Running an event

There are three ways to host an event at Machspace.

  1. Informally
  2. Formally, as a volunteer
  3. Formally, as a private space hire

Once you’ve chosen, see How to book.

Informally

Any member can announce to other members that they’ll be in the space at a particular time to share a skill with others. They can bring materials and equipment to share, or ask others to bring their own.

Pros:

  • Free
  • No booking required
  • In the spirit of Machspace

Cons:

  • No help with promotion
  • You can’t guarantee that others won’t be using the space at the same time
  • Only Machspace members will be able to attend

Formally, as a volunteer

A member can ask us for a volunteer induction, sign the volunteer code of conduct, and then offer to run a workshop or similar at Machspace. We will need to approve the topic, day, time and duration. As long as it’s making-themed and not at the same time as an open day, we’ll probably be okay with it.

Machspace will then promote the event to members. Attendance and materials will be pay-what-you-feel, but if you need to buy materials for the workshop Machspace will probably be able to reimburse you. You won’t have to pay room hire. You will be responsible for making sure that attendees follow the code of conduct, and your workshop doesn’t have to be restricted to members only.

Pros:

  • Supports Machspace
  • Provides free socialising, entertainment and skill-sharing for the community
  • No cost to you
  • Help with promotion and expenses
  • Can be open to the public

Cons:

  • You can’t keep any money from attendees
  • Volunteer induction required

Formally, as a private space hire

Currently a member can hire the space for up to 4 hours for £10, for any purpose that is aligned with our code of conduct and governing documents. We will still need to approve the day and time of your booking to make sure that the space remains available to members most of the time. You will be responsible for making sure that attendees follow the code of conduct, and your workshop doesn’t have to be restricted to members only.

Please note that we cannot accept a private hire booking that is less than 5 days away. This is because we need to be able to give members a reasonable amount of notice that the workshop will be closed to members.

Pros:

  • You can take money from attendees
  • No volunteer induction required
  • More control over the activities that take place during your booking
  • Non-members can attend
  • Exclusive use of the space

Cons:

  • Costs money
  • Event can’t be open to the public
  • You are responsible for promotion and bookings

How to book

For a private event

Fill in this booking form, and then we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Email us if you have any questions: hello@machspace.org

When considering dates and times, you may find it helpful to look at the calendar and the spreadsheet showing times when Machspace tends to be busier; we are more likely to approve an event if it’s generally quiet at Machspace, because primarily we aim to be open to members at times when members want to use the space freely.

Please note that we cannot accept a private hire booking that is less than 5 days away. This is because we need to be able to give members a reasonable amount of notice that the workshop will be closed to members.

To host as a volunteer

The following are really helpful to include in your email:

  • The nature of your event, and what activities would be taking place;
  • Information about the time(s) of day or day(s) of the week that you’d like to hold your event;
  • If you are open to bookings via Machspace or opening Machspace to the public, and it involves a craft, photos of any items attendees would be making at the event.

Email us if you have any questions: hello@machspace.org

When considering dates and times, you may find it helpful to look at the calendar and the spreadsheet showing times when Machspace tends to be busier; we are more likely to approve an event if it’s generally quiet at Machspace, because primarily we aim to be open to members at times when members want to use the space freely.