We're working on a page for organizers to share ideas about organizing their own #PinkSlipParty. Tell us what worked (or didn't) and help others tackling their first #PinkSlipParty get psyched about helping out their community.

Promoting

Twitter All we really did was use #pinkslipparty on Twitter, and despite the 20 hour planning timeframe, we had non Twitter people attend, because their Twitter friends told them. I dm'd friends who had been laid off to ensure there would be at least a small core group, and then opened it up to the wider community. I asked for RT's but got them anyway because the event/message were needed.

Bloggers & Press Next time we will have more opportunity to reach out. We had spontaneous coverage anyhow, but with more than 24 hours lead time... Reach out to Twitter accounts such as @themediaisdying and @adagencylayoffs, your local startup/co-working communities (likely to be recruiting/need project talent), recruiters, job boards, run an ad on craigslist - be creative

• everyone wants an upbeat story in tough times. reach out to your local press. find them on Twitter during #journchat. tell them what you're doing to help, and show them the Press Clipping Page
• Got covered? Add it to the Press Clippings Page too!

Social networks: We only used Twitter the first time, but an event page can also be set up in Facebook. Disadvantage of having an EventBrite AND a FB even page is: linking the two closely to make it really clear where people should RSVP.

Local Organizations: Again, wholly untapped the first time, but if you have time get word to any tech associations, professional associations, meetups, networking groups. The real power of job networking comes from loose ties and making social/professional connections across different circles that might not otherwise intersect.

Sponsors

• career-related services
• local food & beverage establishments
• co-working or office share spaces
• companies that are recruiting
• trade and industry associations
• government offices charged with economic growth and job creation

Logistics

Web page/RSVP: You'll want an event page for people to tweet, link to and RSVP. We used Upcoming the first time but are switching to EventBrite to be able to collect payments (donations), sell "tickets" (sponsorships) and end up with an automatic little social network (shared tweets, etc.) of attendees. Also:

1. greater granularity on types of tickets "sold" - can encourage career/recruitment professionals to make a donation with their tickets, visualize who is coming in what roles
2. better display of attendees and their websites and
3. eventvue bult in community/social networking among attendees.

TIP: Use the page to thank and link to sponsors prominently.

Search: Keep an eye on Summize (Twitter Search) for discussion around #pinkslipparty or the city-specific tag you choose (you might want to use BOTH #pinkslipparty and #atlanta to make it easier for your group to follow one another without diluting the general surge/visibility of #pinkslipparty on Twitter.

This Wiki: Establish two  wiki pages here in the #PinkSlipParty/Purple People Collective wiki 1) for your city/town/area and 2) specific page for the event.

• Post "evergreen" content (tips, resources, etc.) on your area page. If it's relevant month-to-month, put it here.
• Specific leads and requests are probably better on the event page
• Thank and link to sponsors prominently
• Update this how-to page with ideas, tips, results, etc.

Tone

Find productive, engaging, inspiring things to do or share that set the tone. Times are getting scary for many people, but fear isn't going to help anyone. Check out #courage for inspiring ideas and quotes. Have a career books exchange at the event. Go potluck or even cook collaboratively at your venue if that's an option.

AND, HAVE FUN!!!!