The World Needs More HUGs

HUGs are community-driven meetups that bring artists, technical directors, students, and studios together to connect, learn, and share their work with Houdini.

Organized by passionate volunteers in the Houdini community, HUGs create spaces where people can exchange ideas, showcase projects, and build connections with others who share an interest in procedural workflows.

Today, more than 60 Houdini User Groups across 38 countries are active around the world, helping grow the global Houdini community one city at a time.

What Happens at a HUG?

Every HUG has its own personality, shaped by the local community that runs it. Meetings take place in a variety of environments — including studios, schools, coworking spaces, pubs, and coffee shops — anywhere artists can gather and share ideas.

Typical HUG events may include:

• Artist presentations and demos

• Show-and-tell sessions featuring work-in-progress projects

• Discussions about workflows and tools

• Networking with fellow Houdini artists and industry professionals

Some groups meet regularly throughout the year, while others organize occasional gatherings depending on local interest and availability.

No matter the format, the goal is the same: bringing the Houdini community together.

A Global Network of Local Communities

While each HUG is organized locally, all groups are part of the broader Houdini User Group network. This global community allows artists to connect not only within their own city but also with Houdini users around the world.

SideFX supports the HUG network by helping connect organizers, sharing resources, and occasionally providing speakers or updates from the Houdini team.

How to Get Involved

There are several ways to participate in the HUG community:

Join a Local HUG

Visit the Houdini User Group network on Meetup to find a group in your area:

https://www.meetup.com/pro/houdini/

Start a New HUG

If there isn’t a group near you and you’re interested in starting one, we’d love to hear from you. HUGs are built by community members who want to bring local artists together.

Contact Charlotte Rose at SideFX HQ:
charlotter@sidefx.com

Share Your Work

Many HUG events feature presentations from community members. If you’d like to share a project, workflow, or idea, join your local group on Meetup and reach out to the admins — or contact Charlotte directly.

Houdini User Groups are a great way to meet fellow artists, learn new techniques, and stay connected to the global Houdini community. Whether you're an experienced TD or just starting your journey with Houdini, there's a place for you in a HUG.