Separating commercial promotion from community activity

Set the boundary before inviting members. State who the activity serves, whether anyone will promote a product or service, and what follow-up is proposed. Members need enough detail to judge the purpose before they register.

Describe the activity accurately

A peer discussion lets members exchange experience. A product demonstration shows what a business sells. A sponsored session may do both. Each can have a place in a coworking space if the invitation matches what will happen.

Ask the organiser who controls the content, whether payment or another benefit is involved, and whether anyone wants attendee contact details. If a speaker will demonstrate their own service, say so. If a sponsor has a speaking segment, identify it before registration.

Keep attendee information under member control

Do not routinely give a speaker or sponsor the attendance list. Let interested members choose whether to request follow-up, and tell them who would contact them. Provide a separate way to give event feedback without expressing interest in a product.

Keep attendee contact details within the purpose members were told about. If a member requests promotional follow-up, make clear who will contact them. Keep that follow-up separate from ordinary event administration.

Treat promotional messages separately

Keep event logistics separate from promotional follow-up. Make clear when a message is intended to promote a product or service.

Agree with speakers and sponsors in advance how they may describe their work, offer a next step and seek follow-up. Do not promise to control a sponsor's later messages unless that arrangement actually exists.

If the session changes from its advertised format, explain the change and give members a choice about staying. Afterwards, ask whether the promotional element was clear and proportionate.