Chapter/Guide/Best Practices/Meeting Formats

International Game Developers Association

Meeting Formats

You have several options to consider when planning your meeting agenda. Three of the most popular formats are presentation meetings, social meetings, and a presentation/social hybrid.

A. Presentation Meetings

Many chapters plan their meeting agendas around a presentation from an industry professional, as speakers generally increase attendance.

An Ideal speaker will give a passionate, interesting presentation on a relevant topic. Try to keep presentation topics relevant to your local audience, yet more high-end and geared toward professionals. Somewhat controversial topics are encouraged - they inspire continued discussion throughout the evening, (it's a good ice breaker.) Past GDC speakers are obvious candidates - they have already done the work to prepare a talk of interest to the game development community.

If you are struggling to find someone with the knowledge, time and energy to give a good solo talk, arrange a panel instead. Select a moderator, a topic, and four to five local developers who can address the topic. A panel gives your audience several points of view, and requires less commitment and preparation from speakers.

If your organizing committee, advisory board, and local contacts are unable to provide you with leads for potential speakers, please contact the IGDA for additional assistance. We will try our best to provide coordinators with recommendations if requests are received in a timely manner.

You can also hold an "Open Mic" night and open the meeting to attendees who want to speak. Everyone gets to briefly address the crowd for a few minutes to announce where they work, what they do, discuss topics of interest, provide brief company news, and the like.

B. Social Meetings

Some chapters forego speakers altogether and hold purely social meetings. Social meetings encourage networking in a laid-back atmosphere, usually at a local pub or restaurant. Be careful not to plan too many social-meetings, as local developers can become bored with these meetings. The value of meeting peers just to have a beer deteriorates over time. Note: As IGDA chapters become formally chartered, an Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be required to conduct the chapter's business, hold elections, etc.

C. Presentation/Social Meetings

This format combines the elements of speaker-driven and social meetings. For example, San Francisco chapter meetings typically begin with a presentation followed by networking at a nearby restaurant.