Local Entrepreneur Building a Space For Creativity, Collaboration in Sussex

Filling a Void 

Essentially, The Meetupery will be a 24/7 member-driven space that creative individuals can utilize to serve whatever purposes they need. Freelancers and work-from-home types can gather there to hold meetings or presentations. Entrepreneurs and other start-up pioneers can collaborate and exchange tips and information. Even a crochet group could hold meetings and get-togethers at the Meetupery. 

Offord said the functions the space would serve are open-ended, and it will all depend on the needs of members. Offord explained the concept simply. 

"If there are that many people working from home...maybe they need a place to connect like they are part of the larger community," Offord said. "We just want to provide a place for people to come and do their thing."

The Meetupery, which will operate as a nonprofit, would also include presentation tools like projectors and sound equipment that members could use for whatever purpose they see fit. Offord plans to finish the complete build-out of the space in July. Then, they will host The Meetupery Grand Opening Celebration Extraordinaire from 7-9 p.m. Aug. 22. If you'd like to attend, just view the invitation and RSVP online. 

A Little Background, and a Chance Meet-Up 

Offord is a business partner with the Orion Group, which occupies the neighboring space on Indiangrass Lane. Offord, a Canadian immigrant, started his career by building websites on a freelance basis for customers he found through Craigslist. His business expanded until he partnered with Orion Group. Offord focused on the internet marketing niche of Orion, while Orion staff continued utilizing their expertise in web design. 

Orion is a small Sussex web design and marketing company of about 10 employees and five dogs. On Monday, your Patch editor was greeted by Squiggles, Offord's Great Dane. 

Coincidentally Offord and Orion's Jim Moroney forged their partnership after coming together a meet-up, which is exactly the kind of serendipitous path-crossing they hope to foster at The Meetupery. 

"You have an environment that is conducive of sharing...and you have an open exchange of ideas between people," Moroney said. "That's exactly the dynamic you'll find in this environment. You can build networks that provide individual business opportunities, or you find a rich opportunity to get involved in a larger organization." 

Offord estimated he's found some 35 to 40 percent of his employees after meeting them at these meet-ups. 

"These are people who have a desire to learn, and they are seeking answers to questions. I think that's what most employers are looking for," Offord. "People that come to the meetings and spaces make great employees because it's built into them. They want to learn." 

A Larger Trend 

The Meetupery may be the first concept of its type in the Sussex area, but the idea of creative, community-focused spaces has gained popularity recently. Offord is working with the Space Federation, which is a School Factory offshoot. The School Factory is a non-profit organization that fosters value-creating communities and spaces that transform education. 

The mission of the Space Federation is to create affordable access to a collaborative environment to build a healthy and sustainable community.

These spaces have also been referred to as "Hackerspaces," though Offord tends to avoid that term. These are places where individuals come together to share ideas, tinker, and experiment. For some, these spaces are reinvigorating the do-it-yourself culture of the United States.  

"Imagine you have a creative idea that you enjoy and do as a hobby or small business," said The Meetupery's Penny Ross. "But you have no idea how to get a business application, a plan, or get financing. However, now you have a room full of people who are at these various stages and have that expertise. Maybe even one of these businesses specializes in a certain area that you need help in. You're in an environment like this with people encouraging you and helping you find answers."