Continually updating so please add comments/ideas/questions

Background

The goal of next play is to help people figure out what’s next. One powerful way we do this is by hosting in person events. We think in person gatherings are one of the best ways to form connections and inspire ideas. The next play community now hosts dozens of events a month in cities around the world (from Los Angeles to Bangalore). We have seen amazing outcomes from these in person events — new companies started, people getting jobs, and much much more.

As a host, you have an opportunity to be the catalyst for your city. To create a beacon of energy of sorts that catapults those around you. Imagine if every month or quarter you were able to bring people together and they’d all leave the in person event with a renewed sense of energy, optimism, and direction — that’s the vision of next play gatherings. And the rest of this document describes some of the steps you can take that we think* will help lead to great outcomes.

Note that these are just our best guesses (based on having done this quite a few times now) and that this document is living and in progress, meaning we welcome feedback/ideas/improvements/etc.

Before the first gathering in a new city

Establish a small, core of local supporters:

• 1-2 people to closely help - will attend gathering themselves + very plugged in with local startups and talent.
• ~5 influential people who can promote broadly - won’t attend gathering but have big followings/networks - ex. early stage VCs, top founders, write local newsletters, etc.

Supporter outreach copy if helpful.

Decide on event details:

• Date/time
• Location
• Group size - two recommended formats:
  • Smaller dinner could be ~8-10 people (more intimate, able to have group conversation)
  • Larger gathering could 15-25 people (depending how much demand you have, less intimate)
  • Totally up to your preference!

Get a host for the space:

• Ideally a host that has some name recognition within your city.
• Suggestions: top local early stage VC, larger well-known startup.

Host copy if helpful.

Get the word out and drive applications: