How to run a local AI meetup to generate a steady stream of leads

The strategy is to host a recurring local meetup — ideally at a co-working space you can barter with for free use of their conference room — where you show up, network for 10–15 minutes, give a 20-minute presentation on something approachable yet impressive like how to use Claude, then work the room, collect contact information at the door, and follow up within 24 hours offering a free assessment. The key insight is that by organizing the event, you are automatically perceived as the expert. Think of it like SEO: you probably won't land a client at your first event, but by your third, fourth, or fifth, momentum builds. The goal is to turn it into a recurring monthly event brand where you, as the leader, consistently bring local business owner leads into your ecosystem.