You know your local community better than we ever could. This playbook is a simple toolkit to help you bring Sprout members together in a way that feels authentic, casual, and stress-free. Whether it is a three-person coffee chat or a 20-person happy hour, we have your back.

What Sprout Provides

We want to fuel your gathering without adding any administrative red tape.

• Financial Fuel: We’ll pick up the tab. After your meetup, please send in your itemized receipts and we got your covered. Please note that this amount is confirmed upon approval.
• The Gear: Send us your address and get some Sprout swag for the meetup.
• Marketing Support: We’ll feature your event in The Arboretum and our networks to help fill the room.

Requirements for the Host

To keep the program sustainable, we ask for a few simple commitments from you.

• Sprout Status: You must be a verified Sprout Social customer to host.
• Be the First Face: Arrive 10-15 minutes early to grab a spot and be the welcoming face for the group.
• Facilitate Connection: Use the Pac-Man Rule (always leave a gap in the circle) to ensure newcomers feel welcome to join the conversation.
• Capture the Moment: Snap a group photo or a candid shot before the meetup ends.
• The Mention: No need for heavy branding or signs. We just ask that you mention at the start of the event that "Sprout Social is sponsoring this meetup and taking care of the tab today."
• Organic Conversation: Talk about what matters to you. Whether it’s Social Intelligence or just venting about the latest algorithm update, we’re happy to support the connection.
• The Receipt: To get you paid back, we need the itemized receipt showing exactly what was ordered (not just the total on the credit card slip). Please submit your response to our post event check-in email.

Also, not required but we’d love it if you would share a post in Coffee Talk in The Arboretum after the event that shows more about the event and all of the folks who attended. 

Pro-Tips for a Great Meetup

These are not strict requirements, but they help create a better experience for everyone.

• Pick a Social-Friendly Spot: Choose venues with decent lighting and noise levels that allow for easy conversation, such as cafes, parks, or quiet breweries.
• The Follow the Swag Trick: Place a piece of Sprout merch or your laptop with a Sprout sticker on the table. It acts as a beacon for members who might be nervous about finding the group.
• Conversation Sparks: If the conversation needs a jumpstart, try asking: "What is one social media win you had this week?" or "What is the weirdest trend on your feed today?"

The No-Go Zone

To keep this low-lift for you and safe for the brand, please avoid the following:

• No Private Bookings: Do not sign any contracts or minimum spend agreements. If a venue requires a deposit or a signature, it is too formal for this program.
• No Formal Presentations: No speakers, no slide decks, and no pitching. This is strictly for networking.
• No Commercial Recruiting: These meetups are community spaces, not for selling services or professional recruiting.
• No Official Representation: You are a community volunteer, not a legal spokesperson for Sprout Social.

We’re here to help

While this program is designed to be as hands-off as possible for you, we are always in your corner. If you have questions about a venue or need help with something, reach out to the Community Team at any time.

Our goal is to make the social media world feel a little smaller, one city at a time. We can’t wait to see what you build in your local community.

Ready to lead the way?