What makes coworking spaces the perfect event venues

From just 600 in 2010 to over 40,000 today - the number of coworking spaces globally has grown by more than 6,500% throughout the past 15 years. More importantly, this remarkable growth has been accompanied by a major transformation. Today, coworking spaces are more than just a workspace - what started as hubs for freelancers and startups has evolved into a vibrant ecosystem where professionals from all walks of life converge to work, connect, and grow. During this evolution, coworking spaces also emerged as dynamic venues for hosting all kinds of events. In fact, statistics revealed at the Coworking Europe 2024 conference, co-organized by Campus X, showed that demand for event spaces has surged by 14% over the past year, making them the second most sought-after type of space in coworking. 

While not every coworking space has the needed infrastructure and blend of functionality, atmosphere, and community to make it suitable for event hosting, some do. Let’s dive in and explore why your next event might just belong in a place like Campus X.

6 reasons to consider a coworking space as your next event venue

Event organizers on the hunt for a suitable venue usually start by considering primary factors like costs, capacity, and equipment. However, an event space is more than just rows of chairs, a stage, and a screen. In fact, it can be detrimental to the success of the event and the overall feeling that attendees will be left with after the event.

If you wonder how we know - over the years, we have hosted over 1,000 events of all types - from tech meetups and skill-sharing sessions to conferences, accelerator programs, and networking events. So, while we believe the traditional event venue isn’t going away, we have some pretty solid arguments for why you might want to consider hosting your next event in a coworking space instead.

1. A built-in audience and strong networking opportunities in a vibrant community

   
   

Probably the most important factor for creating an impactful event is the ability to reach the right audience at the right time and make them interested in what you have to offer.

Unlike traditional event venues, coworking spaces, with their built-in communities, can help you with some of the heavy lifting. One of the most unique aspects of hosting an event at a coworking space is the opportunity to tap into its vibrant community and get “automatically plugged” into a network of curious, engaged professionals.

A home to startups, freelancers, creatives, and innovative entrepreneurs, coworking spaces offer a unique breeding ground for new partnerships and impactful networking opportunities - not only for you but also for your event’s attendees.

Furthermore, by getting familiar with the members of the coworking space in advance, you would know what kind of audience and networking opportunities you can expect. For example, Campus X’s members are among the main engines behind Bulgaria’s tech sector and digital economy boom. Alternatively, we are lucky to host some of Sofia’s best and brightest talents in IT, product development, marketing, and design.

Furthermore, we often promote the events taking place in our venues to our member companies, helping organizers expand their reach and naturally foster connections with a unique and carefully curated audience.

2. A more welcoming and inspiring environment

   
   

The venue, its interior, and its surroundings would be among the first and most decisive factors in shaping the expectations of your event’s attendees.

And let’s be honest - with the rise of hybrid and remote work, the white-collar era is no longer as strict as it used to be. Companies, employees, and clients increasingly prefer (or are at least much more open to) more informal and friendly communication and ways of doing business.

Naturally, if you are seeking a similar vibe for your event, it would be counterproductive to opt for a big, dark, and demanding conference hall that screams “black tie.” No one feels excited walking into a generic, carpeted hotel ballroom with grey walls and dim lighting. In an era where we work, connect, and gather differently, you need “more colorful” venues that foster collaboration, creativity, and real human interaction.

Coworking spaces are designed to inspire. Think high ceilings, open-plan layouts, floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light, and colorful accents — in short, Instagram-worthy interiors that energize your attendees and provide great backdrops for photography, livestreams, or social media coverage of your event. And in the case of Campus X - modern and inspiring breakout areas and a rooftop terrace with a front-row view of the Vitosha mountain - perfect for a breath of fresh air and informal networking sessions.

But this kind of aesthetic isn’t just about looks. It directly impacts how people feel and engage. Event venues at coworking spaces are designed with the primary goal of sparking interaction and collaboration and have that built-in ability to bring defenses down. Since they feel more human, connected, and forward-thinking, they ensure that your event will ooze a friendlier vibe from the moment the first attendee steps through the door and make the audience more relaxed, engaged, and inspired.

Whether you're bringing people together to present a product, share knowledge, brainstorm big ideas, or inspire action, event venues at coworking spaces offer the kind of environment that would encourage participation and connection — without the cold, corporate feel of a hotel ballroom.

3. Infrastructure that supports professional events

   
   

One of the biggest myths about coworking spaces is that they’re only suited for casual gatherings or small meetups. In reality, many modern coworking spaces are purpose-built to support professional-grade events, including big networking sessions and conferences.

For example, the Campus X event spaces are equipped with everything you need, including:

• Technology and infrastructure - displays and projectors, microphones, sound systems, high-speed and stable enterprise-level internet connection

• Flexible setup options and comfortable furniture - a customizable layout with lots of seating options, including modern sofas and chairs transforming into tables

• On-site technical assistance - an experienced team of professionals to set everything up and ensure your event runs smoothly

• Extensive presentation equipment - from an Escreo™ whiteboard to a flip chart and more

• Others - accompanying amenities, catering options, and other services to support your event

4. Cost-efficiency and flexibility

Let’s talk budget. Traditional venues - like conference halls and event centers - often come with steep rental fees, rigid booking terms, and extra charges here and there.

Event venues at coworking spaces, by contrast, tend to be more cost-effective and flexible, enabling you to:

• Rent only what you need - a small room for a workshop or an entire event space for a conference.

• Book for a few hours, half a day, or multiple days, depending on your agenda.

• Rely on various value-added services and event support, such as assistance with catering options, reception services, tech setup, etc.

• Avoid hidden fees with transparent pricing models.

And because event venues at coworking spaces are designed to be modular and multi-purpose, they can be easily adapted to suit the unique needs of your event - whether it's a pitch day, a product launch, or an industry roundtable.

This flexibility is particularly valuable for startups, educational groups, nonprofits, or virtually anyone in need of a professional event space without breaking the bank.

For example, the pricing for Campus X’s Event Center (up to 120 seats) starts at €220, while the Community Green space (up to 25 guests) costs as follows:

• 1 hour: €55

• Half-day: €130

• Full day: €155


5. Event planning assistance

Let’s assume that you’ve liked a place for your event. What next?

If it’s your first one or you are preparing something big, all the hassle around planning and organizing might be too overwhelming, costly, or time-consuming.

The truth is that there are so many things to think about beyond the space itself, and the best way to ensure that everything goes smoothly is to have a helping hand.

At Campus X, aside from premier event spaces, we provide event planning assistance from A to Z. Throughout the more than a thousand organized events, our team has accumulated battle-tested know-how of what works best and can provide you with the dos and don'ts of event planning. That way, you can plan smarter, quicker, and more cost-efficient.

From tailoring the venue setup to meet your event’s specific requirements to connecting you with top catering vendors, we’ve got you covered with support levels above traditional dry and transactional venue rentals.

6. Location and convenience 

Have you been in a situation where you wanted to go to an event but ended up skipping just because of the hours it would take you to commute? Or when you have to get some work done in another part of the city and then get stuck in traffic, missing the rest of the event?

Choosing an event space with an inconvenient location and limited transportation options risks putting many among your target audience in similar situations. That’s why, when choosing an event venue, accessibility and convenience are of prime importance, as you would want to give your audience as many transportation options as possible. Campus X, for example, is accessible through ten different public transport lines, including two metro lines, and is close to Sofia Airport.

When talking about convenience, it is also essential to bear in mind that attendees might not have the flexibility to be present for the entirety of the event and might need a quiet place to get work done or hop on a work call. Or that they might simply need a breath of fresh air or some space to recharge their batteries. If you don’t plan for this beforehand, you risk losing them for a part or the entirety of your event.

This might be challenging with traditional event spaces as they often lack the needed amenities. However, at Campus X, we’ve got you covered - from soundproof phone booths and spacious common areas to outdoor meeting pods and a terrace with a picturesque view - your event attendees will have room for everything they might want or need to do. 

1,000+ events and counting: What makes the Campus X event spaces ideal for your next event

Over the years, Campus X’s event spaces and accompanying value-added services have made it a preferred choice for over a thousand different events, including:

• Tech meetups

• Startup accelerator demo days

• Knowledge sessions and trainings

• Corporate seminars

• Product launches

• Networking events

• Small to medium corporate events

• Private business gatherings

• Panel discussions

Whether you're planning a seminar for 20 or a conference for 200, we would love to take you around and assist you in bringing your event to life - from ideation to execution.

FAQs about the Campus X event space in Sofia

What types of events can be hosted at the Campus X event space?

At the Campus X event space in Sofia, you can host small to medium corporate events, tech meetups, knowledge sessions and trainings, business seminars, product launches, networking events, panel discussions, and more. The event spaces can be tailored to accommodate various types of events.

How far in advance should I book a coworking space for an event?

How much does an event space in Sofia cost?

Can I rent the Campus X event spaces for short-term and long-term events?