Coming up soon we have another DUG meeting. As usual, it's planned for the 2nd Thursday of the month. At Drupal Camp Utah I mentioned some things about changing it up: trying to include more people, finding a different location, etc... it always difficult to accommodate everyone, and we won't be able to make everyone happy... but, I feel like this will be a good compromise.
I propose that we hold two DUG meetings a month. One in Salt Lake and one in the Provo area. Then once every quarter have one combined meeting central to Salt Lake and Provo. This meeting could be held the last month of each quarter.
My understanding is the biggest impediment is the fact that driving up from Provo to Salt Lake or from Layton down to Provo is difficult for a number of reasons (time, cost, family, etc). Having two should provide a nearby meetup for those living around these two areas and give them the opportunity to participate in the local Drupal community.
For the combined meeting, I’d like to see the two groups come together and have one big DUG meeting. Same format, just central and together. Having it once a quarter should allow for people to plan ahead if they need to travel or make other arrangements. Plus, it's not so frequent that it doesn't become a burden to attend it for those who have to come some distance.
I feel every meetup is important; meeting together often opens up opportunities, great for networking, and brings the Utah group together.
Comments
Also wanted to mention...
My original thought was to stagger the two meetings like 2nd Thursday, 4th Thursday to allow people who want to go to both meetings the ability to do so. But maybe it would be better to have them on the same night to make it consistent and reduce confusion.
My input
I was thinking that having them both on the same night would be good. That way, whenever we have a combined meeting (quarterly, for example) it would be at the same regular time for both groups.
I think we could have a good turnout in Provo but we'll need somebody who's willing to head up the scheduling of meetings and getting the word out until we have a consistent group. Is anyone down here able to take it on? I can help with this next meeting but I won't be around much longer.
Best options
For consistency I would try looking towards the BYU group or towards the Nebo school district group. They are less based on a single person which has its advantages and disadvantages. In the mean time, Bryan, please feel free to step up. It doesn't mean it will all depend on you, look for those who will be able to head it up after you need to go.
Tyler Smith
Western Governors University
Marketing Site Developer
Was looking forward to coming
I've been exited for this summer and the opportunity to start coming to DUG meetings again (for the summer) but sadly last month's was cancelled (because of Camp), WGU is celebrating its 15th anniversary this coming Thursday, and August marks the return of my conflict. Darn! I hope this works out well. If we start doing quarterly larger meetups I will at least make sure I'm at those. Thanks Jeremy for taking charge of the Salt Lake DUG meetings.
Tyler Smith
Western Governors University
Marketing Site Developer
What about Google Hangouts?
I spend too much time driving as it is. With Google Hangouts, we could eliminate the commute factor, share screens and video, and reach a much wider audience. Bonus: environmentally friendlier.
Plus us out-of-state peoples
Plus us out-of-state peoples could attend
We should look into this
It would obviously be nice if we could all physically be together but we should definitely look into adding some online collaboration abilities.
I like the idea of Google
I like the idea of Google Hangouts or something similar to it.
It also sounds like Sherwin and Brigham are working on getting things going in Provo. There will be details soon about it.
Quick Poll: Who else is in Provo and is interested in the DUG meeting but is not a student? I'm trying to get an idea of how many will likely go year round to a DUG meeting instead of just during the semester.
Oooh I would!
Downtown SLC's meetings always take quite a bit of planning to try to pull off (I live in S. Orem). I wholeheartedly support moving it around a bit. Sandy or a Jordan might work well for quarterly meetings too, love the idea!