CreativeMornings Chapter FAQ and Application Guide

• You just make things happen: Organizing a chapter is a big responsibility and involves many moving pieces. We’ve learned that although experience in the industry and event organization is a plus, it can’t make up for a willingness to get started, figure things out, and make it work.
• You’re good at giving away credit: It takes a certain personality to successfully lead a volunteer team, keep sponsors happy, and celebrate local talent. This chapter won’t be about you. It will be about the fantastic people you get to bring together.
• You’re obsessed with “mixing up” your community: CreativeMornings was founded to be entirely open and accessible to anyone who considers themselves “creative.” Our hosts are willing to make the extra effort required to gather a diverse group every month from all industries, backgrounds, and professional levels.
• You’re flexible: We at HQ do our best to steer the CreativeMornings ship with limited time and resources. If you’re looking to join an organization that has everything laid out for you, we’re probably not a good fit. This is an exciting time for CreativeMornings, and we’ll ask you to experiment with new initiatives while welcoming feedback.

Yes. Each host signs a license agreement to represent the CreativeMornings brand. This agreement lasts for 12 months and is renewable annually.

Yes! We require one main point of contact who serves as the face of the chapter. However, nominating a co-host is highly encouraged for behind-the-scenes support and continuity.

No. CreativeMornings chapters are licensed to individuals. While a host’s company can support the chapter through sponsorships or resources, the official relationship is always with the individual. If the host leaves their company, the chapter remains with them.

On average, hosting a CreativeMornings chapter requires about 40 hours a month. This estimate may fluctuate as the host becomes more seasoned.

As a CreativeMornings host, you’ll receive comprehensive support, designed to help you build and sustain a thriving local chapter. This includes:

• Direct support from the global CreativeMornings HQ team, including one-on-one guidance
• Access to a pre-existing mailing list and social media following
• Freedom to design events that reflect your local community’s needs and interests
• A complete toolkit of brand assets, slide templates, and sample marketing materials
• The online CM Handbook with guidelines and insights from experienced hosts
• Access to an internal message board connecting all CreativeMornings hosts worldwide
• Regular virtual events to connect, share learnings, and collaborate with other organizers
• Global Slack channels and monthly Community Hours for ongoing communication and support
• Opportunities to connect with hosts and volunteers around the world
• A welcoming, global network of creative leaders who share ideas, wisdom, and encouragement — ensuring you’re never alone in your journey

Nope. We stick with one chapter per city. If your city is at least 30 minutes away by car from an existing chapter, you’re welcome to apply. If it’s closer than that, we’ll carefully consider whether it makes sense to have another chapter in such close proximity. As part of our vetting process, we’ll also reach out to nearby chapters to get their perspective.

No. CreativeMornings chapter licenses are limited to one city.

We recognize that there are large creative communities in smaller cities, so we are open to receiving applications from cities of any size. Just put together a compelling and outstanding application and show us why your city is in need of a CreativeMornings chapter.

The application includes a written section and a video submission. The written portion is a series of questions from CMHQ, and the video submission gives us the opportunity to witness your city and host magic! You can preview all of the questions here .

Please keep your video under 7 minutes. Should you be approved, we’ll invite you to share more in the interview process! So far, video is the best way to get to know someone in a faraway place. Also, the quality of your video matters — we like to see what kind of video quality to expect from your chapter. (Translation: it’s a good idea to have your team videographer already on board to help out with the application.)

We appreciate the resourcefulness, but no.

We review applications once a month, so expect an update within a few weeks. We’re a small team — thank you for your patience!

If your application seems like a good fit, we’ll set up an interview to learn more about you and your vision for the chapter.

Yes — just be clear that you don’t officially represent CreativeMornings yet.

Nope. We trust you.

There are no application fees, upfront costs, or ongoing payments to HQ. All money raised through local partnerships stays with the chapter.

CreativeMornings chapters are locally organized and locally funded. That means each chapter is responsible for covering the costs of its own events — including venues, breakfast, coffee, and any other expenses. Most chapters do this through local sponsorships, in-kind donations, or community support. CreativeMornings HQ is funded through generous support from our Global Partners. Chapters help sustain HQ by showing love to our partners when it makes sense locally. See how chapters are doing so here!

Some chapters do establish organizations to keep finances in order or apply for certain types of funding. However, CreativeMornings does not permit chapter hosts to use the “creative mornings” trademark, or confusingly similar names, as the entity name.

Rooster.

This experience is all about building a legacy. We encourage you to pass the baton when you’re ready, and we have a handover process for that which you’ll learn about when you become a host.

If you’re ready to take on this challenge, apply today! Use the link below to start your application.