Area Host & Host Guide

How to Plan and Run an Unplugged Event

Everything you need to know — whether you're an area host running your city's main monthly gathering or a host running a focused breakout event for a smaller group.

The Core Idea

Unplugged is simple: people show up, leave their devices behind, and actually connect. No agenda, no pressure, no cost. Your job as an area host or event host is to create the conditions for that to happen — not to run a perfect event, but to hold a welcoming space.

For Area Hosts

Running Your Area's Main Event

The main event is your community's anchor — a recurring, reliable gathering that people can count on. Ours runs every 2nd Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Here's how to run it well.

Choosing Your Venue

Pick somewhere outdoor, accessible, and free. Parks work best — they're open, familiar, and signal the right vibe from the start. Aim for somewhere with shade, open ground for movement, and enough space that people don't feel crowded.

Birmingham example:Veteran's Park, 4800 Valleydale Rd — open field, covered pavilion, plenty of parking.

The Four-Part Structure

The main event flows through four natural rhythms:

PlayStart with movement — frisbee, cornhole, lawn games, a group walk. Getting bodies moving breaks the ice faster than any conversation starter.

FeastShare a meal. Potluck style works well — ask people to bring something simple. Eating together creates immediate belonging.

ConnectLet conversation happen naturally. You can offer a light prompt if the group is new — but mostly just let people talk. The structure of play and food does the work.

CommunityClose with any announcements, upcoming breakout events, or a quick word about Unplugged's values. Keep it brief — people are there to connect, not to listen.

Day-Of Tips

→Arrive 20–30 minutes early. Being set up and relaxed when people walk in sets the tone.

→Remind people at the start: devices away. Say it warmly, not as a rule but as an invitation. Something like: "We're all here to actually be here — devices in pockets or bags, let's see what happens."

→Have a soft start. Don't wait for everyone before beginning play — let latecomers join a natural scene rather than a formal gathering.

→Introduce yourself to anyone standing alone. One welcoming moment in the first five minutes can make someone's whole experience.

→Don't worry about perfect attendance. A group of 8 who genuinely connect is better than 40 strangers.

Managing Hosts and Area Cohosts

→Only approve hosts you've met or know well enough to vouch for. They represent Unplugged when they run breakout events.

→Add an area cohost if you want someone else who can keep the main event details updated when you're unavailable.

→Brief your hosts before their first event. Share this guide, answer questions, and make sure they understand the values — welcome, openness, no pressure.

For Hosts

Running a Breakout Event

Breakout events are smaller, focused gatherings organized by approved hosts. They can be anything — a book club, pickup basketball, a craft night, a neighborhood walk. The point is to give people a reason to show up without their devices.

Picking Your Event Type

Start with something you already love doing. The best breakout events are ones the host genuinely cares about — that energy is contagious. Good formats include:

→Activity-based: pickup sports, group hike, board games, cooking together

→Interest-based: book club, film discussion (post-viewing), crafts, skill sharing

→Social-first: potluck dinner, neighborhood walk, porch sitting

Keeping It Open-Invite

→Post your event publicly on the site. Anyone in the community can show up — that's the whole point. Don't make it invite-only.

→Be clear in your description: what happens, when, where, what (if anything) to bring. Remove barriers to showing up.

→No cost to attend. Ever. If there's a cost associated with a venue, find a different venue.

The Device Pledge

Every Unplugged event — main or breakout — asks people to leave devices behind. You don't need to enforce it, but you do need to model it. Put your own device away first.

→Say it at the start, gently: "This is an Unplugged event — we ask everyone to keep devices put away so we can all actually be here together."

→If someone needs to check their device, that's fine — just outside the main space if possible. No shaming, just gentle culture-setting.

Respecting Everyone Present

Respect is the foundation of every Unplugged gathering. This means:

→No pressure to stay, participate, or engage in any specific way. People are free to come and go as they please.

→Everyone is welcome as they are. Don't push physical activities, personal questions, or any kind of contact on people who aren't clearly comfortable.

→Make space for everyone. If the group tends to clump, gently mix it — introduce people to each other, include newcomers in conversations.

→If something feels off — someone is making others uncomfortable — address it calmly and directly. You don't need a policy, just good judgment.

After the Event

→Tell your area host how it went. What worked? What would you change? This helps the whole community get better.

→If people want to come back, post another event. Consistency builds trust and community faster than anything else.

→Don't overthink it. A good Unplugged event is one where people felt welcome and left more connected than when they arrived.

Always

Welcome & Comfort

No pressure, no forced participation. Everyone gets to decide how they engage.

Open Invite

Breakout events are posted publicly and free to attend for any community member.

Freedom to Come & Go

People can leave whenever they need to. No guilt, no explanations.

Genuine Connection

The goal isn't a packed event — it's real human connection without distraction.

Respect

Every person deserves to feel safe and valued. How we treat one another is what makes this worth coming back to.

Ready to get started?

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