Bringing a friend or guest to one of our events can be a great way to introduce someone new to the group, but it’s important to check the specific event details first. Always refer to the event listing on Meetup.com, as the ability to bring guests can vary depending on the venue, the type of event, and the host’s ability to manage larger groups on that particular day. Circumstances often change based on the space available and the host’s disposition to accommodate extra people. To avoid any confusion, it’s best to check the event description and confirm whether guests are welcome before inviting anyone along.
Ideally, we encourage your guest to join the group themselves. This allows us to familiarize ourselves with them and makes it easier to know exactly who is attending our events. It also helps build a sense of community, as we prefer everyone in attendance to be a registered member of the group.
There are several reasons why guests might not be suitable for a particular event:
- Limited resources: Some venues may have restrictions on capacity, or the event may have been planned with a specific number of participants in mind.
- Disrupts planning: A sudden increase in attendance can disrupt the flow of an event that was carefully organized for a smaller group.
- Unverified individuals: Guests who aren’t registered members haven’t been vetted or formally introduced, which could lead to bringing individuals who don’t align with the group’s values or culture.
- Accountability issues: It’s easier to manage behaviour and expectations when dealing with group members, as they are more familiar with the group’s guidelines.
- Security concerns: For some events, knowing exactly who is attending helps maintain a safe and secure environment.
- Potential for cliques: Guests may tend to stick closely to the person who invited them, which can prevent wider interaction and bonding between group members.
- Increased management burden: Managing an influx of guests can make it harder for hosts to oversee the event smoothly and ensure everyone is enjoying themselves.
- Complicates feedback: Having unregistered guests can make it difficult to gather useful feedback, as they are not regular members who experience the full scope of the group’s activities.
To ensure everyone enjoys the event and the group’s community remains strong, we encourage you to always check the event details first and, if possible, have your guest register with the group beforehand. This helps maintain a balanced, welcoming environment for everyone involved.