Updated: April 15, 2021
As a company founded on the principles of community building and fostering genuine connections, we are full of hope at the prospect of being able to safely gather again in person.
Virtual events have been lifelines for communities across the world to stay connected during uncertain times; it’s clear that online events are here to stay. Yet, as regions reopen we support people getting back together in person as long as they do so safely. That’s the foundation of Meetup. As governments and local health officials update their guidance on public gatherings, we’re committed to helping organizers host safe and responsible in-person Meetup events for their members.
It is important that all organizers and members who decide to meet in person are aware of and follow local regulations. We understand that these regulations vary by state, region, and country, so it is up to each organizer and member to understand and follow the guidelines specific to where they are meeting. Meetup may close groups or cancel events if they promote activities that do not comply with requirements and guidance issued by government authorities and public health officials. In addition, using the Meetup platform to disseminate harmful misinformation—medical or otherwise—is not permitted.
If you wish to report any illegal or unsafe activities at a Meetup event, you can make a report to Meetup directly; however, you should also report that conduct to your local authorities.
Respect and safety are important aspects of community
We encourage every member of the Meetup community to continue to take precautions to limit the risk of transmitting illnesses during events. One way to do this is to monitor local, state, and national guidelines on in-person gatherings. For U.S.-based organizers, follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For organizers in other countries, please review the guidelines from the World Health Organization. These recommendations change frequently in response to transmission trends, so monitor guidelines often.
Vaccinations
The CDC is continuing to update its guidelines for people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Some Meetup organizers are hosting in-person events with a requirement that attendees show proof of vaccination and some organizers are not—it is up to the discretion of each organizer in consultation with their local guidelines. If you choose to organize events with a vaccination requirement, Meetup recommends that you communicate this information in advance and widely by including it in your group description, event description, and in any other relevant communications about the event. In the interest of privacy, you should not have members post images of vaccination cards on the Meetup platform. If you decide to require proof of vaccination, have attendees show their vaccination cards at the event.
- Share your group’s safety guidelines with your members. The event scheduler includes a section (see below) for specifying whether vaccinations or masks are required, and whether your event will be indoors or outdoors.
- Consider emphasizing these details in your group description, event description, or at the beginning of your event. You can use the following recommendations as a guide.