From large companies like WeWork’s offices in 24 cities across the world to smaller ones such as Cowork Cafe based in Arlington, Va., coworking spaces are becoming a new norm. These collaborative spaces are giving startups, small businesses and creatives a place to work that’s more inspiring than a coffee shop.

Earlier this week, I got the chance to work from a local coworking space’s exclusive pop-up. The OSC Tech Lab’s members-only event was hosted at the Akron Art Museum on a day they are normally closed to the public. Nearly 20 people signed up to work from the museum from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Afterward, they hosted a happy hour at a nearby restaurant.

The set up at the art museum was similar to the general working area at the Tech Lab. There were five tables to work at and free coffee from Akron Coffee Roasters. A few desktop computers were available, as well as multiple outlets to charge your laptop and other electronics. Wifi was provided with a specific Tech Lab log in.

The Tech Lab even set up a meeting area and a lounge. They also provided free parking. The art museum’s cafe was open to purchase lunch and snacks. Midday, we were treated to an hour-long private tour of the museum. It was an opportunity we normally wouldn’t have the chance to do and a nice break from staring at our computers.

While I was working on some Poppir articles at the #PopupTechLab, I got the chance to chat with Nick Petroski, founder of OSC Tech Lab. We talked about the start of his coworking space in downtown Akron and why he wanted to host a Popup Tech Lab.

Rachel Whinnery: How did the OSC Tech Lab get started?

Nick Petroski: A few years ago, I wanted to create a start up in Akron, but I needed a good place to do it. I was tired of working at coffee shops, being surrounded by people working on their manuscript for hours. So in January 2014, I opened the OSC Tech Lab to be around other ambitious people. It had a slow start, but it’s definitely picking up now.

RW: What features does the OSC Tech Lab have?

NP: There’s a general coworking area that seats 16–20 people; a lounge area with books, video games and other fun things to help you decompress; a few private offices; and a conference room with a projector and white board. We also have free coffee from Akron Coffee Roasters.

RW: What types of professionals use the Tech Lab?

NP: At first I thought only other tech-related professionals would sign up to work here. But now we have all types of creatives: artists, graphic designers, speech writers, civic development consultants, web developers, and even the magazine The Devil Strip. We also host community events in the coworking space, so members who run groups like Women in Tech and UX Akron have a free, easy venue available to them.

RW: What makes OSC Tech Lab different from other coworking spaces?

NP: We have a soul. We’re not a superficial community, like what some other big name coworking spaces try to manufacture. The members of the Tech Lab are actual friends. We go to events in Akron together and hang out on the weekends.

RW: Why did you want to host a Popup Tech Lab?

NP: It’s a great way to show our members cool places in Akron that they might not normally have access to. And it’s an interesting way to break up the monotony of the day-to-day. Every pop-up location will be different. This is our first pop up, and I think it’s going really well.

Only being able to judge the pop-up, since I haven’t been to the OSC Tech Lab, I think they had a successful event. The organizers had thought of everything we would need. Everyone seemed focused, yet they were having fun. At one point, a few people were wearing superhero masks. Having the opportunity to collaborate with people working in so many different fields, just because you’re sitting next them working on your own project, is inspiring.

The idea of coworking spaces is new, but I think as individuals keep creating their own small businesses, this concept will skyrocket. Poppir has noticed this unique trend and now offers a Work Pop, in addition to our Share, Flash and Classic Pops. Learn more and find out how you can book your own pop-up to inspire the creatives in your community!

Photos © Carly Stockburger Photography

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