Apply to start a chapter
Want to Start a CreativeMornings Chapter?
Local CreativeMornings events are run by passionate volunteer hosts and their teams. We work closely with every host, so there is a formal application process to start an official chapter in your city.
CreativeMornings offers an opportunity to bring together your local creative community, connect what’s going on in your city with the broader creative world, and join a network of talented organizers that spans six continents.
If youâre serious about bringing CreativeMornings to your town, weâd love to hear from you. Please read through the following information to get a better idea of how we operates. If CreativeMornings seems like the right fit for you, fill out the form at the bottom to receive the New Chapter Application via email.
We also have a number of vacant host positions around the world. Read our Re-start A Dormant Chapter page to learn more!
When you’re ready, send us your completed application via our submission form.
Becoming a CreativeMornings host
“I get really fired up to think about our city becoming more creative because of CreativeMornings, because of this central place we can come together to be encouraged and inspired to do better and greater things.”
— CM/Atlanta host
“It’s a practical, real-life, free, ongoing, regular, exciting, awesome school of creativity with classrooms all over the world.”
— CM/Sydney host
About the Host
Q: What does it mean to be a CM host?
A: Each CreativeMornings chapter is led by one person who serves as the chapter host. This volunteer represents their city by leading a team of volunteers and organizing the chapter with the support of CreativeMornings/HQ.
As the host, you would be in charge of all the details for your local event such as:
— Securing a venue
— Finding a speaker each month that relates to the global theme
— Finding sponsors to cover breakfast and other event costs
— Leading the Chapter team (including a photographer and videographer)
— Marketing for the event
— Serving as the main point of contact for HQ
Q: Do hosts sign a license agreement?
A: Each host signs a license agreement in order to represent the CreativeMornings brand and agrees that all content created as a result of a CreativeMornings event is property of CreativeMornings LLC. The license agreement lasts for 12 months and is renewable.
Q: Can there be co-hosts?
A: Yes. We require ONE point of contact for each chapter who serves as the face of that city but we ask that you nominate a co-host to support you behind the scenes. This way if illness, travel, or any number of lifeâs surprises prevents you from hosting one month, you have a solid back up. Youâre free to organize your team as you see fit, but only one person can be the official host. Often co-hosts are considered as the successor to the chapter host role.
Q: Can my company or group apply to be a host?
A: No. CreativeMornings chapters are licensed to individuals. In many instances, a host’s company supports their employee (e.g.committing to longterm sponsorship/resources). But at the end of the day our official relationship is with the individual, and if that person leaves his/her current company, the chapter would remain with that person.
Q: How much time typically goes into being a CreativeMornings volunteer host?
A: On average, a host spends about 40 hours a month building their community and preparing for events. This number may fluctuate a bit as the host becomes more seasoned, but 40 hours is a good estimate.
General questions
Q: How often are events?
A: Each chapter is expected to host a CreativeMornings event once per month, every month. Events are generally held on Friday mornings.
Q: Are CreativeMornings always free?
A: Yes. No exceptions.
Q: How do the themes work?
A: CreativeMornings has monthly global themes. The themes serve as a common thread to connect all of our cities. Each theme is selected by a chapter in order of when they launched. All chapters participate by selecting a speaker that broadly relates to the topic of the month. Hosts know about themes at least six months in advance. Learn about this monthâs theme.
About your city
Q: Can there be more than one CreativeMornings chapter per city?
A: Nope. We stick with one per city.
Q: Can I organize a CreativeMornings chapter for my entire country?
A: No. CreativeMornings chapter licenses are limited to one city.
Q: I live in a small city. Can I still apply to start a chapter?
A: We realize 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.
Q: What if the city I want to apply for is very close to another chapter?
A: Youâre welcome to still apply. Just ask yourself since the chapters would be so close, would it make sense objectively to have a CM in your city as well? As part of our vetting process we will reach out to existing nearby chapters for their take.
About the application process
Q: What do you ask for in the application?
A: The application includes a video and a written portion.
Q: How long should my video be?
A: Use your best judgement :).
Q: Why do you ask for a video in your application?
A: So far, itâs the best way to get to know someone in a faraway place. Also, recording video of each CreativeMornings talk is very important, and we like to see what kind of video quality to expect from your chapter. (Translation: itâs a good idea to have your team videographer already on board to help out with the application).
Q: Can I submit a video that I already made (for a different purpose) as my video application?
A: We appreciate the resourcefulness, but no.
Q: If I apply, how long until I hear from you?
A: We review applications once a month so you can expect an update within a few weeks. We are a tiny team at headquarters. Thank you for your patience!
Q: Are there more steps to the application process after I submit?
A: If your application seems like a good fit, we will setup an interview to learn more about you and your vision for the chapter.
Q: Are you a morning person?
A: At least one day a month.
Q: What are some qualities you look for in a chapter host?
A: Here are four qualities:
— You just make things happen: Organizing a chapter is a big responsibility and involves many moving pieces. Weâve learned that although experience in the industry and event organization is a plus, it canât 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: CM 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.
— Youâre flexible: We at HQ do our best to steer the CM ship with limited time and resources. If youâre looking to join an organization that has everything laid out for you, weâre probably not a good fit. This is an exciting time for CreativeMornings, and we will ask you to experiment with new initiatives while welcoming feedback.
Q: What if I don’t want to apply and would rather start my own event?
A: We think the world could use more breakfast get-togethers. You’re more than welcome to start your own event with a similar model. We just ask that you do not use the “CreativeMornings” name.
Q: Is applying for a chapter first come first serve?
A: No, not necessarily. However, we do recommend that you get your application in as soon as you can. If we find a host we really like, weâll grant them the chapter.
Q: Should I reserve or âparkâ my cityâs social media accounts? (e.g. Twitter)
A: Please do not register social media accounts on behalf of a CreativeMornings chapter you are applying for. Other teams may be applying, your priorities may change, and itâs difficult for us to hunt down reserved accounts. When we launch new cities we take care of registering those accounts and populating them with sample descriptions.
Q: What’s the answer to the secret question?
A: Rooster
Q: Can I reach out to potential sponsors, venues or speakers before applying?
A: Yes. Committed sponsors, venues and speakers is a great way to strengthen your application. However, please be clear and explain that you do not officially represent CM and are applying for a license to start a chapter.
Running a chapter
Q: Do we have to get speakers approved by headquarters?
A: Nope.
Q: Are there any costs/fees associated with running a chapter?
A: Chapters usually cover their event costs primarily through local partnerships. There are no application fees, upfront fees or ongoing fees to headquarters. All local partnership money stays with the chapter. Our chapters help sustain headquarters by participating in HQâs partnership initiatives from time to time, and by showing appreciation to our Global Partners.
Q: Do local chapters create LLCs or non-profits?
A: 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 âcreative morningsâ trademark, or confusingly similar names, as the entity name.
Q: Are CreativeMornings speakers ever paid?
A: No. (Except maybe reimbursement for travel)
Q: How many cups of coffee have been consumed at CreativeMornings?
A: 1,253,217 (ish)
Q: What sort of resources does CM headquarters provide?
A: Each of our chapters receives a large batch of files (e.g. brand assets, slides templates, sample marketing materials), the online CM handbook that details guidelines and learnings from our hosts, and access to our internal message board for all CM hosts worldwide. We also host several virtual events per month to connect hosts and organizers, offer free software like Basecamp and Mailchimp to keep your chapter organized, and are available at any time to provide one-on-one support to chapters.
Q: How long is the commitment for being a host?
A: Our licenses are one year long and after that auto-renew on a monthly basis. On average, hosts stay in their role for about three years.
Q: What happens if I’m a host and I’d like to pass on the role to someone else?
A: We have a handover process in place for hosts. You will have the option to nominate someone who you heavily endorse to be the next host (they will have to complete an abridged application). Otherwise, headquarters will open public applications for the chapter.
Request an application
Contact CM headquarters if for some reason you do not receive the application in your inbox within one hour. Remember to check your spam!
