Local Guide and Helpful Hero Devi Dimitra ( @Ddimitra ) lives in Jakarta, Indonesia, and loves to host photo walks. She’s always on the lookout for something fun to do with her fellow Local Guides, such as going to the zoo, savoring street food at the local market, and more.
Read on to learn more about Devi’s inspiring experience as a meet-up host.
What was your first experience with meet-ups?
My first experience was in 2018 when I met the Tangerang Local Guides. I had to drive 30 km, but it was worth it. They were nice and accepted me as a new member. They also suggested I join the Jakarta Local Guides meet-ups.
Do you have a favorite meet-up theme? Why is it your favorite?
My favorite theme is photo walks. I love walking tours, and while we visit and learn about different heritage places, we can go on a “hunt” for the best photos, videos, and 360 images.
Photo walks are easier to organize compared to other meet-ups; you don’t have to reserve or book places and you can use any tools to capture the photos.
My city Jakarta has a lot of historical places and cool spots for photography. So I look for unique places to organize my meet-ups.
Tell us about a favorite meet-up that you hosted.
I have many favorite meet-ups. Here are three of them; I hope you like them too.
My first favorite meet-up was a scavenger hunt for Google Maps’ birthday in 2020. It was two months before the COVID-19 pandemic started, so we were able to gather and have a party. I had many happy and fun moments with the Jakarta Local Guides.
My second favorite meet-up was a special virtual event during the pandemic. I collaborated with India Local Guides to organize it, and 75 Local Guides from all around the world attended.
Finally, my third favorite meet-up was a charity event. It was very touching; I was happy to learn that my Local Guide friends from Jakarta and Indonesia supported me by donating their money to buy food for orphaned children. This was also during the pandemic, and it was [one of the reasons] I became a Guiding Star in 2020.
What are the three most important things you’ve learned from organizing meet-ups?
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When you want to organize a meet-up, make sure that you already know some Local Guides in your city or country. This is a big community, so getting to know and being kind to other Local Guides is crucial. Once you make friends, people will start coming to your meet-ups.
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Look for unique experiences and places in your city to host your meet-up. It doesn’t need to be a heritage place; you can also explore skyscrapers or the suburbs, or simply have a picnic and a knowledge sharing session.
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Be helpful and kind as a host. I always bring snacks, drinks, or little gifts. This makes the meet-up memorable for your attendees.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone who’s about to host their first meet-up?
Get to know other Local Guides near your place first. Even if one person joins you, it’s a great achievement. You gain new buddies!
Have you attended any of Devi’s meet-ups? Do you have a question for her? Tell us in the comments below.
Want to see who else is a Meet-up Champion? Read our previous post here.
to the title, and thank you 
happy for you…
