Special Interest Groups

Asmbly has several Special Interest Groups (SIG) which meet on a monthly schedule. We schedule each group on different days so that even our most multifaceted makers can attend every meetup group if they so choose. Our Google Events calendar will always have the most up to date information on any schedule changes or cancellations to these groups. You can subscribe to that calendar by clicking here.

How to Start a SIG

Starting a Special Interest Group (SIG) is a great way to bring members together around shared passions, skills, or hobbies. Follow the steps below to create and host a successful SIG at Asmbly.

Be a Member in Good Standing

To host a SIG, you must be a member in good standing at Asmbly. This demonstrates your commitment to the community and helps establish trust with attendees.

Commit to Hosting

Hosting a SIG involves various activities, such as facilitating discussions, organizing projects, hosting contests, or simply sharing knowledge and experiences. Your consistent presence helps attendees feel welcome and engaged. If you’re unavailable to host a scheduled meeting, you’ll need to find a substitute to ensure the event runs smoothly.

Starting a new SIG takes time to build awareness and engagement. Hosts are expected to commit to running the SIG for at least 3–5 sessions before deciding whether to continue or cancel. This gives the SIG a fair chance to develop interest and build a core group of participants.

Choose a Recurring Monthly Time

Select a consistent time for your SIG to meet each month. This helps attendees plan their schedules and fosters regular participation. Ensure your chosen time doesn’t overlap with other SIGs, classes, or orientations, especially if you plan to use the Multipurpose Room (MPR).

Coordinate with Shop Area Team (if applicable)

If your SIG focuses on a specific shop area or equipment, you must coordinate with the shop area lead for that space. This ensures alignment with area policies, proper tool usage, and effective communication about shared resources.

Submit Your SIG Idea

Send your SIG idea to membership@asmbly.org for review. Include the following details in your submission:

• Name of the SIG
• Recurring time and location
• Host(s)
• A brief description of the SIG's purpose and activities

Once approved, Asmbly will add your SIG to the Event Calendar on our website and our marketing team will start promoting it.

Communicate Schedule Changes

If you need to adjust your SIG’s schedule, communicate the changes to membership@asmbly.org at least 1 month in advance. This lead time allows our marketing team to update promotional materials across social media, email newsletters, and other outreach platforms.

Consistency and clear communication are essential for maintaining engagement and ensuring successful events. Our SIGs are open to the public and can be the first time someone comes to Asmbly. We want to ensure we start on the right foot by providing accurate info about events.

Help Promote!

To maximize visibility, post about your SIG in the Events section of Asmbly’s Discourse platform. While your SIG will be listed on the calendar, regular posts and updates on Discourse can remind members of upcoming meetings, generate interest, and encourage participation.

Engage and Evolve

As your SIG grows, adapt based on participant feedback and interests. Encourage members to contribute ideas, share projects, and collaborate on future activities to keep the group dynamic and engaging.

Current SIGs

Oh Sew Social

• Organizer: Stephannie Behrens
• Every 4th Wednesday at 7:00pm
• Textiles Shop at Asmbly

Bring your own project to work on alongside other members for a few hours of socialization. In the tradition of a quilting bee, textiles work is often more fun when you can chat while you work. If you're stuck, some of the other members might be able to get you back on track.

Entrepreneur in a Box

• Organizer: Jordan Varat
• Every 3rd Thursday at 7:00pm
• Multipurpose Room at Asmbly

Ever dreamed of turning your hobby into a full-fledged business? Well, look no further because the treasure chest has been opened! Introducing Entrepreneur in a Box. It's the group where you can connect with like-minded individuals to discuss all things entrepreneurial within the maker community.

So, what goes on at Entrepreneur in a Box, and why is it in a box? Well, it's an easy-to-open box full of of ideas and inspiration. You wind it up, and pop! Innovation ensues. We discuss everything from marketing your products to managing your finances. As a bonus, we'll be doing it all while surrounded by the creativity and welcoming space of Asmbly.

To be clear, Entrepreneur in a Box is more than just a chance to discuss business strategies; it's an opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs who have your same passion for designing and innovating. Each meeting is themed and we will be sharing a topic we think entrepreneurs will be interested in. It should be lively and fun. Trust me, there's nothing more hilarious than hearing stories about the early days of being an entrepreneur when everything seemed like a complete disaster.

So, if you're ready to take your maker hobby to the next level then come on down to our meeting on the third Wednesday of every month at 7pm. Together, we'll learn, grow, meet enthusiastic people, and embrace the crazy world of entrepreneurship together. If you have any questions or ideas for this SIG, please feel free to reach out to entrepreneursig@asmbly.org.

CNC SIG

• Organizer: Batman (James Freeman) and Robin (Joaquim Pacer)
• Every 1st Sunday at 12:30pm
• Multipurpose Room at Asmbly

Are you ready to take your crafting to the next level by having a robot make sure your measurements are exacto-style perfect? Well, look no further than the CNC Special Interest Group (SIG)! This is the place to be for all who want to explore the wild and wonderful world of CNC. I mean, seriously, isn't this what you always wanted to do when you were kid?

Now, I know what you're thinking, "What in the !@#$ is CNC?" Well, I'll be honest with you, it's like magic. You input your design into the computer, and voila! The machine takes care of the rest, carving your creation into reality. It's like sorcery on-demand. Pretty cool.

But let's be real, the CNC SIG is more than just an opportunity to create cool stuff. It's a fun time to bond with fellow makers who share your passion for building awesomeness. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there's always something new to learn and someone to share a laugh with. And trust me, you'll be laughing a lot because there's nothing more hilarious than seeing what a funky design + rogue CNC can create.

So, if you're ready to join the ranks of the CNC enthusiasts, come on down to our meeting on the first Sunday of every month at 9am. We'll be waiting with open arms + coffee to keep you going.

Laser SIG

• Organizer: Michael Leonard
• Every 1st Sunday at 11:00am
• Asmbly Makerspace

Get together with other laser enthusiasts for how-to's, demos, Q&As, and project showcases. Show and tell always encouraged!

Vanlife SIG

• Organizer: Claudia Friess
• Quarterly on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7:00pm
• Parking Lot at Asmbly

Get together with other DIY campervan converters to share stories, ideas, and build intel.

SIGs On Hiatus

These SIGs are not currently meeting. If you are interested in these and would like to help organize them to bring them back onto the schedule, please email membership@asmbly.org.

Teaching Teachers

• Organizer: <TBD>
• On hiatus (Every 3rd Wednesday at 7pm)
• Multipurpose Room at Asmbly

Curious about teaching skills-based, hands-on classes?  Come to this new monthly meetup group to connect with other teachers and prospective teachers.  Each month there will be a short interactive presentation on a relevant topic chock-full of opportunities for discussion.  This is also a great opportunity to learn more about teaching classes at Asmbly!

Starlight Social

• Organizer: <TBD>
• On hiatus (Every Last Friday from 7:30pm to 9pm)
• Asmbly Makerspace

Women, gender nonconforming, and queer members are invited to join for a late night maker social session. Each month will include a demo project you can make with us, as well as socializing, snacks, and an opportunity for show and tell. Come meet others from your creative community, we look forward to seeing you there!

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