Since opening our doors August 4th, 2008 we have had the pleasure of meeting and working with many people. The video below recaps a few of our favorite moments from the last few months.

In case you’ve missed any of our recent press coverage we’ve been in print and web:

The Business Record

Living Downtown Des Moines

Star 102.5 Blog

We’ve been on the news:

KCCI

KDSM

And on the radio:

IPR

Justin Brady of Test of Time Design presented at our Ignite Des Moines event on “Networking for Nerds”. We felt that this was especially important because so many of us “nerds” have trouble with this vital business skill. Justin provided us with a list of easy ways to get started at a networking event.

1. Wear a name tag dang it

2. Camera + Photos + Business Cards = Web Traffic

3. Piggy Backing

4. Picking off the Lone Ranger

5. Wear an “Ask me about” tag or pin

6. Be the First to Arrive

7. Be the Last to Sit

8. Bring paper Forget the Pen

9. Ask. Ask. Ask.

10. Get their Card, Follow Up!

Watch his full talk and download the pdf with a BONUS tip!

Ignite Des Moines was a huge success and had an amazing turnout.  Filling Impromptu Studio  with talented energetic people is what we have always aimed for. We would like nothing more than to have you all there working with us everyday and seeing you all there gave us a great idea.  We would like to extend an offer to Des Moines: come and cowork with us for the month of November for FREE.

Those who come and cowork will be taking advantage of our Lite Membership.  If you sign up for a Full Membership during November you will get the first month at the Lite Membership ($175) price. Take a look at the plans for more details.

Our own Daniel Shipton was invited to discuss his take on coworking at the upcoming Highlight Midwest Conference in Kansas City on Oct 29th. Highlight Midwest focuses on local entrepreneurs specifically those using cutting edge technology to grow and advance not only their businesses but the surrounding community.

Daniel’s presentation is entitled “Intrinsic Intangibles of Coworking and Open Source”. He will be discussing how his background in open source code developement has provided a foundation for the philosophies that  Impromptu Studio is based in.  He will highlight a few of the intangible benefits that go along with creating a coworking community and working on Open Source projects.

Daniel is honored to be presenting alongside some of his local cohorts: Patent Attorney and Blogger Brett Trout, Mike Templeton of Microblink, and Andy Brudtkuhl of 48Web. We are also looking forward to hearing Dusty Davidson of Brightmix present, and hopefully chat with Jeff Slobotski of Silicon Prairie News again.

Fellow entrepreneur and co-creator of Silicon Prairie News, Jeff Slobotski, stopped in at Impromptu Studio in September. Jeff lives and works in Omaha, Nebraska and is an enthusiastic proponent for technology in the Midwest.  He is also working on opening a coworking space in Omaha. His website Silicon Prairie News covers the new generation of up and comers in Omaha and the surrounding Midwest.

While Jeff was in town he was nice enough to stop by our new space to see what we have created. We gave Jeff the grand tour of Impromptu, talked about the upcoming event called Highlight Midwest and then talked about the challenges involved in openening a coworking space. At the end of his visit he did a short interview with Impromptu Studio’s founder, Daniel Shipton. Check the interview out below.

SPN Interviews Impromtu Studio from Silicon Prairie News on Vimeo

One of our residents, Chris Punke, wrote about his first month of coworking from Impromptu Studio. We have enjoyed having Chris around and we are glad that he has enjoyed his time here so far.

“After a year of relative isolation in an office suite, I have enjoyed having others around to talk to throughout the day, and am finding myself to be much more productive. (Apparently being holed-up by myself day after day was getting to me.)” - Chris Punke, FocalPoint Blog

Read more about his experience so far at his company blog.

On Thursday August 28th Impromptu Studio celebrated its Grand Opening with an open coworking day and cocktail party after the work day. A full house of 12 people showed up to work during the day including a reporter from the local magazine “Juice”. Impromptu had to go borrow an extra table from the furniture store to provide everyone with space. Most of the group walked to lunch at a local favorite the “High Life Lounge” for burgers and tator tots.

We had a great turn out at the cocktail party. Tours running all evening and lots of businesses in the area came out to support us.

We want to thank everyone who came out to cowork with us and those who stayed to celebrate in the evening. We had a great day and it wouldn’t have been a sucess without the great community we are a part of.

To celebrate our grand opening, Impromptu Studio is hosting an open coworking day, followed by a reception and open house on Thursday, August 28. Come by the space early with your laptop to enjoy a full day of coworking. Then, after a full, productive day, stick around for some fun and networking at our open house. The open house and reception will run from 5pm to 8pm, with a few remarks at 6:30pm. For those who will be unable to come, the reception will be streamed, allowing you to join in on the festivities from afar. And while refreshments will be provided at the reception, those watching the stream from another location will have to provide their own. After the reception has concluded, the celebration will move to a local establishment. Please RSVP to these events on Upcoming. We hope to see you there!

Impromptu Studio Grand Opening Flyer

Coworking Workspace Comes To Downtown Des Moines
DES MOINES, Iowa (July 30, 2008) – Impromptu Studio premieres as the next generation of shared, professional workspace in Downtown Des Moines on August 4, 2008.

Fueled by the growth of his company, Redship Technologies, founder Daniel Shipton was inspired to create a coworking space for the independent professionals of Des Moines. Impromptu Studio will bring a sense of community to its workspace by fostering a collaborative environment and providing basic office amenities to its members. “While retaining their individuality, entrepreneurs are able to leave isolation behind,” says Shipton. “It’s about community. Coworking merges the open, relaxed coffee shop atmosphere with a productive work environment.”

Membership plans range from $125-$350 per month which can include a desk, 24×7 access, storage, and meeting time in our multiple meeting rooms or conference room. Daily drop-in rates are available as well as customized monthly plans. Ample parking, high-speed wireless internet, black & white printing, faxing, copying, and coffee are provided at no charge for members and drop-ins. Space is available to rent for those who wish to hold meetings and promotional events at Impromptu Studio. Its location has easy access to I-235 and only is a few blocks to the best of what downtown provides for events, restaurants and shops. The initial drop-in day is always free for those who are interested in coworking from Impromptu Studio. Beginning August 4th, 2008, Impromptu Studio is welcoming visitors and coworkers at 300 Southwest 5th Street, Suite 220 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m