Substack is ramping up in-person events. Here's how it fits into the startup's strategy to expand beyond newsletters.

Courtesy of Substack

• As Substack sets its eyes beyond newsletters, it's looking to IRL experiences.
• Substack has been hosting jam-packed readings and parties with its newsletter writers.
• We spoke with Sophia Efthimiatou and Matt Starr, Substack's duo paving the platform's IRL strategy.

I'm sitting on a foldable metal chair lined up in a gymnasium, the marching band is blaring, and cheerleaders are being tossed in the air.