Last September, I joined the Jamf Community team to help build out a User Group program. As I was getting to know the community, one thing was abundantly clear: Apple Admins have a lot to share and a strong desire to connect, especially in person.
It’s been an exciting challenge to work with admins across the globe and build a structure that supports in-person and online meetings. One of the many joys of working in Community is getting to help bring the idea of “Community” from something abstract to something tangible and real. I love supporting people who may have once felt alone —shouting into the void — find connection, clarity and camaraderie through programs like User Groups.
User Groups are a fantastic way to regularly connect with fellow admins, solve problems, talk shop and maybe even make some new friends along the way. While forums and Slack are great for quick questions and short conversations, nothing quite compares to the impact of meeting your peers face-to-face.
The History of Jamf and User Groups
Over the years, several User Groups have formed organically. Some have come and gone, while others (looking at you, NYC) have sustained for more than a decade. But without dedicated support, it’s been difficult to truly grow the program as a whole. Now, Jamf is investing in the future of User Groups. We’re excited to offer more resources to support the Apple admin community and help even more groups get off the ground.
How Jamf Supports User Groups
Our goal is to remove the barriers. Here's what we offer :
- A robust starter kit and onboarding experience
- Help sourcing speakers and content
- A Jamf employee resource person dedicated to individual groups
- A community of User Group leaders
- Professional development for User Group leaders
How to Start a User Group
User Groups are all about strengthening the community. Meetings are open to all experience levels and are designed to be inclusive, welcoming spaces where everyone can share and learn. These are not sales events, are vendor-neutral and are community driven. What’s required to lead a User Group:
- The leader(s) is a current Jamf Customer
- The leader(s) hosts a minimum of one meeting per quarter
- The leader(s) creates a welcoming and open space for all to attend
- The leader(s) attend quarterly leader’s meetings
If you’re interested in joining a group, head over to the Groups section on Jamf Nation to explore and connect with active User Groups. Interested in starting your own group? Just fill out this form, and someone from our team will be in touch soon!
To those who already lead one of our many User Groups around the globe – thank you. To those who attend and further support our incredible Jamf Nation – we appreciate you.
Reach out to jamfnation@jamf.com with any questions.
