I really appreciate lil Bitcoin parafernalia. Nothing expensive, some blank seed phrase cards, branded pens, stickers things like that
Last one I went to there was a draw for a modified S9 miner/room heater. Could do this with some other Bitcoin product, an inexpensive hardware wallet or something if you want to bring down costs, or even just straight up Sats, Bitcoiners love sats hahaha. Nothing to break the bank(lol) just whatever you're willing to part with.
A venue that takes Bitcoin, or at least wait staff that take Bitcoin tips was a big winner for me too.
A lil area for local Bitcoiners to sell or advertise their Bitcoin-related wares if possible, books, shirts, bitcoin-themed baked goods, things like that. Make sure to keep this one Bitcoin only. It can get super messy if not. No fiat, no shitcoins.
I'd also look into seating arrangement.. arrangements? Every meetup I've been to has had awkwardly placed tables and chairs that make it difficult to have a conversation with anyone other than the person directly next to you. It's nice to sit and have a beer in bigger groups, especially for a meetup where the whole point is to meet new people.
Not too loud music, Bitcoiners tend to love to talk about Bitcoin, don't want to be yelling the whole time and struggling to hear eachother. A - "not your keys" B- "nacho cheese?" Calls the waiter over
Charismatic speakers if any. This is a massive one for me, could just be me tho. I really don't want to hear you studder and fumble up there for 15 minutes about profitability indicators and hash price if I can't understand 20% f the words coming out your mouth. Stops the event dead in its tracks for me, brings the atmosphere down.
As someone who's never been anywhere near the planning or execution of any Bitcoin meetups, but has attended a few, this is all I can think of. Reading back thru it it's more than I expected actually haha. Hope it helps!
All great ideas. Thanks for sharing.
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