Event Resources

Interested in Starting a Technology-Focused Group or Event?

MATA is always excited to see technical gurus share their passion for a specific technology through a local User Group! Not sure where to begin? We publish tips and guides to help you get started, based on what has (or has not) worked for other area groups.

We offer a variety of free resources to local tech-focused groups and events. If you have questions that are not answered here, please do not hesitate to Contact Us.

Getting Started Checklist

Marketing
You want people to be able to easily find your group or event. We recommend User Groups start with a Meetup page ($15/mo). Contact Us about helping you cover the cost of your Meetup page. We will automatically import your tech-focused Meetup events into our Technology Calendar. We recommend one-time or annual events use Eventbrite, especially if you need to charge a registration fee. We will also import your tech-focused Eventbrite event into our Tech Calendar.

Scheduling
Be sure to check our Technology Calendar for conflicts with other tech events before selecting a date for your event. If you plan to host a monthly event, stick with a specific day of the month (e.g. every 3rd Tuesday night). Some groups only meet every two or three months, so be sure to check for conflicts in the next 3 months.

Venue
We have many great venue options for tech groups and tech events here in Springfield. See our full list of recommended venues on our Events page. Our local libraries have great free facilities. Several tech-groups host monthly events at The Library Center on South Campbell. The efactory is another great free option and very supportive of local tech-focused user groups and events. Springfield Brewing Company is a good restaurant option for weekday or weeknight events with 20-40 people. Each of these options has great A/V and very fast/reliable internet.

Speakers
The most popular event format is currently a 30-45 minute presentation followed by 15 minute Q&A. Encourage your group members to suggest topics or speakers so you are not having to prepare/deliver every presentation, otherwise you will likely burn out after 12-18 months. You can also ask other local Tech Group Leaders for speaker ideas. We are planning to launch a searchable speaker’s bureau that Tech Group Leaders can use to browse known local speakers and their areas of expertise.

Recording
Several groups live-stream their meetings via YouTube or Twitch and publish meetings to YouTube afterwards. If this is important to you, learn more about local streaming methods. We may be able to help you prepare the necessary graphic files for your broadcast.

AITP of the Ozarks – YouTube
Data Science After Dark – YouTube
The Geek Foundation – YouTube
Mid-America Technology Alliance – YouTube
Springfield Amazon Web Services – YouTube
Springfield Devs – YouTube, Twitch
Springfield .NET Users – YouTube
Springfield Women in Technology – YouTube

Communication
Many local groups rely on public Slack groups for real-time communication among their members. When you are first getting started, we recommend you launch a channel in a relevant Slack group, rather than creating a new Slack group. We can host and maintain the Slack Invite page and Slack Badge for local tech-focused Slack groups.

AITP of the Ozarks – JOIN, LOGIN
efactory – LOGIN (137 members, tenants only)
Hack 4 Good Springfield – JOIN, LOGIN
Mid-America Technology Alliance – JOIN, LOGIN
SpfdSec – JOIN, LOGIN
Springfield Creatives – LOGIN (201 members, members only)
Springfield Devs – JOIN, LOGIN
Springfield .NET Developers – LOGIN (31 members, request invite from Tim Franklin in Springfield Devs)
Springfield Women in Technology – JOIN, LOGIN
Startup Weekend Springfield – JOIN, LOGIN (21 members, request invite from Tylor Hindery in Springfield Devs)

Collaboration
Interested in getting more involved in the local tech community? As a Tech Group Leader, you are likely eligible to attend our monthly Tech Group Leader meetings, where leaders from area tech-focused groups and events have an opportunity to collaborate. Contact Us for more information.