Good points here. Ill add that having a scheduled date is good, but its even better to start with a few people you know and work with their schedule. Its no fun having no one show up but if you plan an event with some friends and invite people to that its less pressure on you. Ive done presentations and more formal stuff but that isnt required.

If you dont have the place to yourself, make sure you introduce yourself to everyone and make sure they know whos there for the meetup and who isnt.

Be polite but firm about the scope, topic, and what kind of things you dont want shilled in your space. Freedom of speech is real but all that does is keep you out of jail. You have the right to shut people (scammers) up. In fact, its your responsibility newbs dont get harmed at one of your events.