With the rapid growth of AWS among individual developers, start-ups, and companies across the U.S. and abroad, 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 an AWS User Group, see the list of existing groups below and some tips on starting your own group. Feel free to contact us at aws @ amazon.com for more information.
Amazon Web Services Meetup – London
Location: London, UK
More Info: http://www.awsug.com/ 
Amazon Web Services Meetup – Boston
Location: Boston, MA
More Info: Meetup.com
Amazon Web Services Meetup – Silicon Valley
Location: Palo Alto, CA
More Info: Meetup.com
NYC Amazon Web Services User Group
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 Meetup – Atlanta
Location: Atlanta, GA
More Info: http://web.meetup.com/105
Newcastle/ Gateshead, England AWS User Group
Location: Gateshead, England
More Info: http://www.awsug.com
Belgian AWS User Group
Location: Mechelen, Belgium
More Info: http://be.aws.ug
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 10 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 will provide print materials and 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 developer community of over 400,000 developers.
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!
