Back in 2014-2016 I was also organizing small meetups with friends, neighbors, local merchants etc. But was different times. Nowadays people changed their vision about BTC.

Back in those times my favorite things were:

BTC MEETUPS ARE A MUST WHEREVER EXIST A WELL KNOWLEDGEABLE BITCOINER

I have never been to one and really want to! Living in Houston, Texas most of the ones I saw were in Austin and now in DC they have been for the most part in NYC. I hope to go to one within the next year though. Little scared to pay the often heavy price as well!

I've never attended one, but I'd prefer it to have alcohol, food, midgets, naked women, and horses 🤠

IMO there are at least two types of events.

PRESENTATION Events, where a BTC topic is presented by a person with more knowledge and he or she is able to answer questions from the audience. Could be presenting a BIP, a wallet, p2p bot, etc.

BITCOIN & BEERS Events, where the main goal is to socialised with others peers. Where P2P trades and sharing information could take place as well.

I'd rather go to a Presentation event, where I could learn something new than participating in a social one. I don't feel networking or talking too much is my thing...

So, my favorite thing about BTC Meetups are learning.

For me just talking about the inner workings of Bitcoin and am happy (workshop-like)

For me its watching connections being made. I love to go to meet ups and ask everyone where they're able to spend their bitcoin. Unfortunately, I still don't get many people giving me places they spend their bitcoin locally, but i do get some. I love trading contacts and recommendations and getting people to spend and receive bitcoin in a local way. It's an instant gratification when it happens because it expands the network I like to be apart of, making it more valuable for myself. incentives anyone?

PS

I have really been wrestling with the idea of making a meetup territory so people can write stories of ones they've been to, people can use it to connect meetups to meetups, you could advertise a meetup there, inquire about meetups . . I think it's a great idea but i'm a bit scared of the commitment!

my local meetup encouraged me to bring along my produce to sell for bitcoin, we set up a table at the back now for anyone to bring stuff. Also mini workshops on HOW to do things, get a wallet, get on nostr etc. Sometimes it is easier to be shown IRL rather than have to try to understand first time

I can't start ranting about bitcoin and people actually listen.

I love about this meeting is we have a chance to learn many things

Not going

I thoroughly enjoy tech meetups and the opportunity to socialize. However, a friend told me about attending one where a few overly curious individuals inquired about his bitcoin holdings. This had made me more cautious. Thinking about scammers at such events—especially when bitcoin is soaring!