This month, we’re excited to share insights from Local Guide and Connect Moderator @AdrianLunsong ! His meet-ups focus on the community and showcasing Local Guides, and he loves to try different formats: from in-real-life photo walks to two-day online events and live streams. Adrian has learned a lot along the way, so read on for his tips on how you can create and host successful meet-ups, too.
What do you love about meet-ups?
I love meet-ups because it’s a fantastic opportunity to meet people and learn new things. With the Local Guides community, meet-ups quickly translate into friendships!
What was your first experience with meet-ups?
My first meet-up was for the Manchester Local Guides.
I was selected for Local Guides Summit 2016, and it was instrumental in shaping me into the Local Guide I am today. I met many amazing folks, and we got to explore Mission District in San Francisco, a funky neighborhood with independent shops and street art.
When I got back, I was eager to replicate the experience. I hosted a photo walk around Manchester’s Northern Quarter, which is like a mini version of Mission District. Seven people turned up: three were my friends, and the rest were complete strangers! And [that] was how I met @TimBull , who was selected for Local Guides Summit 2017.
I was very nervous, but I did my homework and prepared a route to take. I set up a fun photo competition where I handed out mini Android mascots that I purchased at the Google store for the attendees to use as props. At the end of the walk, we went to a cafe and voted for our favorite photo. The owner of that winning photo got a box of chocolates!
Last year, you hosted Community Live. What goes into organizing such a big event? What are your key takeaways?
A lot of time and effort went into Community Live: from setting up the scope of the event and structuring [the sessions] to creating the branding and marketing materials, to generating lots of spreadsheets to keep track of everything. I drew a lot of my ideas from Local Guides Summit and Connect Live, but I also had amazing feedback from the Connect Moderators. There were a lot of issues to consider, including security, privacy, and technology. I was online in the Connect Moderator group chat regularly, and, leading up to the big day, I had very little sleep. I couldn’t do it without the other Connect Moderators’ support!
Organizing Community Live has taught me that big events are possible, but to plan them months ahead! Set deadlines so that everybody is clear on when certain bits of work are needed. Be flexible as you’ll come across lots of problems that you didn’t initially think of. Be patient and reasonable with your team because everyone is doing this in their own time. And learn to love spreadsheets!!
You also created the #LocalGuidesKitchen series. What was the inspiration behind it? What did you learn?
Last year, I was back in Malaysia for six months staying with my parents, [and] I couldn’t do my usual cooking. So, when I got back to the UK earlier this year, I promised myself that I would cook a lot to make up for the lost time. I brainstormed for projects that nobody had done before, [and] thought that a ‘cooking show’ where I could chat to Local Guides and cook something new would be ideal!
I learned a lot from doing this series. Typical of me, I couldn’t settle for simple but had to over-complicate my setup by having not one, not two, but three cameras. So I really improved my live streaming game. I also learned how to make seven new dishes from all over the world! And in the process, I got to know seven amazing Local Guides and showcase a bit of their food culture.
What are your tips for organizing and hosting a meet-up with another Local Guide(s)?
Find Local Guides that you get on well with and that share similar interests to you. I would put these folks in a group chat and talk about ideas of places to visit, things to do, or what we could host virtually. It helps [if] they are equally excited about the meet-up, too! That way, they are as committed as you are to making it a success.
Having some form of structure will help your planning, so use documents or spreadsheets to list tasks and keep track of them. Split the workload evenly, so everyone can contribute. You can also choose to make the best use of each other’s strengths, but I like to switch things up so everyone can learn something new or improve their skills.
And don’t forget to have fun!
Over the years, you’ve hosted many in-real-life meet-ups, too. What’s your advice for hosting such meet-ups?
If you get nervous like me, then doing some preparation work will help boost your confidence. On the day of the meet-up, I like to send a message to attendees to let them know the meet-up is still taking place and remind them when and where to meet. Sometimes, I would mention the clothes I would be wearing so they can spot me easily if we haven’t met before.
Greet your attendees when they arrive and spend some time chatting to them while waiting for the rest to turn up. Once you’re ready to start, do a round of introductions and remind everyone what the meet-up is all about. Plan for the weather: I usually have a backup venue in case the weather gets bad.
Smile! Be cordial, patient, and accommodating. I sometimes get folks that know nothing about the Local Guides program, so I make sure that I spend some extra time with them to chat about it. Always keep your safety in mind, so do ensure that you know at least one person or bring your friends, too!
Some people may find it difficult to talk in front of others. What’s your advice for overcoming this fear?
I always get butterflies in my tummy before any public speaking. But once I start speaking, I calm down, and it becomes easier. My trick is to always have a friend in the group I’m speaking to and focus on them. It will help you to forget that you’re speaking to a group of strangers.
Smile a lot, too. The act of smiling helps put people at ease. And, this may just be me, but when I force a smile, my body surprisingly perks up, and I feel better!
Do you have a favorite meet-up you hosted or attended?
I’m going to be greedy and mention two! Both meet-ups were organized very well and had excellent hosts!
The first was a meet-up by @PeteMHW to explore his hometown of Clitheroe. It was memorable because he had organized for the local town crier to come and greet us at the local market! Plus, he had planned out a fantastic itinerary, including a tour of Clitheroe Castle.
The second meet-up was by @JanVanHaver , who organized #EuroMeetup2019. If you think hosting a meet-up for a couple of hours is tough, Jan hosted 15 Local Guides from eight countries across four days! He showed us the beauty of Ghent and Ypres, and I fell in love with the Belgium cherry beer and cuberdons (cone-shaped candy). And we even celebrated Jan’s birthday: we secretly think he organized the meet-up so he can have a long weekend of celebrations!
What one piece of advice would you give to someone who’s about to host their first meet-up?
If you know of Local Guides in your area, let them know that you’re interested in hosting a meet-up and find out if and when they are available to attend. That way, you are almost guaranteed to have someone turning up! However, if you don’t know anyone, then it’s time to call in a favor from your friends.
Organize a meet-up to do something that you enjoy so that if nobody turns up, you can still have a great time! It can take time to get people to attend your meet-ups, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get any attendees on your first try. Keep reaching out and keep guiding!
What do you think a good recap post should include?
Talk about the people you’ve met, mention the highlights or memorable moments, and perhaps even share some of your own advice on how to host a meet-up. It shouldn’t just be a report of what happened during your meet-up. Turn it into a call for others to join you on your next meet-up, or use it to inspire others to host their own!
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself or any future projects?
I’m always scheming something new! My latest project is called Local Guides Panel, where I invite three other Local Guides to join me in a live stream and chat about everything related to Local Guides. I plan to run this monthly for a limited time.
I’m also working on something special with other Local Guides for Connect’s birthday!
Have you attended any of Adrian’s meet-ups? Do you have a question for him? Let us know in the comments below.
Want to see who else is a Meet-up Champion? Read our previous post here.
You really deserve this achievement!
Cute things usually have three eyes! Or four! Or more! 
Super happy for you my friend! You have an amazing skill of multi tasking between screens to make awesome live streaming videos with a nice content too !
for being second Meet-up Champion.