Start a User Group

Adobe User Groups provide training, networking, and support to people around the world. Whether your focus is design or development, print, video or the web, Adobe User Groups strengthen community networking, unveil the latest technology innovations and reveal the techniques that turn novices into experts, and experts into Web gurus. Our global user communicty is active and vibrant, and we encourage new communities to join in!

Running a successful user group is challenging but rewarding. Some of the benefits of being an Adobe User Group manager include:

• Software Raffles – groups are allowed to raffle one (1) copy of select Adobe software every 6 months to help drive attendance at group meetings
• "Tech Wednesday" presentations - every Wednesday we hold a 1 hour training session via Acrobat Connect
• One Acrobat Connect Pro account - for streaming and recording group meetings
• Adobe MAX discount – managers receive a discount to attend Adobe’s annual MAX conference
• Third-party partner offers – special offers for online training and books from Adobe partners
• Access to private user group manager mailing lists
• Access to selected Adobe beta programs
• Free ACE certification exam

• Interaction and support from a worldwide community of Adobe User Group Managers

The primary requirements for an active Adobe User Group are a willingness to hold monthly meetings (at least 8 times a year) and to maintain an active web presence.

What is an active web presence?

An active web presence is a site here on Adobe Groups and/or an external website (such as Meetup.com). This site should include at a minimum a listing of your meeting dates and topics for the last 12 months, plus information about all upcoming meetings.

Is there anything else I need to do to be an active user group?

Yes!

#1 We maintain a database of information about our active user groups; User Group Managers must contribute information to our records and help us keep them up to date.
#2 We will need User Group Managers to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement with Adobe, which will allow them access to additional information that will help you run your group.
#3 Adobe User Group Program values "face-to-face" meetings. We believe it is an important aspect of maintaining an active local community. The majority of User Group meetings will need to be at a physical location. We'd like User Groups to meet at a physical location (8) times a year. There is a program category of "virtual" groups who meet online using their Adobe Connect licenses, but these groups are not eligible for certain program benefits (UGM software, software raffles, etc).

To ensure diversity, Adobe only recognizes one user group per product for each metropolitan area. Make sure to check the listings of user groups to see if a similar user group already exists. If you don't see a group with the right focus listed in your area and are interested in starting one, fill out the User Group Application. Adobe will review your application and request more information, if necessary.

Here is a diagram on how the Adobe Community Team evaluates New and Existing Adobe User Groups (we do not support ALL User Groups):

NOTE: due to embargos currently in place by the United States government, we can not support communities located in Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Cuba or North Korea.

 Click on the picture below to get to their twitter account & send them a message.

Adobe Community Team:

Also check out our public "Community Kitchen" Blog