As traditional venues adapt to compete in a crowded and changing field, shared workspaces are making a compelling case as event venues.
When seeking a venue for an event, shared co-working spaces might not spring immediately to mind. But the variety of enterprises they support means event-ready facilities are already in place, and the collaborative atmosphere creates opportunities traditional venues can’t replicate. Shared workspaces are designed with collaboration and community at their core, making them natural settings for events. Many locations are visually exciting, social-media-ready, and equipped with high-quality AV systems, specialist lighting, and connectivity for live music setups.
Roy Shaby, CEO and Founder of Tradestars, which rents out flexible spaces for a variety of uses, points out the advantageous design features: “What makes workspaces like ours suited to hosting events is the combination of aesthetic appeal, functionality, and accessibility. Our spaces are already beautifully designed for entrepreneurs and creators, meaning they act as pre-prepared settings for brand launches, workshops, content shoots, panel discussions, and other community gatherings.” In an Instagram-saturated events landscape with an emphasis on shareable content, this visual appeal matters. The entrepreneurial atmosphere also enhances networking as the novelty of the environment encourages people to interact and share experiences.
Flexible workspace often comes with other built-in facilities such as furniture, break-out rooms, and catering meaning event organisers spend less time and money on extensive setup: “Because flexible workspaces are designed to empower small businesses, they naturally cater to the needs of people who want professional, aesthetic settings without the high costs and hurdles of traditional event venues.”
Liam Fox of Wizu, which operates 17 co-working locations from Glasgow to Bristol, concentrated in Yorkshire, stresses the potential for the formation of new partnerships and client networks: “It was all about maximising the potential and versatility of spaces from the outset. Our clients require meeting and event spaces, which then has us bringing in external organisations. It’s a good way of attracting people who don’t utilise our business day-to-day into our venues and raising awareness when we host larger events.”
The distinctive selling point isn’t just facilities, it’s demographic. As Liam puts it: “Co-working is all about independent businesses and entrepreneurs working together in a cohesive environment, bouncing off each other and networking. When you attend or host an event in one of these spaces, you’re tapping into professionals you wouldn’t necessarily encounter in a more traditional situation.”
Wizu has developed partnerships with the Federation of Small Businesses and Northern Affinity: “These often start organically. Someone uses our co-working day passes, then discovers we have event space. The partnership continues to grow.”
Pricing models differ from traditional venues. Room hire typically follows hourly, half-day, or full-day rates rather than per-delegate charges which gives a more flexible feel. For partnership events, operators often waive fees to develop relationships and prioritise community building. Another advantage is location, with many shared spaces being central and close to transport links. And as we observe Mental Health Awareness Week in May, it’s worth noting that many workspace providers have implemented wellbeing initiatives – including meditation sessions, wellness programmes, and on-site therapists – making them well placed to support events with a wellbeing focus.
Shared workspaces are engines of fresh ideas and represent a viable option for event planners focused on authentic connections.