fives, shoutouts, or even virtual badges.

When attendees feel valued, they’re more likely to become active participants and your event will be a bigger success.

Build and Encourage Inclusivity

Make sure that when planning your event, you make it a point to be inclusive and create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. This means taking into account the wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and abilities within your community.

It’s important to strive for an environment where every single person feels represented, valued, and respected. To achieve inclusivity, you can incorporate a variety of activities that appeal to different interests and preferences.

Also, ensure it is accessible to individuals of all abilities. Consider incorporating sign language interpreters or providing materials in different formats for individuals with sensory impairments. By making these accommodations, you create a space where everyone can actively participate, regardless of their abilities.

Remember, the goal is to create an event that embraces and celebrates the diversity within your community. By being intentional about inclusivity, you create an environment where every member of your community feels seen, valued, and included.

Test, Tweak, and Learn: Evaluate and Improve

Once the digital dust settles and your event is over, take a moment to reflect. First, gather feedback from the real VIPs of your event—your attendees. Reach out to them and ask for their honest thoughts and opinions.

Did they enjoy the event? What parts left them wanting more? What could have been even better? By listening to their feedback, you’ll uncover valuable insights on what worked and what may need a touch of improvement.

Take a close look at the analytics and information at your disposal. How many people attended? How engaged were they during the event? Did they interact with your content or ask questions? Analyzing this data will help you visualize the impact and pinpoint the areas that might need extra planning and execution.

Remember, practice makes perfect. You may get the perfect online event on your first try but you can keep tweaking bits with more events until you hit all your goals.

In Conclusion

As the digital world continues to evolve, so too must the approach to community management and organization.

While Meetup is still a viable option for community managers and creators, there are other websites doing more or less the same. Exploring the best alternatives can bring fresh possibilities to the table.

If you’re looking for the best alternative to Meetup, try GroupApp today and see how you can do more than just create memorable events.