It’s time to consider to replace an aging DNN-based user group CMS platform (the sub domains under pass.org TLD) with a more modern, capable, and popular platform like Meetup.com (Meetup Pro to be exact) and save money at the same time. The change would be difficult, but it will help PASS to concentrate on serving the community rather than being in hosting and supporting web sites business. Above all, it’s time to pay less and get more.
You are probably wondering why did Steve bring this topic now, right? Well, I had this idea for a few years now, but what really triggered this post was Andy Warren‘s post on PASS, Meetup and Sponsors that I saw just few days ago. I agree with Andy, PASS Local Group web site adds some pain (= unnecessary overhead) while providing very little gain (= basic web site). IMHO, PASS local user group web site lost it’s charm and need a huge TLC. It either needs a complete overhaul or “repeal and replace” solution. Here are some main reasons why (I think) PASS local group web site still exist in its current form and shape:
Technology status quo
Required to receive a comp code for the PASS Summit
Free web site that has a link to a real/main web site – eventbrite.com, meetup.com, ti.to or a self-hosted web site.
As a Los Angeles Data Platform (previously known as SQL Malibu) User Group co-leader, I disliked that web site probably from day one. We are using an Eventbrite to organize and manage our monthly meeting and MailChimp to communicate with our members via email, so https://ladataplatform.pass.org web site is really a stepping stone into the real web site https://ladataplatform.eventbrite.com. Additionally, we still need to promote our group to engage prospective members (using social media), as the local group web site is not capable of that. So to put it lightly, PASS local group web site is not doing much – it’s just an empty shell that is primarily used to promote more feature-rich websites, like eventbrite.com, ti.to, and meetup.com.
Let’s compare PASS Local Group and Meetup websites and see what each has to offer.
Product features
PASS Local Group web site
A simple CMS web site based on once popular DotNetNuke platform that allows to create and maintain HTML pages either through a visual editor or HTML editor bundled with really basic messaging system. That is all in a nutshell, no thrills included.
Meetup
Exceptional platform for an online visibility that is easy to setup, promote your local group to prospective attendees, organize and manage events, track attendance, send emails, and support polls, discussions, calendar, blog and photos.
Verdict
I don’t think that there is a point here in comparing experiences between PASS local group web site and meetup. I think it’s quite obvious that Meetup is a community marketing platform designed to support online and in-person activities vs. a simple customizable web site (PASS local group). Meetup is great at bringing in new members and keep current members engaged. I’m not here to promote Meetup, but Meetup as a company is laser focused on one single thing – meetup.com. It doesn’t have to juggle supporting communities, PASS Summit, sponsors, non-profit management, elections and other activities that PASS does, so Meetup success in meetup.com is almost guaranteed.
Perhaps the only downside in comparing Meetup and PASS local group web site is the level of customization and control. The latter gives you virtually 100% of control on what and how things are going to be displayed on the web site. I personally don’t think that this is going to be a big deal, as custom capabilities are initially nice to have, but becoming quickly obsolete, as somebody needs to maintain those custom pages. That being said, Meetup web site would lack the visibility to group sponsors, but this could be accomplished using the group’s about us page.
Still not sure if Meetup is the way to go, right? No worries! I took the liberty and profiled all 141 local Canada/US based (sorry, profiling all 300 local and virtual groups would take me forever) groups for their main web site to collect some data. About 40% of local groups (54 out of 141 to be exact) are currently utilizing Meetup. Just to be clear, Meetup is not free and has a barrier of entry of about $20 a month, so groups are paying, paying because its working. If that is not a sign that PASS local group web site is not doing much, than what other proof is needed?
Just in case, here is a full list of all local groups with a meetup.com web site:
Albuquerque SQL Server User Group
Albuquerque, NM 242Data Professionals
The Albuquerque SQL Server Users Group (ABQSQL) is an official chapter of PASS (formerly Professional Association for SQL Server) located in Albuquerque, NM. We are an active …
Welcome to the Arizona SQL Server User Group (AZSSUG)! Our group is affiliated with the Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS). We are an active group of SQL Server pr…
Meet other local Business Intelligence (BI) fans and experts to discuss the Microsoft BI Platform (mostly SQL Server and Power BI, but also SharePoint and Office). Our attenda…
Working in Microsoft Azure or interested in learning about Microsoft Cloud and other “cloudy” things? This meetup aims to build community and learning around Microsoft Cloud, …
We hold free monthly meetings focusing on SQL Server DBA, Development and Business Intelligence topics.The presentations and code demos from our meetings are available for do…
We are a Nursery for World class Business Intelligence Professionals. The goal is not only to educate people, but inspire them to become Data Scientists and bring new knowledg…
Bay Area Microsoft Business Intelligence User Group
San Francisco, CA 3,673Members
This User Group meets to discuss and collaborate on strategies, best practices, and experiences around the Microsoft Business Intelligence stack.You will learn from the exper…
We located in the GREATER BOSTON area. We strongly encourage members to use their full names while registering.Mission:• To facilitate training and discussions for BI and I…
Welcome! We are a community of professionals interested in Microsoft SQL Server database products. Monthly meetings are usually 3rd Mon or Tue at 5:30pm.We cover all topics r…
Microsoft SQL Server User Group. Run by the community, for the community. Part of PASS.org.Speakers are from the community, sharing their experience and knowledge. New presen…
Our October speaker is Tracy Boggiano! She will present her topic titled “Intro to Query Store.” In this session, we will look at the new Query Store feature in SQL Server 2016, 2017, and 2019. Query Store tracks changes in execution plans, allowing you to easily view performance differences and revert to older plans with a few clicks of the mouse…
CincyPASS is a user group dedicated to enhancing careers of SQL Server (and related technologies too!) professionals through networking and learning. CincyPASS is a PASS affil…
The Colorado Springs SQL Server Users Group has a monthly meeting that starts with free food and networking. Then we have a quick 101 session followed by our main presentation…
An official PASS chapter monthly meetup for SQL Server users in Eugene, Oregon and the surrounding area.Contact us via email through the meetup messages feature or directly …
Fox Valley Microsoft Data Platform Users Group is a non-profit technical event community located in Appleton, WI. It meets monthly on the first Wednesday of every month. Speak…
The Gold Coast User Group (GCUG) is a “Community Driven” IT Professional and Developer Users Group. The Gold Coast is a South Florida Community that spans the Miami, Fort Laud…
We are a group of professionals who like to get together to talk about Microsoft SQL Server and related technologies. Meetings will be once a month and usually include food an…
We are a group of Microsoft SQL Server Professionals. Monthly meetings are generally held at Microsoft’s Houston office. We have a variety of topics and are always looking f…
This is a group for anyone interested in anything Business Intelligence related whilst leveraging some form of Microsoft technology. We do a variety of formats from 1 hour Pre…
The Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS) is an independent, not-for-profit association, dedicated to supporting, educating, and promoting the Microsoft SQL Server co…
The Jacksonville SQL Server Users Group (JSSUG) was founded by Brian Knight in January 2003, creating a community for database developers and administrators in the Jacksonvill…
Our group is generally made up of folks that hail from the Derby City and surrounding Ohio River Valley area, who all have a passion for Microsoft SQL Server and the technolog…
Welcome to the Microsoft Data and AI South Florida User GroupTECHNOLOGIES:• Artificial Intelligence • Big Data • Analytics • Cloud Computing • Data Visualization • Busi…
Mile Hi Power BI User Group is a community user group for sharing how to use Power BI in various environments. If you use Excel, Power BI Desktop and/or PowerBI.com we will di…
MSDEVMTL regroupe les groupes de développeurs Microsoft de Montréal et s’étend sur 5 sujets soit:• Développement d’application• Microsoft Azure• Data Plateforme• DevOpsTo…
Welcome to the Business Intelligence User Group of Nashville.Our goal is to build a community of data loving individuals so that we can share experiences and help each other…
This is a FREE group that meets the second Wednesday of every month (usually). We meet at the Microsoft offices at 5 Wayside Road, Burlington, MA. RSVPs to meeting generally o…
We are a group of database professionals who love, hate, curse, and otherwise deal with SQL Server on a regular basis. We meet once a month at the Microsoft Offices at 11 Time…
The North Texas SQL Server Users Group was formed to provide a forum where Microsoft SQL Server database administrators and developers could meet to learn more about the produ…
The Northern Virginia SQL Server Users Group was started in early 2005 by members of the Microsoft SQL Server community who were interested in sharing experiences and dissemin…
This group consists of multiple PASS User Groups who meet monthly in various parts of the Southland.Typical Meeting Agenda 6:30 PM – Networking and pizza 7:00 PM – Presentati…
Washington, DC Official PASS Chapter.**NOTE** We have changed location!!We meet 2nd Thursdays in the Foolitorium at The Motley Fool in Alexandria (2000 Duke St, Alexandria, …
The Minnesota chapter of the Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS). PASSMN is a forum to exchange knowledge and ideas to better understand, develop, implement and sup…
The goal of the Pensacola Data Professionals user group is to provide free training on a variety of topics surrounding the Microsoft Data Platform for local DBAs and Data prof…
Tampa SQL User Groups are comprised of two groups that operate in close concert on either side of the bay.• Pinellas SQL User Group – Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month ne…
The Pittsburgh SQL Server User Group (PSSUG) was established to provide a forum for exchanging information, ideas and expertise on SQL Server and related products. The mission…
Quad City PASS Microsoft Data Platform (SQL Server) Users
Davenport, IA 115Microsoft Data Platform users
Microsoft Data Platform (SQL Server, Analysis Server, Integration Services, Reporting Services, etc.) users who meet in person every month for networking and an educational pr…
Redmond PASS User Group for SQL Server & Data Professionals
Redmond, WA 544Members
The Redmond PASS Chapter (formerly known as the Pacific Northwest SQL Server User Group> is a professional community organization and affiliated with the PASS community organi…
The Rhode Island Microsoft Business Intelligence User Group
Smithfield, RI 381Members
This group has monthly meetings which include timely topics and technical presentations from industry experts. The topics covered include a wide range of subjects such as SQL …
The Rhode Island SQL Server Users Group (RISSUG) formerly (Southern New England SQL Server Users Group) is an official chapter of the Professional Association for SQL Server (…
San Diego SQL Business Intelligence Group (SDSQLBIG) is non-profit, all volunteer run organization dedicated to learning and sharing information about delivering business inte…
The San Diego SQL Server Users Group (SDSQLUG) provides professional opportunities to stay on the forefront of the Microsoft Data Platform technology stack through education, …
The San Francisco Data Platform User Group meets to network and learn new skills around designing and implementing Microsoft data platform solutionsWe meet bi-monthly on the …
We meet monthly at the Microsoft campus in Mountain View.Meetings are free and include pizza and drinks – please join us!* Network with other Developers and DBAs * Get the …
South Montgomery County SQL Server User Group (SMCSSUG)
Spring, TX 117Members
We are a PASS sponsored Microsoft SQL Server Professional User group. Our monthly meetings are held at 25700 I-45 Suite #150 in Spring Texas. We offer a variety topics dealing…
Professional Association for SQL Server Edmonton Chapter is a not-for-profit association that organizes events to promote knowledge sharing, to exchange ideas, and to unite Ed…
Our meetups are for anyone that is interested in SQL Server regardless of level of experience. It’s a place to learn more and to do some low pressure networking. Our meetups a…
Tampa Bay Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
Tampa, FL 1,697Data Professionals
This group is dedicated to Business Intelligence and Data Analytics in the Tampa Bay area with focus on Microsoft technologies including SQL Server Data Platform, Azure Data A…
The Triad SQL Server BI Users Group is a forum where Microsoft SQL Server Business Intelligence professionals meet to learn more about the product, share ideas and make contac…
Welcome to the Triangle SQL Server User Group (TriPASS)! We are an active group of SQL Server professionals that meet monthly for formal presentations on many SQL Server topic…
This meetup is all about connecting, learning and networking with other people passionate about SQL Server. We will currently encompass both the SLC SQL Server users group a…
We are a group of Power BI and Modern Excel enthusiasts. This group is dedicated to running monthly meetings to share techniques and inspire incredible data analytics and dash…
I had a hard time to pull this exact infrastructure expense cost from all PASS expenses, so I’m going to guestimate that a monthly spend stands on $100K+ (I’m waiting for PASS Finance committee to confirm this number).
Meetup
Meetup Pro cost is $30/mon. per group. Applied that to 300 groups (an exact number of local and virtual group would be lower as some groups are dormant) and that would come down to a max monthly cost of $9,000 ($30×300). I’m sure, this could be negotiated to be less than $100K.
Verdict
While saving money with a current PASS local group web site is virtually not possible (renegotiating contracts is not easy), going with Meetup has a great potential to cost less (= save money).
Conclusion
While meetup.com is far from being perfect, it would be a great replacement for PASS local group website. Please feel free to comment and share your point of view!
DataSteve 