MiddWinter Meetups: Request for Proposals
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Organize a MiddWinter Meetup!
JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 8, 2026
This winter, let’s bring the Middlebury community together through ten days of alumni-organized MiddWinter Meetups across the globe.
Made by you, for you, with your ideas.
Winter is Long. Make It Fun!
Our alumni community is incredible. Let’s make sure you get to see one another. Learn more below about how to create a MiddWinter Meetup with us!
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Get Together.
Gather ideas for what types of gatherings we are looking for.
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You're the Host.
Ways we suggest you structure your event for success.
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Submit Your Idea.
Ready to propose an event in your town? We want to hear it!
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Got a Question?
Frequently asked questions.
Submit your Meetup proposal by: Monday, December 1, 11:59 p.m.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Monday, December 1
Proposals will be reviewed and selected in early December.
Middlebury reserves the right to decline or suggest edits to accepted proposals.
- Selections announced to hosts: Mid-December
- Registrations go live for MiddWinter Meetups: Mid-January
- 10 days of MiddWinter Meetups: January 30 - February 8, 2026
PROPOSE A GATHERING.
Pitch us on a Meetup that you want to host in your town.
Some inspiration:
- Rollerskating at the retro spot downtown
- An ultimate frisbee tournament in the park
- Crafting with kids at the makerspace
- A hike to a lunch spot
- Game night
- Book club at the library
- A scavenger hunt in your town
…we know you’ll come up with so much more!
YOU’RE THE HOST.
The Details:
Location: We encourage MiddWinter Meetups that take place in public spaces—parks, restaurants, galleries, libraries, community spaces, bars, museums, etc. You make the arrangements with the space and obtain any permissions.
Planning to attend a public event? Want to rally Middlebury folks to join? Perfect! Just carve out dedicated time and space to meet with your Middlebury crew. (“Meet in the lobby at 6 PM for a pre-show introduction!”)
Inclusion: Events will be open to the entire Middlebury community and designed to build positive person-to-person engagement where you live! Please create an environment consistent with Middlebury’s values and policies.
For You & By You: Middlebury gets the word out & collects registrations. You plan and guide the Meetup!
Questions? Reach out to us at middevents@middlebury.edu!
Got questions? We've got you!
I've never hosted an event before. Will I be good at this?
Yes! You will!
Want to talk through a proposal idea? Send us an email at middevents@middlebury.edu with some windows when you’re available for a phone call. We can be your sounding board.
Why should I do this?
These 10 days of MiddWinter Meetups are how YOU can be a part of that effort to connect over shared interests and connect across differences. Let’s bring your ideas to life and make the world a little more inspiring, a little more meaningful, and a lot more FUN.
Let's say my proposal is selected...then what happens?
We’ll gather on Zoom in early December with all event hosts to discuss some broad logistics and field any shared questions you may have.
Middlebury will take care of publicizing the suite of events, managing registrations, and initial confirmation emails. We will send you a care package in advance of your event with the guest list, name tags, and some Midd swag.
You will be responsible for planning the meetup and communicating with the location in advance. You’ll also communicate with guests the week prior to your event, take photos, and send us a list of those who attended.
Who will be invited to MiddWinter Meetups?
We’ll spread the word to the Middlebury community in your region.
All MiddWinter Meetups will be posted on this webpage with regional registration links in January.
Can I propose a MiddWinter Meetup for a specific interest?
MiddWinter Meetups are designed to be inclusive gatherings for alumni of all backgrounds, interests, and class years within a given region.
While these events are open to everyone, we’re always happy to explore opportunities for more targeted events, such as those for specific classes, teams, clubs, or affinity group, at other times throughout the year.
What about cost?
Meetups should be free or low-cost for everyone (including the event organizer!). For example, if your meetup is at a local café, everyone pays for their own coffee.