How to host your first plan

Hosting sounds like a big responsibility. It is mostly a small set of good habits. If you can pick a time, turn up early and say hello to people, you can host a plan that people will want to join again.

Here is how to do your first one well.

1. Pick something you would do anyway

The best first plans are things you already enjoy and would happily do even if only three people came. Your usual Saturday run. The trivia night you go to anyway. A walk around the lake with a coffee after.

This matters for two reasons. You will be relaxed, because you know the activity. And your enthusiasm is contagious. People can tell the difference between a host who is performing and a host who is having a good time.

2. Choose a public place you know

For your first three plans on Kept Plans, the place has to be public: a park, a court, a cafe, a restaurant, a bar. Pick one you know well. You will know where to stand, where the bathrooms are, and what to do if it rains or the table is not ready.

If the plan needs a booking, like a court or a table, book it before you post the plan. People commit based on what you promise.

3. Keep it small

First plans are capped at 12 people, and smaller is often better. Four to eight is a sweet spot for most activities: enough energy, still small enough that everyone learns everyone’s name. You can always run a bigger one next time.

If your activity needs exact numbers, like ten for a soccer game, set a minimum. If the plan does not reach it, it closes and everyone’s hold is released automatically. Nobody shows up to half a game.

4. Write the plan like a friend would

People decide in seconds. Make it easy:

• A clear title. “Sunset volleyball, 4 a side” beats “Beach fun!!”
• The real level. If you would be annoyed by a beginner, it is not beginner friendly. Say so, kindly.
• What to bring. Water, shoes, a racket, cash for the food truck. Be specific.
• The price, if any. Show the full cost up front and say what it covers.
• One friendly line about you. “I run this most Saturdays and I am always happy to teach the rules.” That line does more than any photo.

5. The day before

Post a short note in the plan chat. Confirm the time and the meeting spot, mention the weather if it matters, and say how people will recognise you. “I will be by the north gate in an orange cap” removes half of the nerves new people feel.

If you need to cancel, do it now, not in the morning. Everyone’s hold is released automatically, but a late cancellation still costs people their Saturday.

6. On the day

• Arrive early. Ten minutes is plenty. The first person to arrive should never be standing alone wondering if they are in the right place.
• Check people in. Show your check-in code, or tick people off as they arrive. It releases their holds and tells you who is still coming.
• Start with names. A quick round of introductions, even just names and one fact, makes the whole plan warmer.
• Start on time. Waiting for latecomers punishes the people who were on time. Latecomers can join in.
• Watch the edges. Notice the person who is quiet or left out, and bring them in. That is the most important thing a host does.

If anything feels wrong, trust yourself. You can end a plan early, and the safety button in the plan is always there, including for hosts.

7. After the plan

Thank people, and remind them the album is open so the photos land in one place. Fix any check-in mistakes quickly: if someone was there but forgot to tap, mark them present.

Read the feedback when it comes in. It is private, and it is the fastest way to get better.

Then, if it went well, run it again. Most clubs on Kept Plans start exactly like this: one good plan, and someone saying “same time next week?”

The checklist

• An activity you would do anyway
• A public place you know, booked if needed
• 12 people or fewer, with a minimum if numbers matter
• A clear title, an honest level, what to bring, the full price
• A note the day before with the meeting spot
• Arrive early, check people in, start with names, start on time
• Thank people, open the album, fix check-ins
• Run it again

For the full rules, read the host guidelines. For money, the host calculator shows what you would earn on a paid plan.