Meetups & Mixers Hosting Guide

Part I: Defining Your Vision

Are you looking to start hosting a social mixer? Social mixers are a great way to bring together family and friends, or to build a sense of community. Before scheduling your first event, it’s important to consider what type of event you want to host, and to look into any non-monogamous communities and events that may already exist in your area.

Explore existing communities and events

Before starting your own event, an important first step is to look for existing non-monogamous communities and events in your area. You don’t want to start a new event if something similar already exists locally. Existing non-monogamous communities may be some of the first attendees of your event, so reach out to them early.

A simple place to start is by searching online, especially on Facebook, Reddit, and event platforms like Meetup. You might also check out Bloom Community, a community and events app focusing on queer, kinky, and non-monogamous folks. Use search terms like “non-monogamy,” “polyamory,” and “lifestyle,” along with the name of your town, your state, or the closest large city. Reach out to admins or organizers to chat with them about what’s happening and what else they’d like to see.

Define Your Event

After researching communities and events in your area, it's time to consider the type of event you'd like to host. Here are some important things to think about as you’re planning your first event. We also encourage you to reflect on your own desires and motivations as an organizer as you plan your event.

💡Event Type
Do you want to run a happy hour, hike, game night, potluck, or something else entirely?

🌐 Event Size
How many people will attend your event? Are you interested in hosting a small gathering where everyone can get to know each other, or a larger event with more attendees?

🏰 Venue
Where will your event take place? Consider your home, a community space, a venue, a bar, or a restaurant. When selecting a venue, ensure it is the right size, in the right location, and has the necessary amenities for your guests.

🙋 Volunteers
Will you need volunteers? If so, what roles will they take on, and how do you intend to recruit and manage them?

💵 Cost
Will your event have any costs associated with your event?

  • Will there be any costs to organize the event, such as renting a venue or providing snacks for attendees?

  • Do you plan to charge anything to attend your event? Remember that the higher the cost, the more difficult it is for people to attend. We also discourage people from viewing these events as a way to make money, and only suggest charging enough to cover your costs.