The Future of LinkedIn Local: The movement that set LinkedIn on FIRE

I remember having an empowering, humbling phone call with Erik Eklund, one of the founders of the LinkedIn Local events, straight out of Brussels, Belgium via our Skype call. He shared photos and videos of one of the first LinkedIn Local events and I was hooked!

I was going to bring it to the Midwest, USA and be a big part of bringing it to Chicago!

#LinkedInLocal is LinkedIn’s longest running campaign and is founded on the ideals of authenticity, diversity, respect and collaboration.

The Beginning

Through a string of discussions with Anna McAfee who launched the first LinkedIn Local event in a small town in Australia, I was connected with other pros in the greater Chicago area, ready to start planning the inaugural event!

The idea was simple: bring together a variety of pros in an inclusive environment to connect, learn and grow with. Put all proceeds to charity and let the magic happen!

The launch of the event was absolutely stellar, hosted at Microsoft's Chicago HQ in the Aon building, close to Millennium Park. Our team of hosts coordinated a bangin' event with special guest Allen Gannet to talk about his new book, The Creative Curve, and how to cultivate creativity. It was epic.

We hired a personal bartender and filled the room up to near capacity, raising $1300 for a local charity! The room was filled with connections and laughter, something that has always been incredibly special about LinkedIn Local events.

The success of the first event lit a fire of excitement in my heart to continue to Chicago events as well as bring the concept to my hometown of Madison, which was a much less painful commute!

Worldwide Networking

The magic of LinkedIn Local events allowed me to experience a world of wonder and launched my public speaking career all the way to LA, Dallas, Iowa, Phoenix, Chicago, and London, including guest appearances virtually in Singapore and Sri Lanka!

It didn't matter if you lived in Beijing or Dubuque, Iowa, everyone was talking about LinkedIn Local events.

There were live streams on Facebook of the events in LA and NYC which triggered a serious mix of excitement and FOMO. Connections at events were made that launched new partnerships and journeys of entrepreneurship.

"A group of strangers from different communities and neighborhoods are getting together to hang out and figure out LinkedIn. Wanna come?"

ABSOLUTELY!

So what went wrong? Well, nothing and everything, just like social media would have it. High risk, high reward - isn't that how the game is played?

Well, since LinkedIn Local was an individual venture, based on your average users coming together, using the word "LinkedIn" on anything was a challenge in it's own which took some careful tiptoeing and finesse in order to avoid any legal implications.

The original organizers tried diligently to work with LinkedIn on a partnership, but unfortunately, a partnership wouldn't pan out.

There were a wealth of other variables that played a role in the future of LinkedIn Local - LinkedIn's ultimate user-led community which brought users together, creating lifelong platform advocates.

In short, LinkedIn Local was a genius whisper campaign which created sizzling hype to the platform. It was where younger contributors could give the platform a second chance at becoming the next best social platform instead of an online resume holder. It was brilliant. And LinkedIn saw that.

The Future of LinkedIn Local

As part of the LinkedIn Local host community, I'm active on planning committees and mentoring for new hosts should they request assistance. We also have tips, tricks, and communications sent to us to stay on the ball.

The changes come in light of recent additions to LinkedIn's Terms & Conditions which highlight LinkedIn Local events as community-organized events.

The updated terms and conditions add more clarity and structure around LinkedIn Local events and the use of LinkedIn's logos. Here are some of the key points:

• LinkedIn do not wish to put any restrictions on the number of events that can run in each geographical location;
• LinkedIn will not permit you to co-brand your events, or host joint events;
• LinkedIn will allow hosts to use a web domain with LinkedInLocal in it for your events;
• LinkedIn retains the right to terminate your involvement with LinkedInLocal at any time;
• LinkedIn insist that any sponsor logo on event promotional material should not indicate a connection or affiliation to LinkedIn;
• In using the name and logo you automatically agree to the terms. These should be reviewed as an attachment on the help page;

LinkedInLocal.com will be replaced with a redirect link to the LinkedIn Terms & Conditions outlined above.

Passing the Torch

Let's give due credit to the dreamers and collaborators that made LinkedIn Local the success that it is today - one seriously beautiful, organic movement, that continues to drive endless interest and increased focus and attention to the LinkedIn Platform. Thank you for all you've done and congratulations on the success it has become as you pass the torch to LinkedIn Corporate.

Anna McAfee: The woman from down under that puts legs on ideas and connects people.

Erik Eklund: The Chiquita banana that likes to shake-n-bake to get people sparkling in life.

Alexandra Galviz: The Britt that lives and breathes every second of life with authenticity.

Manu Goswani: The man with the swish that shoots a hoop, adding spice to the world.

Ryan Troll: The builder who helps big thinkers bring big ideas to life.

Brian Almeida: The dream chaser helping spread LinkedInLocal around the world.

What do you think about this massive change?! Let us know which community you represent in the comments below and make sure to share with your LinkedIn Local community.