Hello, Deskie friends! Running a coworking space isn’t just about offering a place to work, it’s about building a thriving community where collaboration and innovation flourish - and your members feel a sense of belonging. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal to create and sustain this sense of community, establish your coworking space as an authority in your neighborhood, and attract new eyes, is hosting events.

Think about it: When members feel connected to your space and to one another, they’re more likely to stick around. But the benefits don’t end there - hosting events opens up your space to your entire local business community and entrepreneurs looking for a collaborative workspace. Whether it’s a networking mixer or an industry-focused workshop, events can become a marketing tool that grows your membership base and turns your coworking space into a buzzing hub of activity and innovation.

10 Coworking Space Event Ideas to Grow and Promote Your Coworking Space

1. Open House Days

An open house is your opportunity to open your doors to the local community and showcase what makes your coworking space unique. Potential members can work for free, tour the space, and meet the current community. Open houses are particularly effective for driving membership growth because they give people a firsthand experience of your space without commitment.

Make sure to advertise these open houses on social media, through your email newsletter, and with targeted ads to reach freelancers, remote workers, and startups in your neighborhood. Consider pairing these events with special discounts to help entice those that make it through the door.

2. Workshops w/ Industry Experts

Educational workshops provide value to both your current members while attracting potential new ones. Whether it’s marketing strategies, financial planning, or productivity tips, these workshops allow participants to leave with actionable knowledge - and they get to see your coworking space in action at the same time. Sometimes referred to as "office hours".

3. Networking Mixers

Host monthly or quarterly networking mixers to give members and local professionals the chance to connect and collaborate. A relaxed atmosphere with drinks and snacks can foster meaningful connections and even lead to new coworking memberships from attendees who feel welcomed and engaged. Encourage your existing members to invite guests and promote the event heavily on LinkedIn to attract a larger professional crowd.

4. Community Breakfast/Lunches

A communal meal creates a relaxed environment for members to unwind and connect. Whether you opt for a potluck or bring in a local caterer, community lunches are easy to organize and help build relationships between members. It’s a simple way to strengthen your coworking space’s community feel, making it more attractive to prospective members.

On a budget? Consider something more "lowkey" like coffee and donuts in the morning.

5. Panel Discussions

Bringing in a panel of experts to discuss trends or challenges within a specific industry can draw a large crowd - especially if members of your panel have an existing following. These thought-provoking conversations position your space as a hub of innovation and expertise, attracting professionals who want to learn and engage in meaningful discussions.

Consider streaming (or recording/posting) these events on social media to broaden your reach and build your coworking space’s reputation as a thought leader in the neighborhood.

8. Wellness Sessions

Wellness is becoming a key component of modern workspaces - and offering yoga, meditation, or fitness classes can set your coworking space apart from the others. It shows potential members that your space values work-life balance and personal well-being.

Remember, rarely are potential members seeking only a workspace. Finding the right atmosphere and amenities can often be more important than things like workspaces and pricing.

9. Pitch / Partner Nights

Everyone loves a good pitch competition. Allow startups and entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to potential investors or a supportive audience of peers and/or potential collaborators. These events can establish your coworking space as a breeding ground for innovation and attract entrepreneurs looking for a place to grow their businesses.

10. Art Exhibitions or Creative Showcases

Highlight local artists or makers by transforming your coworking space into a gallery for a night (or longer!). This draws in the local creative community, who may be looking for a collaborative environment in which to work.

How to Maximize Coworking Event Success for Growth and Promotion

1. Prepare Promotional Materials

Every event is an opportunity to market your space. Ensure you have business cards, flyers, and brochures on hand to distribute to attendees. Highlight any promotions or deals on memberships for event attendees. Be willing and able to answer any questions (like providing pricing) - as well as being able to onboard potential new members on the spot.

2. Capture the Moment

Take high quality photos or videos during the even and share them on your social media channels and website. This helps build excitement for future events and showcases your space as an active, thriving community hub. FOMO is real, capitalize on it.

3. Leverage Email Follow-ups

After each event, follow up with attendees via email. Include a thank you message, a special discount on memberships, and details on upcoming events to keep them engaged and interested in joining your space. Curious how to capture guests? Take a look at Deskie's Coworking Visitor Kiosk features.

4. Collaborate with Local Businesses

For larger events, consider partnering with local businesses for sponsorships or collaborations. This not only helps with event promotion but also extends your reach into different business networks that would have been otherwise unobtainable.

5. Make Signing Up Easy

Ensure there’s an easy way for attendees to sign up for membership or future events on-site. Whether it’s a sign-up sheet or an iPad kiosk, reduce the friction between interest and commitment.

Tips on Promoting Your Coworking Space's Event

1. Flyers on Doors

Place eye-catching flyers on interior/exterior doors and communal spaces within your coworking space. This ensures that current members are aware of the upcoming event and can easily share the information with colleagues or friends. Consider classic tear-tabs (or include a small stack of "take-home" flyers) so that people can grab and share them.

2. Leverage Deskie’s Social Feed

If you’re using Deskie’s built-in social feed for coworking spaces, promote your event directly to your members. This creates buzz internally and reminds members to participate.

3. Outdoor Signage

Use outdoor signage around your building to promote larger events to the public. Pedestrians, passersby, and local professionals are more likely to notice your event and drop in. This also helps to solidify your space as an authority in the neighborhood.

4. Neighborhood Facebook Groups

Post your event in local or neighborhood Facebook groups. These groups often have an engaged audience of local freelancers, startups, and entrepreneurs who might be interested in your coworking space.

Don't have access to one? Consider creating your own! "Entrepreneurs of YOUR CITY".

5. Paid Social Media Ads

Consider running targeted ads on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Tailor your ads to reach local professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who may benefit from your coworking space, or the events you're running.

6. Email Marketing

Use your email list to regularly remind your subscribers about upcoming events. Include clear calls-to-action, links to register, and any special offers for attendees.

By combining these promotion strategies with well-planned events, you’ll be sure to not only grow your coworking space community but also raise awareness about your space and its benefits. Hosting events at your coworking space is a powerful way to engage your current members and promote your offerings to new audiences.

With Deskie’s suite of tools for managing visitors, memberships, and communications, organizing and promoting events has never been easier. Ready to take your coworking space to the next level? Start planning your next event with Deskie today!