[JabrZer0]

While this is probably different for different people, I tend to agree that meetups aren't conducive to learning. The format definitely has something to do with it too - most meetups I've attended are monthly events with very high turnover. I wouldn't expect such a sparse schedule and such varied levels of ability in the crowd to make a good environment for learning. For my part, I don't go in expecting to learn anything at a meetup. Hear some interesting stories/information? Maybe. Meet some interesting people? Definitely. But the learning happens online, or in personal conversations outside the meetup.