• MeetingIdeas - things GNHLUG members have suggested for meetings
• MeetingSpeakers - the local talent pool we have to draw on
• MeetingLocations - not all meetings have to take place in the same place

• MeetingPrep - things to do in advance of the meeting
• MeetingProper - checklist for running the actual meeting
• MeetingPolicies - rules and guidelines
• MeetingContigencies - what to do when things go wrong
• MeetingStuff - signs, artwork, software, and other stuff to use at meetings
• MeetingIdeas - things GNHLUG members have suggested for meetings
• MeetingSpeakers - the local talent pool we have to draw on
• MeetingDoorPrizes - sometimes we bribe people to attend meetings

• Awards - Awards of recognition to our membership and their contributions to the Linux "cause".
• DoorPrizes^? - give them out fairly.

• Pre-meeting:
  • Facilitate main presentation (if possible, set up the equipment beforehand - try to remember to bring extension cords, cell phone, extra cables, ...)

• • Announce and thank the host
  • Attendees introduce themselves (Who they are, where they work or go to school, what they are doing with Linux)

• Explain meeting format and agenda

• DoorPrizes^? - give them out fairly
• Help presenter with packing their equipment (if appropriate)
• Interpersonal networking at the meeting site
• Put back the room and facilities the way you found them

That looks like a good start, BruceDawson. I'd like to add a general Linux Q&A to that, to allow the newer users an in-person chance to pick the brains of the more experienced users. I once saw a really good format for a LUG meeting that incorporated this type of general Q&A (sorry, I don't recall where), that went something like this (I'm filling in missing pieces in my memory from the above list, so this will probably look quite similar):

• Welcome & Introductions
  • Who we are, where we are
  • Make sure to thank the host!
• Administrivia & Facilities News
  • Announce future meetings
  • Pointers to restrooms and refreshments
  • When do we have to leave
  • Explain meeting format
• Questions ( not answers )
  • Questions should be recorded in a publicly visible place, so everyone (including latecomers) can see them.
• Presentation
  • Introduce presenter
  • Facilitate presentation
  • Presentation Q&A
  • Make sure to thank the presenter!
• Answers
  • By waiting to answer the questions, you should get higher quality answers, since people have had more time to consider the questions.
• Door Prizes
• (optional) Post-meeting refreshments at a local restaurant/watering hole

-- MikeLedoux - 13 Mar 2001

Related Topics: GuidelinesAndContigencies^?

• Introduction and where you are. Thank the host.
• Facilities news (where are the restrooms, eats, drinks, ...). Time we have to be out, ...
• Ice breaker - go around the room and everyone says their name and why they're here, what they're doing with Linux, corporate affilation, ...
• Say whats going to happen next in the meeting
  • Presentation
  • Q & A
  • break and interpersonal networking
  • Optional: retire to a restaraunt/watering hole
• Introduce presenter
• Facilitate presentation (if possible, set up the equipment beforehand - try to remember to bring extension cords, cell phone, extra cables, ...)
• After the presentation and its Q & A, then you can start giving stuff out. This is generally done by picking up a ticket at the door.