Hosting events at your coworking space creates valuable opportunities for community building. The right activities can transform a shared workspace from just a collection of desks into a thriving hub of collaboration and connection. Well-planned coworking events can boost member retention, attract new clients, and create a vibrant atmosphere that sets your space apart from competitors.
When I think about successful coworking spaces, they all have one thing in common – they understand that people join these spaces not just for the amenities but for the community experience. Regular events help members break out of their work bubbles and form meaningful relationships.
Below are some exciting event ideas that can help any coworking space enhance its community feel while providing real value to members.
Art Exhibition
I’ve found that art exhibitions can transform a coworking space into a vibrant cultural hub. Setting up displays of local artists’ work creates a fresh atmosphere and brings in new visitors to your community.
Art shows don’t need to be complicated. You can simply clear some wall space and invite a few artists to display their pieces for a month or two. Many artists are looking for exposure and would be happy to participate.
Opening night events are particularly effective for networking. I recommend serving some light refreshments and inviting both members and the public to meet the artists. These gatherings create natural conversation starters.
Photography, paintings, sculptures, or digital art all work well in a coworking environment. I’ve seen spaces alternate between different mediums to keep things interesting for regular members.
Consider partnering with local art schools for student showcases. This builds community connections and helps emerging artists gain confidence.
You might also combine art with technology by hosting an art and technology exhibit. Digital installations or interactive pieces can spark innovative conversations among your tech-minded members.
Remember to promote the exhibition on social media. Artists will appreciate the extra visibility, and it shows your space supports creative endeavors.
Community Potluck
Hosting a community potluck is one of my favorite ways to bring coworkers together in our shared space. I’ve seen how food naturally draws people into conversations and creates a relaxed atmosphere where connections form organically.
The setup is simple – everyone brings a dish to share with the group. I like to create a digital signup sheet so we don’t end up with fifteen desserts and no main courses!
Cultural exchange happens naturally at these events. I’ve tasted amazing homemade dishes from around the world that I’d never have tried otherwise. It’s a delicious way to learn about different backgrounds and traditions.
I find these gatherings work best during lunch hours when most members are already in the space. Setting up the food in a central area creates a hub where people gather and mingle.
Name tags with conversation starters work wonders at these events. I might add a question like “What’s your favorite food memory?” to get people talking beyond the usual work topics.
These community building events don’t have to be fancy. Simple gatherings around food create memorable moments that strengthen our workplace community.
Virtual Reality Workshops
Virtual reality (VR) workshops are one of my favorite events to host in coworking spaces. They bring a tech-forward vibe while creating exciting hands-on experiences for members.
I’ve found that workshops on digital art creation and virtual reality art are particularly engaging. These sessions let participants experience new technologies while learning practical skills they can use in their work.
When I organize VR workshops, I try to keep equipment needs in mind. I either partner with local VR companies to bring in headsets or ask participants to bring their own if they have them.
I love focusing on topics that benefit professionals, like virtual architecture tours for designers or VR presentation skills for marketers. These practical applications help justify the time investment for busy professionals.
One of my most successful events involved transforming standard online meetings into dynamic, interactive experiences using VR. Participants were amazed at how different collaboration feels in virtual space.
I make sure to schedule these workshops during times when most members can attend. Offering them as part of virtual coworking sprints has worked really well for my community.
Panel Discussions
Panel discussions are one of my favorite events to organize in coworking spaces. They bring together industry experts to share insights on relevant topics that members care about.
I’ve found that the best panels include 3-4 diverse speakers who offer different perspectives. This creates a dynamic conversation that keeps the audience engaged and learning.
When planning a panel, I like to choose timely topics that directly affect our community members. Panel discussions encourage members to ask questions about specific industries they’re curious about.
I always make sure to have a skilled moderator who can guide the conversation and manage time effectively. They help keep the discussion flowing and ensure everyone gets a chance to speak.
After the formal discussion, I set aside time for networking. This gives attendees a chance to connect with the panelists and each other.
Organizing panels with industry experts has been a fantastic way to build our community. Members love the opportunity to gain insights and make valuable connections.
Speed Networking Events
Speed networking is one of my favorite ways to help coworking members connect. I’ve found that these quick networking sessions create meaningful relationships in a short time.
The format is simple – participants rotate through brief conversations, usually 3-5 minutes each. I like to ring a bell when it’s time to move to the next person. This keeps things moving and energy high.
To make these events successful, I always prepare some conversation starters. Questions like “What project are you most excited about right now?” work better than basic “What do you do?” prompts.
Speed networking can be tailored to different themes too. I might focus one event on potential business partnerships and another on skill sharing.
The beauty of these events is how they break the ice. Even shy members end up making connections they wouldn’t have otherwise.
I typically schedule these during lunch or after work hours when people are more relaxed. Providing light refreshments helps create a casual atmosphere where conversations flow naturally.
For larger spaces, I organize speed networking by industry sectors to make connections more relevant.
Live Music Nights
I’ve found that hosting live music concerts can transform our coworking space into a vibrant community hub after hours. These events are perfect for bringing members together in a relaxed setting.
I like to invite local musicians and bands to perform in our main gathering area. This gives our members a chance to unwind after work while supporting local talent.
Setting up is pretty simple. I just need to arrange some chairs, provide refreshments, and create a small stage area. Sometimes I add some mood lighting to create the right atmosphere.
These music nights help our members connect on a personal level outside of work conversations. I’ve noticed new friendships and even business partnerships forming during these events.
For food and drinks, I usually offer a mix of light appetizers and beverages. Nothing too fancy, but enough to keep everyone comfortable and happy.
I always make sure to promote our music nights to the wider community too. It’s a great way to introduce potential new members to our space in a fun, low-pressure environment.
Wellness Retreats
I believe wellness retreats are perfect for bringing coworking members together in a relaxed setting. These events focus on mental and physical health while building community connections.
A simple yoga session can transform your space into a wellness haven. I’ve seen members who never spoke before become friends after sharing a peaceful morning stretch.
Try offering mindfulness breathing classes as a quick midday reset. These can last just 15-20 minutes but make a huge difference in productivity and stress levels.
Meditation workshops are another great option. I love hosting these in the late afternoon when everyone needs a mental break from work.
Corporate wellness events can include healthy cooking demonstrations too. I’ve organized smoothie-making sessions that were huge hits with my coworking community.
Nature retreats work wonders! Even a short hike or park visit can refresh everyone’s minds and spark creativity. I try to schedule these monthly when weather permits.
Yoga Sessions
Yoga sessions are a fantastic addition to any coworking space. They provide a perfect break from desk work and help members manage stress. These wellness sessions can transform the energy of your entire workspace.
I recommend scheduling yoga classes during lunch breaks or after work hours. This timing works best for busy professionals who might not make time for exercise otherwise. You don’t need a huge space – just enough room for members to lay out their mats.
Bringing in local yoga instructors adds a community touch to your events. I’ve partnered with nearby studios who are often happy to gain exposure to new potential clients. Sometimes they’ll even offer discounted rates.
Consider hosting themed yoga sessions like sunrise yoga, desk yoga, or stress-relief focused classes. These specialized offerings can attract different members depending on their interests and needs.
I’ve noticed that consistent yoga programming builds community within the workspace. Members who might never interact during normal working hours find connection through these shared experiences. It’s amazing to see relationships form on the yoga mat!
Pop-up Markets
Pop-up markets are a fantastic way to bring life to your coworking space. I love how they create a vibrant atmosphere where members can showcase their products and services. These events also attract visitors who might become future members.
You can organize a Makers’ Market where artisans display their handmade items. This gives creative entrepreneurs a platform to gain exposure and make sales.
Another option is to host pop-up shops featuring different member businesses each month. I’ve seen these create wonderful opportunities for networking and collaboration.
A Pop-up Bazaar is perfect for showcasing member businesses while boosting local entrepreneurship. I find these events especially valuable for members who normally operate online only.
Planning these markets is fairly simple. I usually set aside a dedicated area in the coworking space and promote the event through social media and email newsletters.
I recommend scheduling these markets during lunch hours or after work to maximize attendance. Food vendors are always a hit, so I try to include them whenever possible!
Game Nights
Game nights are a fantastic way to bring your coworking community together in a relaxed setting. I’ve found that these events help members connect beyond their professional lives and build stronger relationships.
Board games are always a hit at our space. We keep a collection of classics like Monopoly and Scrabble, but also include newer games like Exploding Kittens or Cards Against Humanity.
I recommend organizing team-based activities where people have to work together. These collaborative games break down barriers between members who might not interact during regular work hours.
Video game tournaments on a big screen can draw in the tech-savvy crowd. Mario Kart or Just Dance competitions always create lots of laughter and friendly competition.
Don’t forget about trivia nights! I split members into teams and test their knowledge on various topics. The winning team gets a small prize like coffee vouchers.
Hosting these events monthly keeps members engaged. I usually schedule them for Thursday evenings and provide some snacks and drinks to create a casual atmosphere.
Understanding Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces are much more than just shared offices. They create environments where independent professionals, small businesses, and remote workers can thrive through both productive work and meaningful connections.
Benefits of Hosting Events
When I host events in my coworking space, I notice they serve multiple purposes beyond just filling the calendar. Events help transform an ordinary workspace into a vibrant community hub.
Events generate additional revenue streams, which is crucial for sustainability. I’ve found that well-planned events can increase membership by up to 30% as visitors experience the space firsthand.
Events also showcase the unique personality of my space. Whether I’m running weekly happy hours or hosting industry workshops, these gatherings highlight what makes my coworking environment special.
Plus, events provide tremendous value to existing members. They create opportunities for learning, networking, and relaxation that members wouldn’t necessarily find working from home or a coffee shop.
Community Building
Community building is the beating heart of any successful coworking space. I’ve discovered that hosting regular events is one of the most effective ways to foster connection.
When I organize activities like morning standups or lunch-and-learns, I create natural opportunities for members to interact. These small, regular touchpoints help build trust and familiarity.
Collaborative events like hackathons and workshops encourage members to work together, often leading to professional partnerships and friendships that extend beyond the workspace.
I make sure to offer diverse events that cater to different interests. From professional development seminars to book clubs and mindfulness sessions, I try to create something for everyone.
The strongest communities develop when members feel ownership of the space. I encourage members to propose and lead events themselves, giving them a stake in our shared culture.
Planning Successful Events
Planning coworking events takes careful organization and clear goals to create experiences that truly engage your community. The right approach can transform a simple gathering into a memorable experience that builds lasting connections.
Setting Goals
When I plan coworking events, I always start by setting clear goals. What do I want to achieve? Am I looking to attract new members, build community among existing ones, or provide valuable learning opportunities?
I find it helpful to write down specific, measurable objectives. For example, “I want 20 new visitors to tour our space” or “I aim to get 5 positive testimonials after the event.”
The goals will shape everything else about my event. If I’m focused on networking, I’ll create more interactive activities. If education is my priority, I’ll spend more time finding the right speakers or workshop leaders.
I also think about what success looks like after the event. Will I measure attendee satisfaction, new membership sign-ups, or social media engagement?
Choosing the Right Time
Timing can make or break my coworking events. I’ve learned that scheduling carefully requires thinking about my members’ routines and preferences.
For professional workshops, I stick to weekday mornings. People are fresh and focused during this time.
Lunch and learns work great from 12-1 PM. They offer a productive break in the day.
Networking events and happy hours do better in the late afternoon or early evening, around 4-6 PM. This catches people before they head home but after most work is done.
I always check for competing events in the area that might affect attendance. Holiday seasons can be tricky – sometimes they boost attendance, other times they reduce it.
I also consider how frequently to hold events. Weekly happy hours create routine, while special workshops might work better monthly or quarterly to maintain excitement.
