<aside> 🤝 Introduction In our rapidly evolving digital landscape, one might question the need for brick-and-mortar hubs, especially in a decentralised and distributed ecosystem like Polkadot. But at the heart of every digital interaction lies a profound human connection. This is something the Polkadot Community is starting to recognise. While online forums and virtual meet-ups offer convenience, there's an undeniable authenticity in face-to-face interactions that digital platforms can't replicate. It’s about the coincidence of unplanned community space conversations leading to the next big idea, or the genuine relationship developed over a shared coffee.
Currently, the Polkadot ecosystem consists of 50+ teams. Many of them established their own bases, found their own offices spread around the globe. They are more than just contributors but as active members of the Polkadot community, they build one of the most thriving blockchain ecosystems — exhibiting creativity and innovation. Still, many individuals within Polkadot are often located in standard co-working spaces, public workplaces, or working from home. The global community is lacking go-to locations that would enable members to meet, connect and collaborate. We believe that the spontaneity offered by physical spaces catalyses groundbreaking ideas that might otherwise remain buried in structured digital meetings.
The need for physical spaces of different types and sizes, dedicated to the Polkadot community is clear. Numerous individuals within the ecosystem were trying to address this issue - in 2023 a group of likeminded individuals within Polkadot joined forces within Polkadot Hubs Collective. The following playbook is the result of our common effort, a website providing guidelines, practical advice, basic definitions and valuable resources - hopefully helping everyone in the community to discover, ideate, define and kickstart physical spaces called Polkadot Hubs. The digital divide is real. By setting up physical hubs, we will ensure that no one is left behind — be it those who favour face-to-face interactions or individuals without quality access to online platforms.
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<aside> ❓ What is the Polkadot Hubs Playbook? The Polkadot Hubs Playbook is our blueprint for bridging the digital ethos of the Polkadot community with tangible, real-world spaces. The timing of this release is connected to the Community's wish to have physical locations for in-person meetings, collaborative work and increased cooperation. Additionally, there is an inherent need to establish consistency among the spaces that will be part of the Polkadot Ecosystem. The Playbook aims to offer valuable information and suggestions to assist you in organising your project. While your Polkadot Hub should incorporate certain specific elements such as Polkadot Hubs Branding to ensure consistency, the Playbook is also crafted to help you define and customise your unique needs. In the pages below, you'll discover numerous guidelines, thoughts, and ideas that revolve around what you might consider, starting from the initial intention of establishing a Polkadot Hub, all the way through the execution phase, and ultimately, project evaluation and future adaptability.
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At its core, the Polkadot Hubs concept is a tangible manifestation of the following principles: decentralisation, collaboration, and innovation. In a landscape dominated by virtual interactions and transient digital touch points, Polkadot Hubs represent physical spaces that resonate with the Community's heartbeat.
**✔️** Polkadot Hubs are physical spaces:
**✖️** Polkadot Hubs aren’t:
The first thing to consider and decide is what type of Hub you want to plan for.
A vital stage in establishing a Polkadot space is the initial assessment of its potential and viability, as elaborated in the "Planning for the Hub" section. Following these crucial preliminary steps, the setup phase ensues. We invite you to explore the following pages, which provide valuable guidance to ensure your successful setup of a Polkadot Hub.
Polkadot Hubs stand as lighthouses in the vast digital sea — spaces where the physical meets the conceptual, where ideas transform into action. The brand doesn't just represent a space; it embodies the spirit of unity, collaboration, and the forward momentum of the Polkadot ecosystem. By aligning with the Polkadot Hubs Collective, you're not just joining a brand; you're becoming a part of a global narrative — one that champions decentralisation, celebrates collective spirit, and positions you at the forefront of a transformative journey.