Brett Trout and Adam Steen speaking at What Now?

Brett Trout , Law Offices of Brett Trout and Adam Steen , 25 Connections spoke about Character in Business and how to not be an @$$hole for part 5 of our WhatNow? Series.  Brett gave the group solid advice about developing their own moral “code” by watching others. He pointed out that just because something is “legal” does not necessarily make it ethical and that each person will have to decide for him/herself what is right. He also reminded us that ethical people struggle early on because ethical decisions often don’t yeild positive results quickly. Brett encouraged us by sharing that in 5 years the tables will turn and those that have behaved ethically will have a much better overall position. Adam Steen discussed how in his unique business model relies on trust to work, and that ethically his entire business is gray area because there are few if any precedents. He talked about several specific ethical decisions that he has been faced with and how he’s handled them.

Adam and Brett related their ethical decisions to how quickly with recent technologies unethical people are “outed” as opposed to how long it used to take with traditional means of communication.

Don’t miss our final installment of WhatNow? Friday April 3rd , our topic is Marketing: How to get Creative in a Tight Economy. Our speakers Mike Ferrari, SmartyPig.com and Mike Wagner, White Rabbit Group.

Des Moines Web Geeks Hack Day

DSM Web Geeks has re-convened after the Holidays and is bringing “Hack Day” to Impromptu Studio. Hack Day will be held Saturday March 28th starting at nine o’clock. Two topics will be voted on and chosen for the development of “solutions” for the day. One will be Wordpress and the other Drupal. Teams will form to tackle the tasks and at the end of the day everyone will get back together and show off what they’ve accomplished.

If you’ve never been to a DSM Web Geeks meeting you should definitely stop by and check them out. Their next meeting is April 6th at 7pm and Josh More will be speaking.

Impromptu Studio has had tremendous luck when it comes to attracting sponsors for events.  The newest sponsor to step forward to connect with our community is The Technology Assocation of Iowa.

The Technology Association of Iowa bills themselves as the voice of Iowa’s high tech industry:

The Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) is a member-based, not-for-profit organization accelerating the success of Iowa’s technology industry.  TAI works to create and sustain a positive environment for technology-based economic growth and job creation through innovation, advocacy and leadership.  Visit their website at www.technologyiowa.org.

The Technology Association of Iowa also runs the “academy awards” of Iowa’s technology industry, the Prometheus Awards:

Iowa’s largest and most prestigious awards devoted to promoting and celebrating the innovation and high-tech excellence in Iowa. This showcase honors companies and individuals who represent the best and brightest in technology and business and have demonstrated outstanding leadership and innovation. For more information on the 2009 Prometheus Awards and to see the criteria for the 17 award categories, visit www.technologyiowa.org/awards/2009/.  The nomination period ends December 22, 2008.

So, please visit their website to submit your nomination for the 2009 Prometheus Awards. You can also check out @TechnologyIowa on Twitter.

We also want to acknowledge one of our guests favorite sponsors, which is Olde Main Brewery. We reached out to Olde Main through their @OldeMain Twitter account which is ran by Jill Haverkamp.  Jill and the folks at Olde Main have been great to work with and we are glad to work with them again for the Ugly Sweater Party! They will be supplying two kinds of their tasty beer that are brewed locally in Ames, Iowa.  Everyone should stop in at Olde Main when they are in Ames for good eats and great beer.

All of the event info: The Epic Ugly Sweater Party

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

Des Moines Web Geeks held their kickoff meeting at Impromptu Studio on Thursday, August 14. The meeting was also the inaugural event for Impromptu Studio. Des Moines Web Geeks is a group of web professionals and enthusiasts who meet to share and discuss their ideas. The first meeting included a presentation about Django framework and an adhoc session discussing the latest and greatest trends.  With over twenty people in attendance the meeting was a success for both Des Moines Web Geeks and Impromptu Studio.  The experience has provided us with ideas to improve our space for future events.

Impromptu Studio would like to thank Chris Punke of Focal Point, and Jeremy Harrington of Crawl Space Media for their help.

A recording of the meeting is available at http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/635045.

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

Des Moines greatest hidden gem a.k.a. Impromptu Studio is located at

300 Southwest Fifth Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309

Parking lot is located at the east end of the frontage road called Elm. Elm is accessible via SW 7th Street.

Impromptu Studio has two membership plans available. Stay lean and mean with Mobile Coworking or set-up shop with Desk Coworking. Both plans take advantage of the shared amenities and fun community at Impromptu. Come try it out for yourself – coworking is always free the first Wednesday of every month.

Impromptu is open for coworking Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm and Wednesdays until 10pm.

Shared Amenities

• Coffee, tea, and water
• First come, first serve conference tables and whiteboards
• Lounge space
• Kitchenette area with shared sink, microwave, refrigerator
• Wi-Fi Internet Access
• Mail and package delivery with a three month commitment
• Lockers available to rent ($20/month)
• Free black and white printing, scanning, and copying
• Library of business, creative and instructional books and magazines
• Board games and video games when it’s time to kick back
• Hold an impromptu meeting in unreserved conference rooms
• Chance to be featured in Impromptu marketing efforts, including the website, newsletter, and press releases
• Add your business cards or brochures to the information rack

Mobile Coworking

• $50/month
• Unlimited Daily Access
• Month-to-month commitment
• Open tables and desks to cowork from
• Pay by check on the first of the month or get billed through Paypal subscription
  Ready to go? Subscribe through Paypal and come on out.

Desk Coworking

• $175/month
• Minimum 3-month commitment
• 24/7 keyed access
• Desk and chair included – you can bring your own chair if you’d like!
• Pay by check on the first of the month or set up a Paypal subscription

Does all this interest you? Drop us a line for a tour, a visit, to sign up or to learn more.