Hey there,
International Coworking Day has been a success for both small independent coworking spaces, as well as media coworking superstar companies (WeKnow which one…). It hasn't however had as big of an impact in Europe, considering the size and history of the coworking movement on the old continent (3 out of the Top 5 Coworking Countries are European).
Why is that? Well, mostly because everyone in Europe is on vacation in August 🏝️ Empty cities, empty desks - no real impact.
Today, I've invited Bernie J Mitchell, who will tell you how to join European Coworking Day to promote YOUR space locally:
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Bernie, why should spaces join and promote 🇪🇺 ECD?
What’s in it for them?
"Most people in your neighborhood still have no idea what a coworking space is. That’s not their fault. That’s on us.
European Coworking Day gives you a reason to show them. No massive event budget needed. Just open your doors on the 14th of May, offer a warm welcome, and be visible as the community hub you already are.
Here’s what you get:
- New faces walking in the door.
- A reason to reconnect with your current members.
- A collective push across Europe - so you're not alone.
- A moment of visibility that creates long-term recognition.
- A chance to build something bigger than just your own calendar.
It’s easy to underestimate the power of one small, local action, until you realize 250 other spaces are doing the same thing on the same day."
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A map of last year's European Coworking Day registered participants.
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What kind of initiatives can spaces organize on the day?
"The best ones are always simple and specific to the people who already walk through the door.
Here are a few ideas:
- A morning open house with free coffee and “meet the members” intros.
- A local artist showcase - bringing in neighbors who’d never otherwise enter the space.
- One space is hosting a book club discussion on community vs. connection.
- The easiest thing to do? A free coworking day. Open the doors, let people come in, grab a desk, do their work, meet a few folks, maybe stay for coffee or lunch.
In the London Coworking Assembly, we’re running a series of free, one-hour online workshops where coworking space owners and community managers can talk through how they’re designing their events for European Coworking Day. It’s a chance to connect with other operators and save time by not reinventing the wheel.
It’s not about being experts. It’s just always better when we share what works, and what doesn’t."
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Bernie with Jon Alexander, Author of Citzens @ London Coworking Assembly
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In what other ways can spaces promote European Coworking Day to spread the word and introduce more members of their community to the coworking movement?
"Start local. Skip the megaphone. This is your excuse to email that local journalist, tag that café you always go to, or invite that freelancer who works at home but hates it.
One of the best things you can do is connect with other people who run coworking spaces in your town or city, and figure out how to link up with local organizations, local government, and local media.
Realistically, none of these people will be interested in European Coworking Day as an idea. But they’ll absolutely care about what your space is doing to support the people around you: Helping freelancers and founders build sustainable businesses, giving remote workers a place to connect, and keeping money circulating locally instead of vanishing into a corporate black hole.
All of that matters, especially now.
Everybody’s feeling the pressure. This is one small, visible way your coworking space can show up and help ease that pressure in a meaningful way.
You don’t need a 10-step strategy. You need:
- A clear “what’s happening” message.
- One good photo or story from last year (or a similar event).
- A way for people to say yes. (A link. An RSVP. A door to walk through.)
Tell your members what you’re doing and why. Show people why your space matters: the conversations over coffee, unexpected collaborations, and genuine friendships. That’s coworking."
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Some final words
"Just this: It’s one day. But it can change the rhythm of how people see your space and what it stands for.
Use it as a moment. Not to sell desks, but to tell a story about why your space exists, who it’s for, and what kind of city you’re helping to build.
As Claudius (co-founder of Coworking Switzerland and European Coworking Day) pointed out, European Coworking Day isn’t just a date - it’s a catalyst. And as the coworking industry matures, maintaining year-round momentum for independent coworking spaces is more important than ever.
When coworking spaces act together, even once a year, it becomes harder for the outside world to ignore the impact we’re already making. That’s how lasting change happens."
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The topic of next week's newsletter is:
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Reply to this email if you have any questions, disagree with something I said, or have a suggestion for a collaboration/future topic. I'm always happy to stay in touch.
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See you next Wednesday and happy coworking! 🥳
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Harzer Str. 39
Berlin, 12059, Germany
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