1/9 Key West Karoake- Taste of the Tropics! @Trader Todd’s in Lakeview 6:30p-9p - The Chicago Black Professionals Social Network Meetup Group
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1/9 Key West Karoake- Taste of the Tropics! @Trader Todd’s in Lakeview 6:30p-9p - The Chicago Black Professionals Social Network Meetup Group

CBPSN Invades the Tailgate of the Year - The Chicago Black Professionals Social Network
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CBPSN Invades the Tailgate of the Year - The Chicago Black Professionals Social Network

23rd annual Taste of Greece festival - Greek Town - 40something City Gals Meetup Group
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23rd annual Taste of Greece festival - Greek Town - 40something City Gals Meetup Group

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - Chicago Suburban Backpackers Meetup Group
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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - Chicago Suburban Backpackers Meetup Group

Interview: Vanessa, Organizer of the Cooking Chicks

Vanessa Moses is the Organizer of The Cooking Chicks Meetup Group in Chicago: with hundreds of members, dozens of successful past Meetups, and an impressive list of Sponsors, we figured she might know a trick or two about running a successful Meetup.

Vanessa graciously answered a few questions for us about her Meetup Group, finding the right Sponsors, and her plans to take The Cooking Chicks to the next level:

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How did your Meetup Group start? How do you help build the momentum for your Group in the beginning?
Our Group started on Meetup in March of 2010. I think it was our name for starters—really honing in on women who love to cook—and the immediate partnership we build with Chicago’s Kenmore Live Studio, where we hosted our first Meetup. 

I see you’ve got some awesome Sponsors, like Crave Chicago and Baconfest! How did you get these sponsors? How involved are you with all your Sponsors, and do you have Sponsorship advice for other Organizers?
We decided to invest in a high profile event like Baconfest—we were event sponsors, which allowed us to tap into their network of press, food, and chefs. Crave Chicago is a women’s organization that I joined and network with! We love creating alliances with the right groups and people to help further our message and build connections and offerings to our Cooking Chicks, too! I’d say introduce your Group and make connections with partnering organizations that will help your Meetup Group grow.

What are some plans for the future of your Meetup Group, and what new and exciting ideas are you working on now?
We are looking to take our concept to brick-and-mortar by opening up the Cooking Chicks Co-op Shop—a space to host events, provide cooking classes, and support women-owned food businesses!
We are also applying for the Mission Small Business Grant. We have until 11:59pm on June 30 to get 250 votes, and would love support to help us grow!
(Editor’s note: if you wish to vote, head to the Mission Small Business website, log in with Facebook, and look for The Cooking Chicks, LLC Chicago IL)

Anything else you’d like to share with us?
Check out this video: it’s our ‘Farmer and the Chef’ cooking class with myself, a local top chef, and Cooking Chicks members:

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Thanks for the interview, Vanessa!
Lisa is on Meetup’s Community team.
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Crosstown Classic Sox vs. Cubs @ Wrigley - Chicago Girlfriends (20s - 30s) Meetup Group