How to Start a Club in 2026: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

March 1, 2026 · By Craig Pollard

Everything you need to start a thriving club in 2026. Covers choosing your niche, legal structure options, essential tools, running your first event, and growing membership from zero to your first 100 members.

About the Author

Craig Pollard

Craig Pollard is the founder of Who's In? and a former Apple team lead (12 years). He writes about event technology, community building, and the future of AI-powered event discovery. Board advisor, investor, and non-executive director in technology and sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "How to Start a Club in 2026: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide" cover?

Everything you need to start a thriving club in 2026. Choosing your niche, legal structure, tools, running your first event, and growing membership from zero.

Is Who's In? free to use for events?

Yes. Who's In? is 100% free for all features — RSVPs, waitlists, recurring events, memberships, analytics, and more. The only cost is a 2.7% flat fee on paid ticket sales. There are no subscriptions or hidden charges.

How do I get started with Who's In?

Sign up for free at whos-in.app, create your first event in under 2 minutes, and share the link via WhatsApp, email, or social media. No app download required for your guests — they RSVP via the mobile-optimised web link.