How to run an event?

Anyone can run a 5 Minute University event, just read the guide below and we'll support you as best we can!

Find a Venue

An event starts with a place. Here's what you need from your venue:

1. It has to be free. So it could be a cafe or a bar that's happy to have some customers. Or a yoga studio which would like to be more known. In summer it could even work in the park.

2. It needs to be quiet enough that speakers can be heard without a microphone ideally. So no music or noisy coffee machines or people talking.

3. Create a Facebook event (add a link to www.5minuteuniversity.com) and spread the word on your social media feed, on Facebook groups and invite interesting people you personally know to come and speak.

Find Speakers

The 5 Minute University is all about people sharing their passion!

Here's what you need from your speakers:

1. Get them to send you a 30 second video trailer so you can see if they've got what it takes.

2. No conspiracy theories, pseudoscience or evangelical content. No one wants to be preached at.

3. They don't have to be experts on their chosen topic but you do need to make sure they're interesting/entertaining enough to hold the attention of the audience. It could also be a personal story.

4. No slides or videos. These events are all about the simple connection between speaker and audience. Physical props are okay though.

How to Run the Event

Here's the very simple structure to follow:

1. Ask everyone to put their phones on silent and not to text during the talks. Ask them to really support the speakers by listening with attention.

2. Aim to have 10-12 talks and have a break halfway. That's when a lot of the magical interactions happen!

3. Use a timer on your phone and when the speaker reached 4.30 give a little ting on a glass so they know they need to wrap up. You can give them an extra 15 seconds or so if they go over.

4. Allow 3 questions from the audience. If people want to know that's a great way to start conversations after the event.

5. After the event or during the break announce the Whatsapp group where speakers can share articles and videos on their topics.

How we can support you

You're an independent organiser and a member of the 5 Minute University community! Here's how we can provide support:

1. If you're unsure whether a topic is allowed or a good idea you can ask us.

2. We will list upcoming events on our website.

3. We will provide a link on the website to the local Whatsapp group of which you will be an admin.

4. You can have an organiser profile on the city page of 5minuteuniversity.com

5. Contact us if you have any questions - we're happy to have a short orientation call.