A casual, member-led drop-in at the chapter’s chosen bar/pub/venue. No agenda, no ticket, no organising – just a familiar place where Hemingway people gather.
Overview:
| Format type |
Casual drop-in, member-led |
| Group Size |
Whoever turns up (aim for at least 3) |
| Time of day |
Evening, usually a weekday after work |
| Duration |
However long people wish |
| Cadence |
Whenever a member suggests one |
| Pricing |
Members cover their own costs |
| Lead effort |
None after initial setup. Once your venue(s) is picked, members run it themselves |
| Best for |
Every chapter. Easy way for members to see each other without anything being organised |
Signature elements:
These are the things that make this format distinctively Hemingway:
- A chosen venue per chapter
- The venue becomes part of the chapter’s culture
- Member-led – any member can post in the chapter Slack channel suggesting a meetup at the local. No permission needed
- No agenda, no ticket, no Luma event
How to set it up (one-time ask)
This is the only bit of work involved. After this, it should run itself.
- Pick a venue – somewhere central or easy to reach (feel free to ask other members for suggestions!)
- Drop in once yourself to make sure it’s right
- Post in the chapter Slack channel introducing The Local – “This is our go-to spot. Anyone fancies a drink/catch-up, just post here”
- Pin the post or add the venue to the chapter Slack channel description so new members can find them easily.
Notes
- Don’t let The Local become the only thing the chapter does. The core rotation should keep happening alongside them.
- If no one is suggesting meet-ups after a few months, give a little nudge in Slack - “anyone fancy a drink at The Local this week?” to get things going again