Co-working spaces across the Netherlands regularly host women-focused events, including networking sessions, skill-building workshops, panel discussions, and mentorship programmes. Amsterdam leads with the highest concentration of women’s programming, followed by Rotterdam and Utrecht. You can discover these events through social media channels, mailing lists, and event platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite.
What types of women-focused events do co-working spaces actually host?
Co-working spaces organise five main types of women-focused events: networking sessions, skill-building workshops, panel discussions, mentorship programmes, and industry-specific meetups. These events create opportunities for professional development while building supportive communities for female entrepreneurs and corporate professionals.
Networking sessions form the backbone of most women’s programming. These range from casual coffee mornings to structured speed-networking events where you can meet other professionals across different industries. Many spaces host monthly “Women in Business” meetups that combine networking with brief presentations or panel discussions.
Skill-building workshops focus on practical professional development. Popular topics include public speaking, negotiation techniques, leadership skills, and digital marketing. These hands-on sessions typically run for 2–3 hours and include interactive exercises that you can immediately apply in your work.
Panel discussions bring together successful women from various fields to share insights about career progression, entrepreneurship, and industry trends. These events often feature Q&A sessions where you can ask specific questions about challenges you’re facing in your professional journey.
Mentorship programmes connect experienced professionals with those seeking guidance. Some co-working spaces facilitate formal mentor–mentee matching, while others organise informal mentoring circles where small groups meet regularly to discuss career challenges and opportunities.
Which major Dutch cities have the most co-working spaces with women’s programming?
Amsterdam offers the highest concentration of co-working spaces with dedicated women’s programming, followed by Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Eindhoven. Each city provides unique advantages for female professionals, from Amsterdam’s international business network to Eindhoven’s thriving tech ecosystem.
Amsterdam leads the Netherlands with over 200 co-working spaces, many featuring regular women’s events. The city’s international business environment attracts female expats and entrepreneurs, creating diverse networking opportunities. Popular spaces like Spaces, WeWork, and local favourites regularly host women-focused programming.
Rotterdam’s business network for women centres around the city’s port industry and logistics sector, but has expanded to include tech and creative industries. The city’s co-working spaces often focus on entrepreneurship and startup development, making them ideal for women launching new ventures.
Utrecht benefits from its central location and university presence, creating a dynamic environment for women in academia, consulting, and emerging industries. The city’s compact size makes networking particularly effective, as professional communities tend to be well connected.
The Hague combines government sector networking with international organisations, offering unique opportunities for women in policy, law, and diplomacy. Co-working spaces here often host events focused on leadership in public service and international development.
Eindhoven’s tech-focused ecosystem provides excellent opportunities for women in STEM fields. The city’s co-working spaces frequently organise events around innovation, technology entrepreneurship, and breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
How do you find out about women’s events at co-working spaces before they fill up?
Follow co-working spaces on social media, join their mailing lists, and use event discovery platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite to stay informed about upcoming women’s events. Building relationships within co-working communities also provides early access to event announcements and insider information about popular programmes.
Social media channels provide the fastest updates about new events. Follow Instagram and LinkedIn accounts of co-working spaces in your area, as they typically announce events 2–4 weeks in advance. Many spaces use Instagram Stories for last-minute announcements about additional spots or new programmes.
Mailing lists remain the most reliable way to receive comprehensive event information. Sign up for newsletters from multiple co-working spaces, even if you’re not a member. Most spaces welcome external participants at their women’s events and send detailed information about upcoming programming to subscribers.
Event discovery platforms like Meetup, Eventbrite, and Facebook Events aggregate women’s networking events across multiple venues. Set up alerts for keywords like “women entrepreneurs,” “female networking,” and “business women” in your city to receive notifications when new events are posted.
Networking within existing communities often provides early access to popular events. Join professional women’s groups on LinkedIn, attend initial events to meet organisers, and build relationships with other regular participants who often share information about upcoming programmes.
Many co-working spaces offer day passes or trial memberships that include access to member-priority event booking. This can be worthwhile if you’re particularly interested in a space’s programming or if events frequently sell out.
What should you expect when attending your first women-focused co-working event?
Expect a welcoming atmosphere with structured networking activities, brief introductions, and opportunities for informal conversations. Most events include name tags, welcome drinks, and organised activities to help newcomers feel comfortable. Bring business cards, prepare a brief introduction about yourself, and plan to stay for the entire programme to maximise networking opportunities.
Event formats typically begin with registration and welcome drinks, followed by structured activities or presentations, and end with informal networking time. Most events run 2–3 hours, with the first 30 minutes dedicated to arrival and initial mingling.
Networking etiquette at these events tends to be more collaborative than competitive. Women’s business networking events often emphasise mutual support and knowledge sharing rather than direct selling or pitching. You’ll find conversations focus on challenges, experiences, and offering help to others rather than immediate business opportunities.
Bring business cards and prepare a 30-second introduction covering your name, what you do, and one interesting project or challenge you’re working on. This helps start conversations and makes you more memorable to other participants. Consider preparing a few questions about others’ work to keep conversations flowing naturally.
Common activities include speed networking rounds, small group discussions on specific topics, and interactive workshops. Some events feature brief presentations from attendees or guest speakers, followed by Q&A sessions that encourage participation from newcomers.
Making meaningful connections requires staying engaged throughout the event and following up within 48 hours. Connect with people on LinkedIn with personalised messages referencing your conversation. Many lasting professional relationships and collaborations begin at these initial networking events, so attending regularly scheduled events helps build familiarity within the community.
Co-working spaces with strong women’s programming create valuable opportunities for professional growth and meaningful connections. Whether you’re new to the Netherlands or looking to expand your local network, these events provide accessible entry points into supportive business communities. At Female Ventures, we understand the importance of these networking opportunities and regularly participate in co-working space events across Dutch cities, contributing to the broader ecosystem that supports women’s professional development throughout the Netherlands.
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