Step 1 Secure Your Member Data
Meetup doesn’t provide a direct “Export Members to CSV” button for standard accounts, so organisers need to use the “Email Members” tool and save attendee data from past events.
Instruction: Go to your Meetup Group → Group Tools → Email Members. Send a message titled “Important: Our Group is Moving” so everyone sees the transition plan.
Pro Tip: Download your Attendee List from past events (Organizer Tools → Manage Attendees → Attendee Details) to keep a record of your most active members.
Step 2 Create Your “Shadow Group” (The Signpost)
Don’t delete your Meetup group straight away. Create your new home on GatherUK first, then point members to it from Meetup.
Instruction: Create your group on GatherUK first. Then create a placeholder event on Meetup titled “WE HAVE MOVED - JOIN US HERE”. Put your GatherUK group link in the event’s location and description fields.
Step 3 The “Why” and the Invitation
Send a clear, friendly message so members understand why you’re moving and where to go. Use this copy-paste template and add your GatherUK group link.
Email / announcement template:
Hi everyone, to keep our group sustainable and free for you, we are moving away from Meetup’s high organiser fees. We’ve chosen GatherUK because it’s UK-focused and supports local postcodes. Join us here: [Your Link]
Why Switch to GatherUK?
| Meetup | GatherUK |
|---|---|
| ~£200/year | £5/month (first 3 months free) |
| US-centric postcodes | UK postcode search |
| Limited support | Responsive UK support |
Get started on GatherUK
Start Your Free 3-Month Trial on GatherUKNo credit card required to start.