Lessons Learned in Starting a LOPSA

Chapter

Friday, May 3, 13

Hi, my name is Mike.

I organize LOPSA-ETENN.

Friday, May 3, 13

President, one of three founders of ETENN

Started planning March ’12, first meeting June ’12

Average 29 people each meeting

First meeting was 18 people, April was 45

Sysadmins love to meet other sysadmins.

Friday, May 3, 13

The stereotype of the antisocial sysadmin is totally wrong

A quiet room, all staring ahead? Totally wrong.

Sysadmins love to talk about what they’re

doing.

Friday, May 3, 13

Six month has turned out to be hard to keep--because we get so many offers to speak

We draw upon our own attendees for speaking, not outsiders

There are organizations dying to give a chapter

money and support.

Friday, May 3, 13

We had two sponsors from day one. We have three sponsors now and this was without trying.

Recruiters and training companies love user groups and provide good value for attendees

Go start a chapter.

Now.

Friday, May 3, 13

This isn’t that hard. It’s incredibly rewarding.