Tag Archives: Meeting planning

I Work, You Work, We Cowork: Using Coworking Spaces for Events

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One study estimates that by 2020, more than 40% of the American workforce (60 million people) will be independent workers--freelancers, contractors, and temporary employees. With this steady growth in the independent workforce, the market for short-term, temporary workspaces has boomed.

Coworking spaces are designed for short-term use by freelancers and small companies. These coworking spaces provide an interesting option for event space. Just like the diverse workforce they serve, these spaces vary greatly in what they offer. Some are open spaces with desks available for rent, others have closed offices, and some even offer child care.[Tweet "Coworking spaces provide an interesting option for events. #GovEventsBlog"]

These spaces provide great options for event organizers. 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. We've created a list of several different coworking options that are hospitable to event planners. Continue reading →

Three New DC Metro Meeting Options

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With springtime upon us and the rebirth it brings (even as wet as it has been in DC), we've been inspired to look at some new options for meeting spaces in the DC metro area. We looked at the latest openings and decided to highlight the following three locations as they all provided a bit of a break from the norm.[Tweet "3 DC meeting locations that provide a break from the norm. #GovEventsBlog"]

  1. Pennsylvania 6 - this new restaurant opened in the fall and features multiple private dining rooms. Its location near the convention center makes it a great option for break-out sessions and post-event gatherings timed with events and activities at the convention complex. The thoughtfully decorated private rooms provide a change of pace from the austere surroundings of large meeting venues.
  2. Spartan Training and Development Center - this facility specifically designed for meetings and collaboration provides another option for large groups in the popular National Harbor complex. The center has five spacious training rooms, a full range of training and audiovisual equipment, the latest computer equipment and software, wireless technology, and a full kitchen and break area. It is a great set-up for training classes, meetings, workshops, seminars, small conferences, and presentations. The facility was designed with floor to ceiling windows to take advantage of the Potomac River views.
  3. Refraction - this space in Reston is just one example of how co-working spaces are catering to event planners. Refraction and other co-working spaces throughout the metro area are designed to enable collaboration and inspire innovation. Why not harness that spirit for events? Refraction offers dedicated event space and 25 private meeting rooms with the amenities of Reston Town Center right outside the front door.[Tweet "These locations only scratch the surface of what's new to DC-area meeting planners. #GovEventsBlog"]

These locations only scratch the surface of what's new and available to DC-area meeting planners. We'd love to hear your thoughts on newer spots that have captured your interest. Let us know in the comments.

Be the Tortoise and Embrace Slower Meetings

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As spring comes into full bloom and the first days of summer are peeking around the corner, many of us are reminded to stop and smell the roses. What if we applied this slow concept to the way we conduct our meetings and events?

At most events you hear people describe how busy they were, making it to all of the sessions, meeting with colleagues, walking the show floor. You hear laments about aching feet and backs from all the rushing around. But what if this "pack it all in while we're here" mentality is not the best way to get the most value out of events? There is a movement in the industry called "slow meetings" that is looking to change the way we approach our days at in-person events.[Tweet "There is a movement in the industry called 'slow meetings'. #GovEventsBlog"] Continue reading →

Back to Basics: 5 Tips on Selecting a Venue

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With back to school behind us, new routines are set and starting to feel comfortable. Most of us love a familiar routine and familiar places. That's why we may go out of our way to hit our favorite coffee shop. But this comfort in routine can make our events a bit stale.

Are you always planning events at the same locations? Are your events at the same venues that are also used by organizations in your industry? Maybe its time to step out of the comfort zone and pick a new spot to add some new life to your events.

In choosing a new venue think first about what you like best about your old standby venues. Is it the service? Décor? Food? Location? AV equipment? Then put that criteria at the top of your list for selecting a new venue. Can they meet or exceed your expectations?

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Beyond the Beltway: Colorado Springs

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As we mentioned last week, we will be looking at cities nation-wide that are great options for hosting events for the government audience. We picked locations with a high concentration of federal employees in reasonable travel proximity. Today, we highlight Colorado Springs, CO.

Colorado Springs has approximately 55,000 federal workers in the immediate metro area working at military installations including Fort Carson, the Air Force Academy, Peterson Air Force Base and Schriever Air Force Base, and U.S. Northern Command as well as large numbers of employees working for the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Geological Survey and federal prison system.  The city is a reasonable travel distance from Denver as well as a number of major western/central cities.

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