What are Tableau User Groups?

Tableau User Groups (TUGs) are inclusive meetup events for Tableau enthusiasts to connect, learn, and discuss all things data. Find inspiration from peers across geographies, industries, roles, affiliations, and other areas of interest while advancing your analytics skills. TUGs take place virtually or in person and are completely community-led. Participation is entirely self-driven based on how many you choose to join and what role you take—so the skills you learn, the people you meet, and the time commitment you make are all up to you. 

The first two Tableau User Groups were formed in 2009 and spearheaded by a few passionate customers looking to learn and share in an informal environment. Today there are more than 150 groups all over the world that cover a wide range of topics, from Tableau best practices and tips and tricks to up-leveling data skills for your next promotion and how data affects our everyday lives.

Priya Padham, Tableau Visionary

Not only was last year the first time I had ever attended the London TUG, but it was also my first time meeting the wider DataFam community in person. To say it completely enriched my community experience is an understatement. I met so many people that inspired me throughout my journey. It was incredible.

Choose Your Forum

With virtual, in-person, and hybrid options, you choose the forum that works best for you. While some TUGs have opportunities for local, in-person gatherings, others stick with an online format often recorded for on-demand viewing to better serve a global user base. Can’t decide? We have hybrid TUGs, too. No matter which you choose, you'll be welcomed into a community that promotes growth, powerful connection, and is in your corner along the way.

Types of TUGs

With so many types of TUGs, there is something for everyone. Whether an expert or a newbie, you can join an event to learn more about specific Tableau products and features. Perhaps you want to find other Tableau enthusiasts to connect with on a deeper level because of shared life experiences, values, and allyship—like LGBTQ+ (Data Pride), Veterans Advocacy, and Communi[datos]. Or maybe you prefer to keep it local and meet with people within your same geographic region. You can also find group options focusing on how specific industries and roles find success with data—such as Higher Education and Healthcare. Choose one or many—your path is completely up to you. 

Kris Wojcik, Tableau Ambassador

As a final-year student, I found TUGs to be welcoming and a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Tableau, listen to inspiring speeches, and network with like-minded individuals. I had a chance to expand my network while meeting friendly and supportive professionals working for top companies in a casual setting, learning more about their experiences, and gaining industry insights.

Josh Wilson, Insights Consultant

In 2020, I left a Big Four consulting firm and was trying out freelancing with Tableau. I started networking and presenting at TUG meetings, which led to opportunities that helped me launch my own consulting business. In short, the connections I've made at TUGs have enabled me to do the work I do today.

Annabelle Rincon, Tableau Visionary

Four years ago I led a Tableau Team at Credit Suisse. The person in charge of the Tableau Center of Enablement at Vontobel wanted to find his replacement. After multiple discussions during Tableau User Group meetups and outside, I accepted the proposal. Without TUGs I would have never heard about the job or had the opportunity to showcase myself and what I had to offer.

Impact

Tableau User Groups help community members grow in many ways. With meetups, you can broaden your network and potentially take the next step in your data career or just find others who work and are interested in the same things you are. Tableau User Groups have created not only future coworkers but also lifelong data friends. Each user group event allows the DataFam to hone in on their communication and leadership skills. 

Margarita Moya, Sydney TUG leader

I recommend joining to anyone thinking of boosting their skillset and career. Since joining the Sydney TUG, I've met people who just amaze me with what they can do with the tools, and I even found my current role through the folks I've connected with.

Rohit Prasad, Tableau Ambassador

Due to TUGs, I had the opportunity to become a Tableau Student Ambassador and Tableau Student Ambassador Mentor. In these positions, I got the chance to connect with Tableau Visionary Klaus Schulte. He has been so supportive of my Tableau journey and together we conducted three consecutive Tableau Workshops. Since then, in collaboration with other Tableau Student Ambassadors, I have held more than 11 workshops for 710+ university students globally.

Getting Started

Ready to get started? Our Tableau User Group events are powered by the Bevy platform.

1. Sign up for a free account. Setting up a profile on the Bevy platform takes only a few minutes and quickly gives you access to all TUGs.
2. Browse and join TUGs of interest. Get to know the user groups that can help you reach your professional and personal goals. You can filter online, in-person and hybrid events by city or region, and filter by tags like in-language, networking, job opportunities, visualizations, panels, and more. There’s also a helpful Calendar View which shows all upcoming events in one place. Choose one or more TUGs that resonate and become a member. The platform also helps you browse different Tableau User Groups by category, industry, product, location, and more.
3.  Get notified of upcoming meetings. For the groups you’re interested in staying up-to-date with, you can subscribe to them by clicking “Join.” TUG leaders will send email reminders when new meetings are scheduled. You can also follow the #TableauUserGroup hashtag.

Attend and make connections. Bring a friend, make a friend, grow your data skills, and network together.

Grow Together

There’s more than one way to participate in a Tableau User Group. You choose what you put in and what you hope to get out. Here are some common roles you can take.

• Observer: Hoping to build skills, problem solve, or find inspiration? It’s ok to soak it all in. Check out groups that interest you.
• Speaker: Have mad data skills or a great success story to share? Complete a speaker submission form for TUG leaders to review.
• Leader: Interested in starting your own user group or co-leading one that exists? Fill out an application, and we’ll reach out with next steps.

Yamil Medina, Florida TUG Co-Leader

Being a Tableau User Group leader has been instrumental in improving my leadership and speaker skills in a supportive and collaborative environment. I have organized and led meetings, planned events, and facilitated discussions among members.

Whether you want to learn tips and tricks, sharpen your skills, amp up your expertise, or propel your career forward, Tableau User Groups are your ticket to strengthening your data superpowers. Meet like-minded people from across the globe as you indulge your curiosity, find new ways to solve problems, and harness your creativity while empowering others to do the same. Join today!

Become a leader

A Tableau User Group leader inspires and connects data people together. If you have data and analytics expertise to share or want to grow your leadership skills, consider starting a Tableau User Group. While TUGs are owned and run by leaders, Team Tableau supports your group with reimbursement, team management, guidebooks, and more resources to make you a better leader.

You’ll also be a part of a worldwide group of Tableau User Group leaders who want to connect and champion your data and leadership skills. Take seasoned TUG leaders Ella Worsdale and Laura Sandford for example, they hosted an event for TUG leaders —these events covered topics on community engagement, effective collaboration, maximizing your virtual event tools’ potential, crafting compelling content, and leveraging social media to boost event attendance. Take the next step in your data journey and become a Tableau User Group leader.
 

Dive Deeper into Tableau User Groups 

Connect with a TUG ambassador that can help provide recommendations, best practices, and mentorship.  

Watch and learn how to go further in your data journey and learning with Tableau User Groups.