Driving Engagement: Developer Community Programming

Keeping your community engaged requires creativity and a variety of activities. Here are some unique incentives and exclusive activities that can boost engagement and foster a sense of belonging:

Guest Speakers and panels

Invite industry experts for a “Guest Speaker Series” to discuss and share insights and foster learning. For instance, a session on “Generative AI in Healthcare” can attract members interested in the impact AI has had on the medical system. Follow this pattern with many different areas and regions of the world…"Whe environmental impacts of AI” or the future of AI in Africa for example.

Badges and leaderboards

Implement a badge and leaderboard system using tools like Mee6. Badges and points can be awarded for various forms of engagement, such as participation in discussions, attendance at events, or contributions to projects. This system not only rewards active members but also motivates others to engage more.

“Developer Voices” during team all-hands

Invite active users to present a case study with your team at your company wide or department wide all-hands meeting. Call it “Developer Voices” and add their talk or demo to the start of your meeting.

Events and Contests

Organize hackathons, bug finding or weekly/monthly contests to drive engagement. These events can be centered around solving specific challenges or showcasing innovative solutions. They provide an excellent opportunity for members to collaborate and compete in a friendly environment.

Unconferences and Focus Groups

Facilitate informal, participant-driven meetings, such as unconferences and focus groups. These sessions allow members to explore topics of interest collaboratively, fostering a deeper sense of community and shared learning.

Demo Days and Workshops

Host demo days where members and teams can showcase their projects. This not only highlights new features and concepts but also inspires others to innovate. Additionally, conduct hands-on workshops and lessons at meetups, pre-conference events, or conference workshops to provide practical learning experiences.

Weekly Puzzles

Introduce a weekly puzzle challenge related to your documentation or product features. Post these puzzles on platforms like Discord, Slack, or Twitter to encourage participation and engagement.

Conclusion

By offering a mix of guest speakers, badges, events, and puzzles, you can create a dynamic and engaging community. These activities not only keep your members active but also provide opportunities for learning and internal and external collaboration.