Local Groups
What is a local IA Group?
A Local IA Group is any consistently coordinated, regional gathering where people discuss topics related to information architecture. Local IA Group meetings may be held in a variety of formats and can range in size, frequency and level of formality. Some gatherings, like an IA Cocktail Hour or IA Salon, may be just a casual get-together where interested people show up at a specified location as their schedule permits. Others may involve a more formal meeting with an arranged guest speaker or presentation. All kinds of local IA Groups can be beneficial for networking, sharing specific IA problems or concerns or just fostering a greater sense of community.
> Frequently asked questions about local IA groups
> Read the Results of the Local Groups Coordinator Survey
What support does IAI provide Local IA Groups?
The IAI can provide web hosting for your local group website, one-on-one coaching for group leaders, virtual office space in SecondLife, and event management support via Basecamp. Your group will be listed in the Local IA Group Directory. Also, the Networking Guide has tips for planning, and the Geo-Locate IAs tool is a great way to find IAI members in your region.
> Networking Guide 
> Geo-Locate IAs
To request support, contact localgroups AT iainstitute DOT org.
Local IA Group Directory
Brazil
São Paulo
São Paulo IA Group
Founded in 2007
Contact: Carolina Leslie at www.lulileslie.com
Germany
Berlin
Berlin IA Cocktail Hour
http://berliniacocktailhour.blogspot.com/
Founded in 2007
Occasional meetings; blog
Presentations and Meetings at bars; average active membership 20-30
Contact: Jan Jursa at jan.jursa AT gmail DOT com
or Sabine Stössel at stoessel AT ubibene DOT de
The Netherlands
Amsterdam
UX Cocktail Hours Amsterdam
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UXCocktailHoursAmsterdam/
Founded in 2001
Bi-monthly presentations at bars and offices usually with sponsored drinks and snacks; average active membership 25-50
Contact: Peter Boersma at peter AT peterboersma DOT com
United Kingdon
London, UK
London-IA Yahoo! Group
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/london-ia/
Contact: Claire Rowland claire AT usefulinc DOT com or Kate Simpson kate AT tangledom DOT com
United States
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta IA Meetup Group
http://mcordell.googlepages.com/iaatlanta
Founded in 2006
Bi-monthly meetings and happy hours
Contact: Maria Cordell at mcordell AT gmail DOT com
Austin, TX
Austin IA Group
Founded in 2007
Currently in formation
Contact: Mike Steckel at MSteckel@gmail DOT com
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles IA Meetup Group
http://ia.meetup.com/55/
Founded in 2007
Currently in formation
Contact: Weston Thompson at westontt AT gmail DOT com
Madison, NJ
Northern NJ IA Meetup Group
Founded in 2007
http://ia.meetup.com/54/
Contact: Bruce Esrig at esrig AT alumni DOT princeton DOT edu
Minneapolis IA/UX Meetup
Meets every first Tuesday of the month
5:00-7:00 pm
Contact: Kristi Olson at kolson AT evantageconsulting DOT com
New York, NY
NYC IA Meetup Group
http://ia.meetup.com/14/
Founded in 2003
Monthly meetups at cafes and bars
Contact: Anders Ramsay at andersr AT gmail DOT com
Seattle, WA
Seattle Asis&t PNW & IA Meetup
http://www.asistpnw.org/
Founded in 1978
Meets 2nd Thursdays at Elysian Pub on Capitol Hill 7-9 pm
Contact: Aaron Louie ajlouie AT gmail DOT com or Corprew Reed corprew AT corprew DOT org
Washington, DC
DCIA
http://www.dc-ia.com/
Founed in 2001
Bi-monthly presentations and informal meetings at cafes and offices; jobs and events email list; 600+ members; average event size 10-25
Contact : Stacy Surla or Dan Brown at dc-ia AT yahoogroups DOT com
To add your group to the list, contact localgroups AT iainstitute DOT org.
Start and Promote Your Group
Local IA Groups have been started by people in many communities around the world. You don't have to be an IA guru to start your own group; all it takes is a little time and an interest in discussing IA related topics.
> Tips for starting and promoting your own group
This page was last modified on January 23, 2008 06:22 PM.