[andhess]

We run a technical meetup at OpenDNS called OpenLate and I might be able to add some thoughts on to your post. We are a very attendee-focused event, but as an organizer, we have actually achieved an incredible value from it. The value for us includes a handful of technical hires, recognition in thought leadership, and actually some sales deals too. All of these are side effects of the community that we have created, who come for our series of various technical talks. We don't recruit and we don't push the OpenDNS brand but, by creating quality events with interesting topics, people continue to attend and learn more about us too.

http://www.meetup.com/OpenLate/

[jf]

Thanks for sharing that! I've had the same experience with every event I've run, or helped run.

I wanted to include something about that in my post, but I wasn't sure how to make a statement like that without some social or statistical proof. I strongly believe that focusing on attendees will bring more benefits to the organizers and sponsors than if you focused on the organizers or sponsors initially.