a community for anyone who loves food and ux
Leaders Playbook
Thanks for your interest — I’ve written some hopefully helpful things to help you understand what’s involved. Hangouts require minimal admin: set up an Eventbrite page, show up on the evening, then choose how much extra effort you want to add over time.
Quick-start checklist
Quick-start checklist
If you want to get your first Hangout live this week, here’s the bare minimum:
Pick a venue (somewhere with space for a small group to gather)
Set up a community page on Eventbrite
Create an event page for your first Hangout
Share it in your network
Show up
Everything else in this playbook is optional extra effort, to be added whenever it feels right.
Founders note: I started faux because I wanted to hang out with others UXers, it’s a community for the people. It’s not for making money and we are proud to have no sponsorship or external influences.
This role is right for you if you love connecting people.
Simon
Hangouts
Hangout events are the flagship format: super relaxed, accessible to all, and built around UXers meeting in food venues to socialise and network. To set one up, choose a venue, choose a consistent date, and create an Eventbrite page.
The first turnout might be small, and that’s completely normal — the format works because people come back, not because the first night is huge. People do find UX events organically through Eventbrite, but you may feel you want to advertise - you can share about it on social media. I started with my personal Linkedin, over time I created a business page on Linkedin and then an Instagram. I encourage you to create your own local Instagram (and or Tiktok if you prefer). Don't forget to ask all our UX contacts to follow you!
In London we have lots of large foodhalls to choose from, we go to a different one each month - I let the Discord community vote to choose the next one. Before you start I suggest making a list of potential local venues and go down and check them out - make sure they have a good space to facilitate your group.
There is a very large UX community in London and I have been lucky that lots of people show up every month, even the first event had around 25. Depending on where you are you may get less people, but don't worry, over time and with consistency your following will grow.
Because of the large UX community and abundance of great venues it means I can comfortably host events monthly - I advise to try monthly, consistency is the key. However if your local UX scene is quieter then it is acceptable if you run them less often - you will get a feeling for it once you start.
Keep it accessible
Hangouts can be free to attend. I did not charge anything for the first year of running. If you do ask for a donation, keep it low and natural for your city - the principle matters more than the specific number.
Add formats slowly
If you do want to do more than just the hangout, that's ok - my advice is to pace yourself, for example I ran hangouts as the only event for a year before I expanded into the side events I do now. Keep it simple, only add extras when the community is ready.
Event platforms
Eventbrite is recommended because it is free to set up and helps new people discover your event.
Meetup.com also has good discoverability, but it's not free. I did use it for my first year, but have no regrets from moving to a free platform that does the same thing.
Social media
Is optional - only do when you feel ready.
The advantage of social media is that it can keep your community engaged outside of the monthly in-person hangout.
I use "food and ux" rather than "faux" for the names on social media - this is because faux was taken and I also think having the word UX helps people understand what it is.
Generally people like seeing their face on social media, but I do recommend adding a line to your event listing stating that you may take photos during the event for use on social media.
Remember to ask everyone at the event to follow you!
Founders note: When you sign up I will create a Whats App support group with all the local leaders - a safe space to ask questions and share your experiences.
Simon
Branding, imagery, logo
This can be provided as and when you need it.
The logo can't be changed but you will have creative freedom to make your own local assets.
Summary of things you should do
Must do
Set up a community page on Eventbrite
Create an event page on Eventbrite every month
Show up to the event every month
Optional
Create social media (Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
Post about the event on your personal LinkedIn
Facilitate an online presence — I use Discord, but you could use WhatsApp or a popular local app
Additional notes:
Conflict resolution
I'm sure everything will be fine - but just as a disclaimer, in the rare event of any conflict within a local community, I withhold the option to remove your location from the website. Generally I’ll apply a “3-strikes” policy, but for anything serious, expect immediate removal.
Hats
I always wear a branded hat - it helps people find you at an event!
I do recommend getting one and I'll share a link once you're signed up.
Balloons
Sometimes the hat is not enough for people to find you - I found that using a bright balloon on the night of the event helps people find you in a busy food hall.
Leaders Playbook
Thanks for your interest — I’ve written some hopefully helpful things to help you understand what’s involved. Hangouts require minimal admin: set up an Eventbrite page, show up on the evening, then choose how much extra effort you want to add over time.
Quick-start checklist
Quick-start checklist
If you want to get your first Hangout live this week, here’s the bare minimum:
Pick a venue (somewhere with space for a small group to gather)
Set up a community page on Eventbrite
Create an event page for your first Hangout
Share it in your network
Show up
Everything else in this playbook is optional extra effort, to be added whenever it feels right.
Founders note: I started faux because I wanted to hang out with others UXers, it’s a community for the people. It’s not for making money and we are proud to have no sponsorship or external influences.
This role is right for you if you love connecting people.
Simon
Hangouts
Hangout events are the flagship format: super relaxed, accessible to all, and built around UXers meeting in food venues to socialise and network. To set one up, choose a venue, choose a consistent date, and create an Eventbrite page.
The first turnout might be small, and that’s completely normal — the format works because people come back, not because the first night is huge. People do find UX events organically through Eventbrite, but you may feel you want to advertise - you can share about it on social media. I started with my personal Linkedin, over time I created a business page on Linkedin and then an Instagram. I encourage you to create your own local Instagram (and or Tiktok if you prefer). Don't forget to ask all our UX contacts to follow you!
In London we have lots of large foodhalls to choose from, we go to a different one each month - I let the Discord community vote to choose the next one. Before you start I suggest making a list of potential local venues and go down and check them out - make sure they have a good space to facilitate your group.
There is a very large UX community in London and I have been lucky that lots of people show up every month, even the first event had around 25. Depending on where you are you may get less people, but don't worry, over time and with consistency your following will grow.
Because of the large UX community and abundance of great venues it means I can comfortably host events monthly - I advise to try monthly, consistency is the key. However if your local UX scene is quieter then it is acceptable if you run them less often - you will get a feeling for it once you start.
Keep it accessible
Hangouts can be free to attend. I did not charge anything for the first year of running. If you do ask for a donation, keep it low and natural for your city - the principle matters more than the specific number.
Add formats slowly
If you do want to do more than just the hangout, that's ok - my advice is to pace yourself, for example I ran hangouts as the only event for a year before I expanded into the side events I do now. Keep it simple, only add extras when the community is ready.
Event platforms
Eventbrite is recommended because it is free to set up and helps new people discover your event.
Meetup.com also has good discoverability, but it's not free. I did use it for my first year, but have no regrets from moving to a free platform that does the same thing.
Social media
Is optional - only do when you feel ready.
The advantage of social media is that it can keep your community engaged outside of the monthly in-person hangout.
I use "food and ux" rather than "faux" for the names on social media - this is because faux was taken and I also think having the word UX helps people understand what it is.
Generally people like seeing their face on social media, but I do recommend adding a line to your event listing stating that you may take photos during the event for use on social media.
Remember to ask everyone at the event to follow you!
Founders note: When you sign up I will create a Whats App support group with all the local leaders - a safe space to ask questions and share your experiences.
Simon
Branding, imagery, logo
This can be provided as and when you need it.
The logo can't be changed but you will have creative freedom to make your own local assets.
Summary of things you should do
Must do
Set up a community page on Eventbrite
Create an event page on Eventbrite every month
Show up to the event every month
Optional
Create social media (Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
Post about the event on your personal LinkedIn
Facilitate an online presence — I use Discord, but you could use WhatsApp or a popular local app
Additional notes:
Conflict resolution
I'm sure everything will be fine - but just as a disclaimer, in the rare event of any conflict within a local community, I withhold the option to remove your location from the website. Generally I’ll apply a “3-strikes” policy, but for anything serious, expect immediate removal.
Hats
I always wear a branded hat - it helps people find you at an event!
I do recommend getting one and I'll share a link once you're signed up.
Balloons
Sometimes the hat is not enough for people to find you - I found that using a bright balloon on the night of the event helps people find you in a busy food hall.