With the rapid growth of AWS among individual developers, start-ups, and enterprises around the world, developers are asking for AWS user groups. User groups allow existing and new AWS users to join a growing, dynamic community, and interact with other developers to answer questions, share ideas, and learn about new services and best practices.

If you are a passionate AWS user and are interested in joining or starting your own AWS User Group, see the list of existing groups below and some tips on starting a group. Feel free to contact us at aws-usergroups@amazon.com for more information.

Americas

Amazon Web Services Meetup – Atlanta
Location: Atlanta, GA
More Info: web.meetup.com/105

AWS User Group – Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
More Info: awsug.com.ar

Amazon Web Services Meetup – Boston
Location: Boston, MA
More Info: Meetup.com

Bowie Amazon Web Services Group – Bowie, MD (BAWSUG)
Location: Bowie, MD
More Info: bawsug.com

AWS User Group – Chicago
Location: Chicago, IL
More Info: amazonchicago.com

AWS Developer’s Garage
Location: Dallas, TX
More Info: Facebook.com/pages/DFW-Amazon-Web-Services-User-Group

Amazon Web Services Meetup – Orange County
Location: Newport Beach, CA
More Info: Meetup.com

Amazon Web Services User Group – NYC
Location: New York City, NY
More Info: meetup.com/AWSnewyork

Rochester AWS Users Group (RAWSUG)
Location: Rochester, NY
More Info: Rawsug.org

Amazon Web Services User Group – Seattle
Location: Seattle, WA
More Info: sawsug.com

Amazon Web Services Meetup – Silicon Valley
Location: Palo Alto, CA
More Info: Meetup.com

Amazon Web Services Meetup – Twin Cities
Location: Minneapolis, MN
More Info: amazontwincities.com

Europe

AWS User Group – Belgium
Location: Mechelen, Belgium
More Info: be.aws.ug

AWS User Group – Berlin
Location: Berlin, Germany
More Info: aws-berlin.de

AWS User Group – Hamburg
Location: Hamburg, Germany
More Info: awsug.de

Amazon Web Services Meetup – London
Location: London, England
More Info: awsug.com/

AWS User Group – Naples
Location: Naples, Italy
More Info: meetup.com

AWS User Group – Newcastle/ Gateshead
Location: Gateshead, England
More Info: awsug.com

AWS User Groups – Spain
Location: Barcelona and Madrid, Spain
More Info: awsspain.wordpress.com

Asia Pacific

Interested in starting a group in Asia? Learn more below and send us an email at aws-usergroups@amazon.com.

How to Start an Amazon Web Services User Group

1. Identify a Leader

One of the most important aspects of a successful user group is an enthusiastic leader. The group leader or organizer should be motivated and resourceful. It may be helpful to share the responsibility by identifying an Assistant Organizer.

User group leaders will be responsible for choosing the meeting location, promoting the meeting, and organizing regular content/speakers.

2. Build Stellar Content

Strong programs and content create successful user groups and attract committed members. With several web services and countless implementations, you’ll have a variety of content from which to choose. Ask your community for content ideas and proposed speakers.

Speakers can include community members with an exciting application or expertise in a certain area, service providers, AWS representatives, or other technology or web service providers. Successful groups schedule speakers in advance and prepare speakers by sharing with them the needs and interests of their group. Be sure to have a backup plan in case of a last-minute speaker cancellation.

To get you started, we can provide content ideas. Also, AWS Evangelists are always eager to come and speak about newly launched features and other AWS developments.

3. Build Community

Members join groups for a variety of reasons; the most powerful reasons are to gain practical knowledge to implement specific technologies, or to network and grow their businesses. Successful groups communicate their goals, and are transparent about their intent. Build a strong community by establishing trust with your group and communicating regularly. Tools such as Meetup.com are available for managing/promoting meetings and communicating with your group.

To get you started and help attract new members, we will announce your group to our growing developer community of hundreds of thousands.

4. Be Resourceful

Find a reliable meeting location that has a permanent projector and an Internet connection. Ask your members if they have a conference room you can use, or try community clubs, local businesses, or restaurants with a separate room. You might also contact local user groups to ask where they meet.

Be organized by scheduling monthly meetings and publishing topics in advance. But most importantly, have fun!

5. Schedule First Meeting

Schedule your first meeting. Many user group leaders use Meetup.com or Facebook to organize their group and communicate with members, but you can use whatever system works best for you and your members. Then, please contact us at aws-usergroups@amazon.com, we can help promote the event and provide additional guidance. We are excited to see the AWS community grow!