A detailed guide to hosting your events online

It's the season of spring. Many places in New York witness flower blooming accompanied with butterfly dances and sweet, warm breezes. A faint, aromatic air fills every corner of New York at this time of year, signifying happiness, calmness, and tranquility. The timing could not be any better than this to host your events online.

Do you love meeting new people? Then, this is the perfect time to organize small or large gatherings, based on your preferences, and meet with new people. Although nowadays, it is not necessary to visit a community or spread posters to organize local events in New York, many scheduling apps for friends, family, and strangers, such as Leaf, are available on the play store and app store that allows you to host your event online.

You can create a local or community event and add topics, ideas, location, and timings of the event and post them online. Many meetup events are organized this way.

Several times, pre-planned meetings get postponed or canceled because of several reasons. Some could be valid others can be made up. But whatever the reason may be, holding an event or making plans with friends often is difficult.

It's a normal thing to face difficulty hosting an event. Of course, because you need to take care of everything on your own and ensure that meetup is fun and engaging rather than dull and boring.

So, if it's your first time hosting an event, organize a meetup with strangers. Below are some points that will help you host your first meetup successfully.

Journalize your Idea

• Our brain is surely a powerful tool in our body. However, it has its own limits. For example, you can only remember a part of your whole day. So remembering each and everything can be difficult. So start Journaling your thoughts and ideas on the meetup.

• Think about how you want to organize your party? Surely you won't get the idea on the first go, but you will have a trail of thoughts after thinking about it. These thoughts will help you understand how you want it to be? Is it going to be a leisure meetup, dinner, going to an amusement park, or simply having a cup of coffee in the library?

• Of course, you will have a ridiculously large number of ideas in your mind, and keeping a track on all of them is humanly not possible. So, keep a journal or notebook with you and write down everything you are thinking about. So that later on, you can look at them and get creative ideas to host your events online.

• After you write, strike off the unnecessary points or do not fit in with the overall goal of your meetup. You have to understand that every meetup has a goal, whether to learn more about each other, increase the network of people, discuss a common issue, or just hangout.

• Be sure to convey the aim of your meetup to people and attract people who have the same idea as you and want to contribute to your event. This is particularly true when you have a specific topic genre that can only interest a handful of people, and inviting other people can make all your work go in vain.

Organize your idea

• As we said earlier, jot down every idea you have, and once you have the collection of ideas, strike off what's inappropriate and consider useful ideas. Ideas can come from anywhere; maybe while organizing, an idea will cross your mind, which is better than your previously written idea, or mix a bunch of ideas to create a brand new idea.

• Whatever it may be, organizing your ideas will align your thoughts and come out with a clear intention for the meetup. Of course, if you are a group of friends, then anything is fine. However, if you are planning strangers meet up. Then directing the flow of meetings is essential to keep the fire alive during your event.

• Think about what you want to do, what topics you want to discuss, where to meet, and what fun activity you want to include in the meetup. Then, generally organize everything, to know what follows after usual hello and hi's.

• This will also help you and the attendees who run out of ideas get an idea and maintain an interesting conversation.

Sign up to meet up apps

• If you want to make plans in NYC, you need to use smarter ways. NYC is a city of technology that first finds a 'need' for technology and then develops the technology. And hosting meetings online is also the same thing.

• Meetup apps allow you to create an event and post it online to find interested candidates to join. You can select the number of people, adjust timings, choose a location, post the event, and ask people to join.

• You can send invites to your friends and ask them to join your event. Moreover, these apps also allow you to start a conversation and know about each other more. So that you can have a decent idea about the people you are meeting at the event.

Be courteous

• If you are hosting an event, reach the event location on time. As the host, you should be the first person to take the lead. This marks a positive impact on other people you have invited. Lastly, be kind and generous with your words. You don't need to be formal, but keep it appropriate and respect their ideas.

• Often in such meetings, despite having common interests, the thoughts may not match, which may lead to dispute. In such times, keep an open mind. It's unnecessary that you are always right and do not get defensive. Instead, respect the other person's opinion about the topic and understand why they think it that way.

• One of the fundamental principles during meetups is listening to understand, not respond. As many people are habitual of responding to people without thinking about what they are saying, this can be a big red flag in your event.

• Be respectful and mind the other person's boundaries and keep calm during the event. Pay extra attention to people's thoughts and try not to provoke people.

How are meetups beneficial for you?

Since the last few years, many people have stayed indoors and didn't have much opportunity to meet new people or even with their friends. So, as the rate of the pandemic is declining every day, people have started falling back to their old patterns and want to enjoy others' company.

Increase your network

• Meeting new people builds your network. So what's the difference between a politician and a normal man? The difference is between the size of the network. A normal man has a network of relatives and friends, but a politician has a huge network of people, including friends and relatives.

• Meeting people at events and connecting with them builds your network of people. This network of people can help you land a new job, find a new client, or maybe find someone to say 'I do' in the church.

Expand your knowledge

• Knowledge is the only thing that increases when you spend it. The more people you meet and learn from their experience, the deeper your knowledge grows.

• In events, you meet people from various backgrounds allowing you to understand and learn from their experiences. After all, people's experiences are more valuable than any degree or textbook.

There are majorly two types of people- Introverts and extroverts. While extroverts love talking to people and enjoy events, introverts do not. But introverts do have social batteries. So as long as their social battery is charged, they will indulge themselves and talk a lot. But as soon as it runs out, introverts disappear. But meetup events can work for both types of people.

Meetup for extroverts

Well, there's nothing to say. You are already good at speaking and love talking to people, so it is obvious that you will enjoy meetup events. As talking and knowing about other people is natural, hosting community events in New York will be easy for you.

Meetup for Introverts

As introverts are already shy, it can be a little difficult to push yourself out of your comfort zone. However, hosting events with fellow introverts and planning the topic beforehand will ensure that you host a successful event. Because 'Topic' is the only problem with introverts, and if you can come up with interesting and common topics, your event is successful.

Wrap up

A well-planned event will ensure your first-ever hosted meetup will be a great success. Host your events online using meetup apps like Leaf to post an event status, get the attention of like-minded people, and increase your network to ensure a successful event.

These apps are also helpful to make plans with friends and let you have responses from them. So next time you make a plan with friends, try using meetup apps.

What to do in NYC and how to see the most of it

If you are not a local from NYC and think you can see everything in NYC, you are mistaken. We mean no time is ever enough to visit all the places and experience everything in NYC. And there are two reasons for that. First, NYC is too big to travel to, especially for a tourist. And the second thing is that NYC is always changing; hence you'll get different experiences each time even if you'll visit the same place again and again. Hence, the question arises what to do in NYC?

To answer this particular question, we have done a thorough research and have found some of the best places you can visit in NYC and some of the best things to do in NYC. Many of our suggestions are good for Group outings in NYC, some of our suggestions are good for making date plans in New York, as Valentine month is going on and New York is always a great place to make date plans. But even if you have no plans and are visiting New York just for fun, our suggestions will surely give you a lifetime experience in New York. Although, do remember that some of these places are free to visit but some also charge a ticket to visit. So let's start.

See the Statue of Liberty

We know you may think that this one is a very common suggestion and there is nothing innovative in it. But if you are thinking about what to do in NYC? The Statue of Liberty should top your list. Of course, one cannot start the journey of NYC as a tourist without seeing the Statue of Liberty. Why not? This is an international symbol of freedom and justice and one of the tallest statues in the world. But the important question is, how can you see the Statue of Liberty and enjoy its full beauty. There are the following two ways to enjoy the in which you see the statue of liberty; the Staten Island ferry and take a tour.

The Staten Island ferry-

If you don't know, Staten Island is the small island on which the Statue of Liberty is situated. And one of the best ways to reach this Island is using the Staten Island ferry. A ferry leaves after every half an hour from the south ferry terminal of Manhattan, and you can easily board it as it is completely free. But do expect some crowd on the Ferry as it is free of cost. The Ferry can drop you on Staten Island in about 25-minutes, and during that time, you can enjoy the views of the Hudson River. But do remember that you need to come back using the same Ferry in time. And the best way to do so is to keep following the crowd.

Tour the Statue of Liberty

The tour is another way to move around the Statue of Liberty and enjoy its amazing views from every corner. And you also combine a tour of Ellis island if you want. The tour provides a better experience than the Ferry, but it is also paid for. So you have to buy a pass or ticket for the tour. And one of the best ways to use the tour is by buying the New York City PASS.       

The Museums Of New York

While being in New York, you can't ignore its museums. This place has some of the best museums in the world, and above that, NYC has all kinds of museums, from classics like the American Museum of Natural History to some bizarre museums like the Museum of Sex. And many more museums like these provide New York with a total number of 30 Museums. But which of the museums you want to see is your individual choice. However, we can suggest to you the criteria for choosing the museum. For instance, do you want to see a decent museum with a minimal amount of crowd? Or you want to see a famous museum with lots of crowds.

But if you are making a plan for group outings in NYC, then crowded museums can add more fun to it. So let's suggest to you some museums that we have liked the most.

Which one is the best museum in NYC

As NYC is home to more than 80 museums, it is difficult to select anyone and say this is the best museum. Thus we found two of the best museums in NYC. The best museums in NYC are the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History. 

And our personal opinion would be that if you are looking for a place to go along with your family and children or group outing in NYC, then choose the American Museum of Natural History. But if you are an art lover and looking for a museum to spend some personal time in, then the Metropolitan Museum of Art is better. Rest, there are many more options to pick from, so make your choice wisely as it won't be possible for you to visit all the 80 museums of NYC.

The High Line

So if you are thinking about what to do in NYC and want to see this city from a different perspective, then this place is best for you. And High Line is a raised path and a parkway built on a section of an abandoned railway section. One of the best things about this place is a 1.5-mile long pathway that provides some of the most beautiful views of the Hudson River and the high rises surrounding the Chelsea neighborhood. And this place looks beautiful all time of the year.

But as this place has become quite famous among New Yorkers and tourists, it's a bit crowded during the day. However, if you want to avoid the crowd, visit the place early in the morning or evening to enjoy the beautiful sunset.

And there is also the Chelsea Market in the neighborhood with many places for food and shopping, so you can visit that too if you feel hungry.  

Want to know more exciting things to do on meetup in nyc. Read here. 

The 9/11 memorial and museum

We know that we have already told you about all the museums of NYC, but this place has a completely different vibe and is a must-visit. This ground zero museum dedicated to the tragic events of 9/11 is very adequately designed and powerful. But it is very famous among the tourists as well and thus easily gets crowded during the day. Hence we suggest you visit early in the morning to avoid the crowd.

Also, while going to the museum, you should visit and stop inside the Oculus. It is an amazing dove taking flight like a train station adjacent to the ground zero museum.

And while you are inside the museum, you can rent an audio file there for $7 to know more about the museum and the events of 9/11. The audio file provides some very useful information about the events in the voice of Robert De Niro. And in case you don't want to spend $7 on an audio file, you can even listen to the audio file for free by downloading the 9/11 museum guide for free. Through this app, you can find the same audio they rent in the museum.

The Brooklyn Bridge

If you want to get the typical tourist-like experience in New York, then you should keep a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge at one of the top ranks on your list. The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most beautiful and iconic bridges globally. However, it is also very long. And the views on both sides of the bridge are amazing. But, because it is one of the most favorite tourist places in NYC, it is certainly one of the most crowded tourist places in NYC. Thus, if you want to walk the bridge in peace, the best timing would be early in the morning. The bridge is about a 20-minute walk to enjoy all the beautiful surroundings and click photos.

But if you want to rent a bicycle and cycle, instead of walking, on the bridge, we suggest you come as early as possible. Because in the daytime it becomes very difficult to even walk on the bridge in a straight path, forget cycling. And just like the early sunrise, sunset is another great time to be on the bridge. But unlike sunrise, you will be surrounded by many crowds during the sunset. Although, sunset at Brooklyn Bridge is a great place to make date plans in New York.

And once you cross the bridge, you can either visit the Empire Fulton Ferry park or the Main Street Park to experience more beautiful views. And then, you can also explore the Dumbo Neighborhood.

Central Park

We are sure that you must have seen central park at least in Hollywood movies based in New York. Yes, it is that famous. And it is one of the most peaceful places in NYC. So if you are thinking about what to do in NYC and want a peaceful place full of natural beauty and greenery, keep central park on the top of your list of places to visit in NYC.

But do note that central park is quite big, and it would be very hard to walk around, especially if you are not habitual to walking long miles. So the best option would be to rent a bike, a bicycle, to enjoy the beauty. And just for you, so you don't just walk around in Central Park, we have listed some of the best places to visit and the best things to do in Central Park.

Sheep Meadow:

If you are visiting Central Park with your kids and dogs or friends and want to play some games in an open field, this is the place in Central Park. It is a big, open, playground like an area in the central park to play sports.

The Lake:

There are many lakes in the central park, but this one is the most famous. And maybe this is why it is called 'The Lake'. And there is also an option for boating on the lake so that you can take a boat on rent for $15/hour plus a $20 deposit.

Bethesda Fountain:

This one is one of the most beautiful spots in central park, and there are many famous Hollywood movies shot at this place like Home Alone 2. Hence you will enjoy clicking photos in this place. This is located on the southeast side of central park.

 And there are many more beautiful places like these in the central park which makes it one of the best places to make date plans in New York.

The Governors Island

Now, if you have gotten bored from the crowded and busy life of New York and are thinking about what to do in NYC now, Governors Island could be an escape way for you without actually leaving New York City. The Island is located very close to NYC. Just meters away from lower Manhattan. This is one of the best spots for group outings in NYC, with 172-acre of the area to roam around, having parks, bike trails, exhibitions, and many more. 

One of the interesting facts about Governors Island is that it was closed to civilians for over a hundred years, as it was a military base. But later, it opened for civilians for the months from April to October. However, just last year, the government announced that the Island would be open for civilians for the whole year, but only on selective days of the week, like Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. In addition, many fun festivals take place on Governors Island during the summer. So it is one of the best times to visit this place.

However, you need to buy a ferry ticket to reach Governors Island. The price for an adult is $3, and for seniors, it is $1. But there is no ticket for kids below the age of 13. However, the rides are also free on Saturday and Sunday till noon.

What's the best way to find more such places in NYC

So these were some of the best and most typical places in NYC to visit as a tourist. But if you have already visited these places and are still thinking about what to do in NYC, we have a for-sure solution. Leaf is an app that you can download from the Apple app store and use to find the best and novel places to visit in NYC. Although there are many more social planning apps on the internet, this app comes with unique features. Like you can use this app to find local meetup groups in New York, make friends in New York, and much more.