From Facebook Developer Wiki

[edit] A Quick & Gritty Guide to Getting Started

Contact us using this form. We're happy to help!

• If you can give us the basics: your name, location, and a desired date, we can help get you started.
• We’ll work with you to set a date and set up one of our Platform peeps to share their secret sauce.
• We'll also ship you supplies, help you create a Sponsored Event and make it easy for you to invite your local developer community.

Build your Logo

• We'll send you our most excellently customizable Garage logo template for you to adapt for your event.

Check out some examples in the Garage Calendar.

• Once you've created your masterpiece send it off to us in vector format for final polishing so we can post it to your event.
• You can use your custom creation for different flavors of Web badges, signage, online postings, or Garage swag.
• If you aren't graphically gifted we'll create the logo for you (or maybe we already have, zing!)

Land a Venue

• Make sure you have a good idea of attendance before you commit to a space. If 100 people sign up for an event at a venue where capacity is capped at 50 . . . well, you get the idea.
• Talk to everyone you know who has an interest in Facebook Platform or would benefit from meeting a bunch of sharp, driven developers. Use your powers of persuasion to convince them to offer up their offices.
• If that doesn't work contact local VCs, Start-ups or Technology companies to see if they would have an interest in playing host to your Garage. Odds are good that they would.

Secure Sponsors

• Need some tips on getting sponsors? Our Sponsors page can help!
• You want to be a Sponsor? Please contact us at developer-garage@facebook.com ASAP, and we'll get you hooked up with the right people.
• You can also post your intentions and location at Sponsors.

Engage Local Developers

• Post your event to the Facebook Developer Garage Calendar.
• Create or join a Facebook Local Developer Group and publicize your event there.
• Contact bloggers about hyping your event and give them a boilerplate blurb (with links) that they can modify and post.
• To lock down numbers encourage people to RSVP by sending a reminder a week before the event as well as the day prior.

What to Provide

• The tools: power, wi-fi or hardlines, routers and a projector and screen (also, make sure you have the correct cables)
• You may want to ask for volunteers to bring other supplies: pens, tape, garbage bags, etc.
• Snacks and beverages
• An open forum

Create an Agenda . . . or Don't

• Check out our Garage Agenda page for some talking points to get you started. (Or post your suggestions here).
• If you would rather have the event evolve organically, you can create a schedule on the fly.
• Work with us to schedule a Facebook representative to give an intro, short talk or technical Q&A.

Facebook Support

• Badges & Misc Other Swag
• Sponsored Event / News Feed Stories
• Platform Team Support and in some cases a presentation in person or via video conference (depending on schedules)
• If you have any other questions about how we can support you please contact us at developer-garage@facebook.com

Post Mortem

• We are in the process of creating a Poll and discussion board for your attendees to give feedback on your event.
• Post Photos and Videos to the Garage Event and tag all of your new friends.
• Iterate!

Ninja Tricks

• Find more stealth tips at Garage Ninjas.
• Hosts feel free to post your own secret sauce.
• Post your Local Developer Group here.

You don't necessarily need to follow these steps in this order. This is just a guide to help you organize your event quickly and easily. You may, for example, want to wait to pick your venue until you have an idea of attendance. No pressure. :)