Alexandra Sofen: The Power of Meaningful In-Person Community Connections

Whether you’re a new community builder
or trying to inject new life in an existing community, it can be tough to plan initiatives that spark engagement and vibrancy among your members. Many times, hearing from other practitioners how they invigorate their members with content and programming can spark all kinds of inspiration.
Alexandra Sofen, Forums Programming Manager at Etsy, broke down Etsy’s most creative community programs for the audience at CMX Summit. Her goal in taking the stage was to inspire community professionals to think outside the community programming box.
Etsy has existed since 2005 and has had an online forum for just as long. The platform has evolved and grown massively since then (they now engage over 1,600 members
every single day there), and it is due not only to Etsy’s business growth but also the Etsy Forums Team’s programming. Alexandra shared program such as Engagement Forum Threads, Weekend Challenges, Admin Q&As, and Fireside Chats, which they extend to their YouTube Channel.
Etsy also has a vibrant offline community, which they have fostered through a number of events that they plan regularly. These include Seller Studio Visits, Craft Parties, Etsy Captains’ Summits, and more.
Want to get inspired to build out your community’s content calendar and event programming? Watch Alexandra Sofen’s talk to start getting creative.