Do’s & Don’ts For Planning Lesbians Who Tech Events

Do’s

• Do plan on hosting one event each month.
• Do confirm every event (date and location) 25 to 30 days before the event.
• Do try and find locations that are convenient.
• Is there good parking? Is there public transportation?
• Is it in a part of town that people live in?
• Do try and get a dedicated space at the location (depending on the size of your group).
• Do ask people from different companies to send out the event to their LGBT or women’s list.
• Do you know people who work at big companies? Most of them have LGBT ERG (Employee Resource Group) lists, so they can send out the event to their list. Even if they’re small they might sent out the event to their staff.
• Do send the event to relevant Facebook and Google groups. Here are a few in tech, women’s and LGBTQ world. You can also search groups that are relevant to your city.
• Do send the event to relevant Listserves. Here are a few you should always consider:
• Startup Digest
• Women2.0
• StartOut
• If you have any others please email me Leanne@startsomewhere.com
• Do list the event on local event websites, event calendars and blogs.
• Do find a photographer to take pictures during the event. Or at least bring your camera and take tons of photos during the event.
• After the event share the photos with me on Dropbox and I’ll share them on Facebook and include them on the Lesbians Who Tech website.
• Do wear the Lesbians Who Tech t-shirt to the event.

Don’ts

• Don’t have the event at the same place every month.
• Don’t book the event during another popular event; choose another day.
• Make sure you’ve connected with leaders in the LGBT, Women, Tech & Startup communities to you know when their events will be. And when you confirm an event you can email them with our date, so they don’t book something during the same night.
• Don’t forget to send an email to your list about the event.
• Don’t limit outreach to only queer women; the events are for queer women AND the people who love them (friends, co-workers, etc.)
• Make sure and ask people with large personal networks to send the event to their lists.
• Don’t forget to use social media before, during and after event.
• If you search LGBTQ, Lesbians, your city name you’ll find influencers who can help you spread the word.
  Make sure and let people know the hashtag for the event #lesbiantech @lesbiantech
• Make sure and take photos at the event and share them on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.