[disgruntledphd2]

> . From my discussions with organizers in other groups, they are having a difficult time finding companies willing to host.

Don't rely on companies to host. Myself and my co-organizer tend to use a co-working space that we are members of, and tend to refuse the corporate sponsorships we are offered.

We probably don't get as big a crowd, but the people we do get tend to be really into the subject matter so it's a great group of people.

Mind you, the core of us have been at this for over a decade so that probably helps too.

[losdos]

Yes, I’m looking at joining a new space and part of my selection process is asking if I can have events there (without paying). More neutral territory is great.

However, someone’s got to get the pizza bill! I’ll probably cover it to start and maybe reach out to dev tool / B2B startups to see if they are interested in helping out.

[hugocast]

I second this. Coworking spaces or maker spaces are great if you are doing a show + tell metup. The one I host is more of a social one, so we can get away with meeting at pubs.