I am a member of a Audio Enthusiasts Group in the UK.
My first introduction was when meeting a few Group Members at a Forums annual event approx' 150 miles from my home.
My demo's of brought along equipment started a dialogue with unknown individuals, of which two individuals making inquiries were discovered to be living local to my home.
I was then also informed there was a functioning Audio Group and I would be welcomed to the pop in to a get together.
My first visit was back in 2016 and I have not looked back. I now have meeting venues as my home, or between 18 - 50 miles away.
The introduction to a new range of systems and also being privy to how some systems have evolved has been a great experience. The group has also gathered the attention of some who sell equipment, and there is periodically Brand New Devices put forward to be assessed by the Group. When achievable, such a device will be given an extended period of use, before being assessed from a comparisons in a Bake Off with similar devices.
There is also the in group, a want to create a publicised day of invite to a local venue, where audio systems will be present to the wider audience who attend.
The jovial get togethers and learning to be had is priceless, I thoroughly recommend achieving a meeting and continuing producing dates to get together.