Re: AUGD: Re: Suggestions on Meeting Places
Re: AUGD: Re: Suggestions on Meeting Places
- Subject: Re: AUGD: Re: Suggestions on Meeting Places
- From: email@hidden
- Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2007 04:48:22 EDT
Deb
All good points. Knowing who is likely to be in your group and canvassing them for a good place to meet can be helpful. What happens if the teacher or member of the Moose can't make the meeting that month? Does that mean the space is not available? Many groups want someone from their group there for the meeting so that person can lock up and be responsible for any trash left out.
Some places have a security person go around and close up at a set time. If your presenter goes over because everyone was interested in the topic, it becomes a problem for that security person who has other things to do.
Some times the parking lot SIG gets a lot done and does pass around a lot of information. I know with my Boy Scout group more gets settled and arranged in the parking lot than in the meeting. Some people just stay and talk until 10 or 11 PM. That may not be fair to the neighbors.
At the library that we use, most groups have to ask for the room each month. If some other group wants it during the time you usually have your meetings, it becomes a problem. "We can't meet at the library next month because the 'Friends of the Library' are having a book sale that night." What do you do then?
Schools aren't always open during the summer. Does that mean you can't meet during those months.
Being consistent, making it a habit, the meetings are always at the library on the second Tuesday of the month is a great way to do it especially if some people don't always make it to every meeting. "I went to the library on Tuesday and nobody was there." "Oh, we had to meet at Bardal & James house because of a last minute scheduling problem. Didn't you see the notice on the web site? It went up Monday night."
We had a meeting the Thursday before Easter one time. The minister didn't think we would be there considering the day it was. They were afraid that we would make too much noise at our meeting that it might distract the worshipers in the church. The first hour of the meeting didn't go above a whisper. You can do it with a bit of understanding and consideration.
Rick Curran
Coastal Mac User Group
Myrtle Beach, SC
In a message dated 4/27/07 1:23:35 AM, email@hidden writes:
First, I'm glad to see a new group starting!
A lot of great suggestions, all based on first-hand experience, have
come up so far.
More suggestions:
Condos or some apt buildings have community rooms. Some of them are
terrific.
Businesses have meeting rooms. When my friend built an Ace Hardware
he put in a meeting room to help the neighborhood. (Maybe because
he'd seen me go thru location hunts. <g>)
Elks Club, etc.
Hospitals? I helped found a Toastmasters group that had 20 or so
people. One guy was a Dr so we got to use a room where staff ate
during the day but was not used at night.
On another note, here are a few things to check on:
Insurance: does the facility require you have some some. In CA, the
schools do.
Cleaning fees: are there any? What happens if there is damage. (Just
to play safe.)
Minimums: If you're using a restaurant they may be cool with you a
few times but will they decide it doesn't pay to have you? I have
never liked having a meeting of any type over a meal; can't enjoy the
food, can't focus on the topic, worry about my mac. Waiters in the
way of a speaker... If the place has a spare room and wants the good
will, that's cool. If it's meet here and eat here, be careful.
Closing time: Some places send the security or custodian home at 9,
or lock the parking lot, so be certain you can fit their schedule.
Neighbors - noise and parking issues. I have not seen this as a MUG
issue but for example, at the Marina yacht clubs here, they built
condos so close to the clubs that now doors must close (physically)
at 9:30. Or neighbors may not like your members talking on the
street. These things can be worked out. Just ask ahead of time to
avoid issues.
Parking: the reality, not what they tell you. Go to the location 1/2
hour before meeting start time and look at what's available. Then
look again at exactly the meeting start time, and 10 minutes before.
Read parking signs if it's that kind of a place.
Schedules: How far in advance can you book dates? Do they have the
right to cancel, and if so, when?
Traffic: can people make it to your location at your time?
Can guest speakers get to the meeting?
I'm sure there is more, but I can't think of any right now.
Bonuses: Can you put up a sign during the meeting? Do they have a
newsletter or website to help spread your word? Other great extras
are always nice.
-Deb
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