on 06-18-2025 09:41 AM - edited on 06-18-2025 12:09 PM by jforsythe
Welcome! We're excited you're considering or have joined us as a Chapter Leader for the Palo Alto Networks Fuel User Group. This overview clarifies your role, the benefits, and the responsibilities involved. It's a great resource whether you're thinking of becoming a leader, are already volunteering, or just want to understand how your chapter operates. If you have any questions, reach out to us at at fuel@fuelusergroup.org.
Our shared goal is to connect cybersecurity minds through real-world conversations.
Chapter leadership
o Chapter leaders generously volunteer their time to organize quarterly events on locally relevant industry topics. In this capacity, you will be the primary point of contact in your city or region and responsible for driving the growth and engagement of your chapter to cultivate a strong local user group.
Organizing events
o Organize any type of event using our event management platform. Examples include technical deep dives, immersive lab sessions, breakfasts or happy hours — these are just a few ideas to spark your imagination!
Deepen collaboration
o Create regular opportunities for members to share technical knowledge, exchange professional “war stories”, and solve problems together.
Build your local community
o Communities are an important aspect of life. Consistency is crucial because it builds trust and keeps members engaged. By creating exciting opportunities for your user group, providing support and demonstrating your expertise, you can build strong relationships with your peers and customers and ultimately strengthen the cybersecurity industry.
Event Requirements
o Hosting four in-person events each year—typically one per quarter—helps keep our community active and engaged. We understand that certain times, like the holiday season or end of the fiscal year, can be busier or slower than others. We're here to support you however we can to make your events successful!
Topics, Speakers, Partners
o Chapter Leaders are responsible for securing local speakers or panelists that align with local interests and business goals. It is important that speakers are engaging and responsive to questions.
o Topics should focus on Palo Alto Networks products and technology to ensure relevance and alignment with our community and user group goals.
o Determining the right sponsors for each event is key – companies sponsor events for several reasons including prospective leads and brand awareness. Branding can be shared with partners at local sponsored events.
Venues and Budget
o It is the responsibility of Chapter Leaders to select venues for their in-person events, as well as managing any associated costs. Venue types can vary greatly and will depend on the type of event, audience and available budget.
o The Fuel team can promote local events in the Fuel-Up newsletter if notified at least 4 weeks in advance.
Chapter Management Platform
o Fuel uses the Bevy platform for chapter and event management (events.fuelusergroup.org). Chapter leaders are required to use this platform to manage all event communication and planning (both in-person and virtual) including event notifications, emails, RSVPs and check-ins. No individual Fuel Chapter should have their own membership database or distribution list.
Code of Conduct
o Our events are designed to be inclusive, respectful, and professional spaces where all members of our community feel welcome and valued. We believe that fostering a supportive environment is essential to learning, collaboration, and growth. To uphold these values and ensure a positive experience for everyone, we ask that all participants adhere to our Code of Conduct. This helps us maintain the high standards our community expects and deserves.
Leaving Fuel
o We understand that priorities can shift and schedules get busy — life happens! If you find that you are no longer able to participate in our program, we kindly ask that you send us a quick email at fuel@fuelusergroup.org to let us know.
o If you happen to know someone who would be a great fit to take your place, we’d love your recommendation. Your support in keeping the program strong and connected means a lot.
Chapter Management Platform
o Access to our chapter and event management platform (events.fuelusergroup.org). This platform is very user-friendly, and will allow you to easily organize and manage events as well as send communications such as emails, news and surveys all from one location. Training is available for all chapter leaders and we are always available to answer any questions you may have.
Dedicated Slack channel
o Join Fuel's Slack by filling out this form. The Fuel Team can also assist you by creating a dedicated Slack channel for easy chapter communication and event promotion.
Swag Offerings
o Palo Alto Networks Swag is available to chapter leaders for their events. Please contact us at fuel@fuelusergroup.org for more details (currently only available for events in North America). For other regions, we will help you get in touch with the best point of contact.
Chapter Leader Town Hall
o This is a brand-new offering the Fuel team has put together for our chapter leaders on a quarterly basis. We want our leaders to connect, share challenges, and exchange ideas in a focused setting, helping them feel supported and empowered. By creating this dedicated time, we aim to strengthen the foundation of our community and ensure that leadership voices help shape its direction and impact.
Quarterly Leadership Newsletter
o This is another new offering the Fuel team has created! This newsletter is a valuable tool for keeping Chapter Leaders informed, aligned, and inspired. It provides timely updates to the Fuel program, highlights key initiatives, shares success stories, and offers resources tailored to leadership needs. By staying connected through this regular communication, Chapter Leaders are better equipped to guide their groups, contribute to broader goals, and feel more engaged in the overall mission.
Dedicated Fuel Team
o A dedicated management team to provide assistance and guidance.
o If you would like to start a local chapter or start managing an existing dormant chapter, please contact us at fuel@fuelusergroup.org.
Leadership Slack Channel
o A Chapter Leader Slack channel to communicate with other Fuel leaders and the Fuel management team. The Fuel team will add you to this channel once you become a chapter leader.
Documentation
o This playbook to get our available offerings up and running.
o Detailed documentation on how to manage chapters, identify successful topics, and connect with speakers.
Thank you for being a Fuel Chapter Leader! We couldn't have this vibrant user group without you.
