On April 1st, 2025, the first Hive meetup of the year took place in Aba, Abia State. The event was hosted by Happy Customer Supermarket, courtesy of @focusnow. This wasn’t just another gathering, it was an opportunity for Hivers in the city to connect, share ideas, and learn from one another. Over time, Happy Customer Supermarket has hosted numerous Hive-related workshops, all of which I’ve attended. However, this time around, a general meetup was necessary to bring together Hivers from all walks of life. The choice of venue was also strategic, as it allowed attendees to conveniently shop after learning about the @spendhbd community.
In the days leading up to the meetup, excitement built up as @focusnow shared glimpses of the preparations. He went all out, branding Hive T-shirts and customized mugs for attendees, a thoughtful touch that made the event even more special. We also did our part, sharing invitations across our respective social media platforms to ensure as many Hivers as possible could attend.
Before we knew it, Tuesday arrived, and it was time to experience the long-anticipated meetup. Seeing familiar faces again was a joy, but what made it even better was the presence of new Hivers. Among the special guests was @ijelady, who traveled all the way from Uyo to be part of the event, a proof to the impact and significance of Hive in our community.
The event started with @luchyl, a dedicated and passionate Hiver, taking the stage. She spoke about her journey on Hive over the past two years, captivating the audience with her experiences. I enjoyed her experience especially with her emphasis on consistency, something I’ve personally struggled with but continue to work on.
She shared how she balances her work life with her Hive presence, ensuring neither one suffers. She shared her methods with us, strategic planning, discipline, and prioritizing engagement. She also highlighted how setting achievable Hive goals, such as making daily posts or actively engaging with other authors, can help sustain a strong presence on the platform. Her speech was both relatable and inspiring, offering practical tips that we could all implement.
Next up was @ijelady, who built on the theme of consistency but approached it from a different angle, microblogging. She emphasized how microblogging can be a game-changer for those who don’t have time for long-form content. Instead of worrying about lengthy posts, Hivers can stay engaged, interact with others, and earn rewards by sharing short, valuable updates. This resonated with many of us in attendance, as time constraints are a common challenge. Her insights shed light on how we can remain active without feeling overwhelmed.
To conclude the sessions, @focusnow stepped in to summarize the key takeaways from the meetup. He stressed the importance of building a strong X (Twitter) profile for interacting with Hive-related content. By engaging with Hive discussions outside of the platform, we can increase visibility and attract new members. He also encouraged us to actively share our Hive articles on X and other social media platforms to expand our reach beyond Hive itself. His insights were practical and actionable, reinforcing the idea that Hive’s growth depends on collective effort.
One of the best parts of the meetup was the open discussion segment. Everyone had the chance to share their challenges, ask questions, and receive guidance from more experienced Hivers. The support and encouragement in the room were solid, making it clear that Hive is more than just a platform, it’s a community.
As the event drew to a close, we enjoyed some light refreshments while capturing plenty of picture and video moments. The atmosphere was lighthearted and filled with cheer. Seeing the genuine smiles on the faces of over 20 attendees was uplifting. Despite it being a workday, the turnout was impressive, and the number of new participants was particularly inspiring. Their presence reassured us that Hive continues to attract fresh minds ready to contribute and grow with the community.
This meetup wasn’t just a one-time even, it was a step toward greater community engagement. We are committed to keeping this spirit alive through various Hive marketing strategies, especially the @spendhbd initiative, which many of us have been actively participating in for months. The potential for growth is immense, and it’s clear that with consistency, collaboration, and innovation, Hive will continue to thrive in Aba and beyond.
A huge shoutout to the @spendhbd community, @thedistributor, and all the admins working tirelessly behind the scenes. We will keep part and share in this growth.