Next Play May Meetup
- Date
- 2025-06-25
- Location
- Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Host
- Friends of next play LA
About this event
If you’ve been meaning to spend less time in your feed and more time in the same room with smart, motivated people, Next Play May Meetup is a good reason to do it. This is a grounded, in-person gathering in Los Angeles for people who value real conversation, fresh perspective, and the kind of connections that are easier to make when everyone shows up ready to talk. Whether you’re coming to meet new people, reconnect with the local community, or simply put some energy behind your next step, this meetup creates space for all of that. It’s social by design, but purposeful in tone: approachable, open, and built around showing up as you are. About the Event Next Play May Meetup is an in-person community gathering that brings people together around conversation, connection, and momentum. The format is simple in the best way: people meet face to face, talk about what they’re working on, what they’re thinking about, and where they want to go next. This is not a heavily scripted conference or a formal presentation-first event. It’s a meetup, which means the value comes from the room itself: the people who attend, the conversations that start naturally, and the chance to exchange ideas without the pressure of a polished pitch. Because the event is rooted in community and networking, you can expect a welcoming environment where introducing yourself feels normal, not awkward. If you’ve ever left a large event wishing there had been more time for actual dialogue, this format is designed to feel more human and more useful. Los Angeles is a city full of people building, exploring, shifting directions, and making things happen. An in-person meetup like this gives that energy a place to land. It’s a chance to meet others who are also in motion and interested in what comes next. What to Expect Expect a social, conversational atmosphere with room to circulate, meet people organically, and have a mix of quick introductions and longer one-on-one discussions. The rhythm of the event will likely feel relaxed rather than rigid, making it easy to join a conversation, step into a new one, and find the people you naturally connect with. A meetup like this typically works best when attendees bring a little curiosity and a little initiative. You do not need a perfect introduction or a specific goal before you arrive, but it helps to come ready to talk about what you’re focused on right now, what kind of people you’d like to meet, and what you’re hoping to learn. You can reasonably expect experiences like these: Casual introductions that help break the ice without making the room feel forced Open networking with time for spontaneous, useful conversations Community-building moments where you get a better sense of who’s in your local orbit Idea exchange around projects, opportunities, challenges, and next steps A social component that makes the event feel easy to attend even if you don’t know anyone yet Because this is a daytime meetup, the tone may feel especially good for thoughtful conversation. Morning events often attract people who are intentional about how they spend their time, which can lead to stronger interactions and a clearer sense of purpose throughout the gathering. Why Attend There’s real value in being in a room where people are open to meeting each other without layers of formality. You can make progress quickly when conversation is direct, friendly, and in real time. That might mean meeting a future collaborator, hearing an idea that helps you sharpen your own thinking, or simply feeling more connected to a local network that matters to you. Networking works best when it doesn’t feel transactional, and that’s part of the appeal here. The meetup format makes space for genuine interaction first. Instead of trying to “work the room,” you can focus on having a few solid conversations with people who share your interests, mindset, or stage of growth. You might attend because you want to: Expand your circle with people you’re actually likely to stay in touch with Get out of isolation and reconnect with the energy of in-person community Test ideas out loud and hear how others respond Find momentum by talking with people who are also taking action Stay plugged in locally rather than waiting for the “right time” to engage Even one good conversation can justify showing up. The point isn’t to collect the most contacts; it’s to leave with a stronger sense of connection, a few meaningful follow-ups, and the feeling that your next move is a little clearer than it was before. Practical Details Next Play May Meetup takes place in person in Los Angeles, USA on Wednesday, June 25 at 10:00 AM PDT. Since this is an in-person event, plan to arrive with enough time to settle in, get oriented, and start conversations without feeling rushed. A morning start time makes this an easy anchor for your day. You can come in fresh, engage fully, and still have the rest of the afternoon available afterward. If you like events that are social but still leave room in your schedule, this timing works well. A few useful ways to prepare: Bring a clear introduction about who you are and what you’re currently focused on Think about your goal for attending, even if it’s as simple as meeting three new people Be ready to listen as much as you talk; the best networking is mutual Dress in a way that feels comfortable and put-together for an in-person meetup setting Plan for follow-up if you meet people you want to stay connected with If you’ve been looking for a reason to show up in person, meet thoughtful people, and put some real-world energy behind your network, this is a strong place to do it. Come ready to talk, listen, and leave with a better sense of who’s around you and what could happen next.
Who should attend
This meetup is for people who want their networking to feel more real, more local, and more useful than another round of passive online scrolling. - You should come if **you want to meet new people in Los Angeles** and prefer face-to-face conversation over cold outreach or purely digital connection. - You’ll get a lot from this if **you’re building something, exploring a new direction, or looking for your next play** and want to talk it through with others who are also in motion. - This is a strong fit if **you enjoy community-driven events** where the value comes from the room, not from a formal stage or tightly scripted program. - You’ll likely feel at home if **you’re good at conversation or want more practice putting yourself out there** in a setting that is social, open, and low-pressure. - Come if **you’re looking for meaningful professional or personal connections** rather than trying to collect as many introductions as possible. - You should especially consider attending if **you’ve been wanting to get back into in-person events** and need a practical, approachable way to re-engage with your local network.