New events

So, you want to start a class / workshop / event? Bully for you, you're thinking like a do-ocrat! Here's what you should probably do and think about next:

Initial Steps

• First, gauge interest in your class (mailing list, IRC, or just shouting ideas during a meeting are all good methods), you probably want to make sure at least three to four people intend to show up, to make it worth your time -- more about this
  • Decide what you want and don't want to teach. Set a scope that makes sense to you.
• Come up with a funny name.
  • This can't be stressed enough. A funny name can be the difference between one attendee and a room of attendees.

Establish a Date

• Pick a day and time that works for you and has space available on the PS1 calendar.
  • Ask [email protected] to grant you read/write access to the calendar.
  • Warning! Don't try to ask the mailing list for a date that "works for everyone" down that path lies madness and obnoxiously long threads with no definitive answers. This is your project, make a command decision.
  • Pick a day at least two (or more) weeks in the future so you can generate interest and people can plan to attend.
  • Remember, PS1 is now large enough that several events can take place at the same time.

Cost

• • This is a touchy subject, but don't be afraid to charge money for your efforts. Talk to people on the board if you're in doubt.
  • If you're going to charge money for your class, a few things to keep in mind:
    • PS1 should get a cut of the profits (unless you're charging only for supplies). This helps pay for the rent.
    • PS1 full members (not starving hackers) should get a discount (the discount comes out of PS1's share of the proceeds, not yours). The discount is usually in the $10 range, depending on the cost of each ticket, and how much of a cut PS1 is getting.
    • PS1 has an eventbrite account, to handle payments and managing attendee numbers. Talk to the treasurer for getting your event on there.

Write up a class description:

• Write something brief but flowery, and make sure to include the following things at the bottom of your post (seriously, use this exact format or you're going to get a lot of dumb questions from people who can't read anything not in bullet points):
  • • Who: who the class is intended for (the public, members only, beginners, intermediate, etc)
    • Cost (if it's free, say that it's free, or people will ask)
    • Where it is: include ps1's address, which room, etc
    • (If you are going to use the Electronics Lab for events, please subscribe to the electronics lab calendar also. Duplicate your event from the PS1 calendar by clicking the duplicate button in the more action drop down to create a reservation of the Electronics lab, and set your duplicated event to the Electronics lab calendar.)
    • When it is
    • What you'll be teaching, what the event is about, etc
• Find an appropriate picture to go along with your description (because all blog posts must have pictures!)

Draw attention to your class:

• • In everyone's fantasy world, you just put something on the calendar and hundreds of people flood into PS1 to sit at rapt attention while you expound intelligently on [insert class subject here]. That can happen, but you need to do some marketing first.
  • Post your class description to at the very, very least the following places (this is minimum effort):
    • PS1-Public list
    • PS1-Private list
    • The calendar
    • The Blog
  • Other places you may want to consider:
    • Other local hackerspaces' mailing lists (W88 and SSH for starters)
    • Enthusiast mailing lists that talk about stuff you're interested in
    • If your event is general interest enough, consider local event blogs like chicagoist and gapers block, or local specialty blogs
    • The PS1 meetup group
    • Make blog / similar blogs

Create A Roster of Attendees

• • You'll need to know how many people are coming
  • You may want to send out waivers / any special instructions ahead of time
  • Give your attendees a way of contacting you directly

• • (using Eventbrite helps with all of these things)

On the Day of Your Event

• • Show up early to make sure everything is in order for your event. Only you know how long that will take.
  • Make it easy for people to find you. Unlock the door, put up signs.
  • Host your event! Share your enthusiasm for the subject!

After the Event

• • Make sure your event doesn't leave a mess. Take down signs, and lock the door when you leave.
  • Get feedback from your attendees: what did they get out of the event? What do they think should be done differently?

For assistance, contact Geoffrey Topham