Event professionals are always brainstorming new and alternative places to host a meeting. Most recently, we wrote about using movie theaters for small conferences. One location that they may have never considered? A coworking space.

“Just like the diverse workforce they serve, these spaces vary greatly in what they offer,” writes Kerry Rea, the president of GovEvents, in a post on the company’s blog. “Some are open spaces with desks available for rent, others have closed offices, and some even offer child care.”

Rea goes on to list potential coworking spaces that could be a good fit for your next meeting, including MakeOffices in DC, Chicago, and Philadelphia, and WeWork locations that you can find all over the country. Or consider the Atlanta Ponce City Market. It’s a former farmers market space that now contains a variety of meeting and office spaces, as well as an indoor park.

“From renting out a full suite, to reserving conference rooms, there are a number of ways these venues can provide a flexible meeting space for a variety of events,” says Rea.

Hive Mind

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Silos are a big challenge in the association space, and it’s up to leaders to break down barriers and encourage collaboration.

“Staff want and need opportunities to work together to fulfill the association’s common goals,” writes Scott Oser in a new Association Success post. Of course, this is easier said than done as it requires a significant internal cultural shift.

Start by changing your thinking about your association’s organizational structure. “Instead of treating the various arms of your association like independent parts of the same machine, think of them as interconnecting cogs which turn smoothest when fitted together,” says Oser.

Other Links of Note

A recent NPR Facebook snafu put an unintended smile on their followers’ faces. Beth’s Blog shares how to make the best of a social media mistake.

Is your fundraising budget tight? Future Fundraising Now reveals the one thing you absolutely should not cut.

It seems like every day a controversial topic makes the headlines. Kivi’s Nonprofit Communications Blog provides some guidance on whether your group should respond with a statement.

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