How to Organize Shopify Partners Meetups: Complete Tutorial
By Braincuber Team
Published on May 18, 2026
Shopify hosted 190 meetups across 32 countries and 94 cities in 2019 and the Shopify Partners Meetup in Hanoi demonstrated exactly how to bring together partners serving over 100,000 merchants. This complete tutorial breaks down the entire event organization process, from the initial partner dinner to speaker coordination, bilingual presentation logistics, and 7 proven best practices that you can apply to organize your own Shopify partner meetup. Whether you are a first-time organizer or a seasoned community leader, this beginner guide gives you the step by step framework to build lasting partnerships in the Shopify ecosystem.
What You'll Learn:
- How to initiate and plan a Shopify Partners meetup
- Organizing pre-event dinners sponsored by Shopify
- Setting up bilingual presentations with live translation
- Running engaging warm-up sessions with Kahoot
- Speaker selection and topic coordination strategies
- 7 proven best practices for meetup organization
- Tools like Splashthat for event management
The Inception: How the Hanoi Meetup Started
The Shopify Partners Meetup in Hanoi began with informal conversations between partners. Tony from PageFly and Tri from BoostCommerce exchanged insights and best practices for building business in the Shopify ecosystem. After multiple discussions, they decided to organize a Shopify partner-focused meetup in Hanoi, connecting business owners who operate within the Shopify platform.
Namra Deka, Shopify Partner Manager for APAC, played a crucial behind-the-scenes role by connecting partners and raising awareness about the event. The meetup attracted partners from different segments of the ecosystem including Shopify themes, apps, services, and content providers. Three teams from the Indian Shopify ecosystem also joined, making the atmosphere diverse and international.
Identify Core Organizers
Connect with 2-3 active Shopify partners who share your vision for community building. Regular conversations and relationship building are essential before committing to an event.
Engage Shopify Partner Manager
Reach out to your regional Shopify Partner Manager for support. They can help connect partners, raise awareness, and provide official backing for your meetup.
Define Meetup Focus
Decide whether your meetup is partner-focused, merchant-focused, or mixed. The Hanoi meetup was specifically partner-focused, connecting business owners in the Shopify ecosystem.
How to Organize a Pre-Event Partner Dinner
Connections are easier to build when the group is small. The Hanoi meetup organizers arranged a pre-event dinner one day before the main event, sponsored by Shopify. This intimate gathering allowed partners to meet in person, exchange ideas, and build relationships before the larger meetup.
Secure Shopify Sponsorship
Contact your Shopify Partner Manager to request sponsorship for a pre-event dinner. Shopify often supports partner community building initiatives.
Keep the Guest List Small
Invite key speakers, core organizers, and a select group of active partners. A smaller group encourages deeper conversations and stronger connections.
Choose a Comfortable Venue
Select a restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere that encourages conversation. The Hanoi dinner featured vegetarian cuisine in a warm setting.
How to Plan the Meetup Day Schedule
The Hanoi meetup took place on a Saturday morning at 9 AM, which was ideal for attendees traveling from far distances. Understanding that most companies do not work on Saturdays, the late morning start ensured maximum participation.
Networking and Warm-Up Session
The event began with networking sessions where partners from different ecosystem segments mingled. At around 9:35 AM, a warm-up session started featuring a mini game using Kahoot with questions about the Shopify ecosystem and attending partners.
Set Up Networking Time
Allow 20-30 minutes at the start for attendees to mingle. Provide tea, coffee, and refreshments to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Prepare Kahoot Warm-Up Game
Create questions about the Shopify ecosystem, partner companies, and industry facts. Questions like "How many businesses are active on Shopify?" engage attendees and connect learning goals.
Prepare Prizes for Winners
Have small prizes ready for Kahoot winners to increase engagement and create a fun competitive atmosphere.
Speaker Presentations
The Hanoi meetup featured five speakers covering diverse topics relevant to Shopify partners:
| Speaker | Company | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Namra Deka | Shopify (Partner Manager APAC) | Latest news and direction from Shopify |
| Tri | BoostCommerce | How to build remote culture as a Shopify app company |
| Tony Bui | PageFly | Marketing strategies for growing a Shopify app from 0 to 25k users |
| Anne Le | Halosoft (Ella Theme) | Building best-selling Shopify themes on ThemeForest |
| Amit | Expert Village Media | Best practices for building a Shopify agency |
| Uyen Le | FireApps | Affiliate marketing for Shopify partners |
How to Handle Bilingual Presentations
The Shopify ecosystem in Vietnam is localized, so slides from speakers were presented in Vietnamese. However, with foreigners attending, English translation was necessary. The organizers prepared for live cabin translation where the translator works simultaneously without requiring the speaker to pause.
Translation Best Practice
Prepare slide content translations in advance. The translator should work alongside the speaker so the presentation flows smoothly without pauses. Review slides together before the event to ensure accurate terminology.
Collect Slides Early
Request speaker slides at least one week before the event. This gives translators time to prepare accurate terminology and context.
Assign Dedicated Translators
Have translators seated near the front with headsets or positioned to speak quietly without disrupting the speaker's flow.
Test Audio Equipment
If using simultaneous translation headsets, test all equipment before the event starts to avoid technical issues during presentations.
7 Best Practices for Organizing Shopify Meetups
Based on organizing 5 Shopify meetups in Vietnam, here are the proven lessons learned that will help you run successful partner events:
Get to Know Partners In Person
Build relationships through participation in global Shopify meetups and conferences. First contact with like-minded partners is the foundation of community building.
Build Long-Term Speaker Partnerships
Know your speakers in advance. Attend other meetups to find potential speakers who have the mindset of sharing knowledge with the audience.
Follow Up With Past Attendees
Active partners from previous meetups understand the value of networking. Call them directly and they will arrange time to attend your next event.
Feature Partner Names on Event Page
Mention recognized brands in the ecosystem on your event page. New partners will see the opportunities and be motivated to attend.
Direct Outreach Works
Busy partners need exclusive attention. Drop personal messages to founders and co-founders. Some big partners need in-person coffee meetings to build trust.
Ask Co-Organizers for Help
You may have strong regional connections, but ask leaders from other regions to help spread the word and attract attendees from different cities.
Splashthat - Event page building, onboarding flow, and bulk email management. Intuitive UI with easy learning curve. Used by Shopify for partner events.
Meetup Event Summary
| Element | Details | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | 190 meetups in 32 countries, 94 cities | Global community opportunity |
| Reach | Partners serving 100,000+ merchants | 10% of all Shopify merchants |
| Timing | Saturday 9 AM start | Maximizes attendance |
| Format | Kahoot warm-up + 5 speakers | Engagement + education |
| Language | Vietnamese with live English translation | Inclusive for international attendees |
| Tool | Splashthat | Event page, onboarding, emails |
Find Meetups in Your City
Check https://meetups.shopify.com/ for upcoming Shopify meetups in your area. For bigger events, check https://pursuit.shopify.com/ for the annual Pursuit conference happening around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find Shopify partners to invite to my meetup?
Connect through existing Shopify meetups, conferences, and the Shopify Partners directory. Your regional Shopify Partner Manager can also help connect you with active partners in your area.
Can Shopify sponsor my partner meetup event?
Yes. Shopify often supports partner community building initiatives including pre-event dinners and venue costs. Contact your regional Shopify Partner Manager to discuss sponsorship opportunities.
What is the best day and time to host a Shopify meetup?
Saturday morning at 9 AM works well because most companies do not work on Saturdays. The late start accommodates attendees traveling from far distances.
How do I handle bilingual presentations at a meetup?
Collect slides in advance for translators to prepare. Use live cabin translation where translators work simultaneously without pausing the speaker. Test audio equipment before the event.
What tool should I use to manage Shopify meetup registrations?
Splashthat is recommended for event page building, onboarding flow, and bulk email management. It is provided by Shopify with an intuitive UI and easy learning curve.
Need Help Growing Your Shopify Business?
Our experts can help you build partnerships, optimize your Shopify apps, and connect with the right partners in the ecosystem. Get personalized guidance for your growth strategy.