• FabConnectHer Forum

  Best tips to fill only-girls workshops?

  Posted by Oscar on April 3, 2026 at 1:05 pm

  Hi all

  I want to bring a challenge that we have at our Fab Lab, we regularly run free wokrshops targeting girls (individuals or class groups), and yet we consistently struggle to fill the spots. No cost barrier, hands-on projects, welcoming space and still, a few empty seats.

  Makes you question everything from the marketing to the framing to the timing. So I want to open this discussion to share: What is your best tip to improve recruitment?

  No perfect answers needed, I’m just as interested in what did and what didn’t work. Sometimes that’s the most useful insights!

  Looking forward to the discussion!

  Oscar replied 2 months ago 2 Members · 2 Replies

  • ideas
  • recruitment
  • workshop
• 2 Replies

• 

  Vicky

  Member

  April 3, 2026 at 4:38 pm

  This is a problem for myself and many others. Maybe see if you can find a way to figure out the best time for most folks? People hate surveys though, so the slow way is the word of mouth. Ask other teachers, facilitators to help ask folks when does it suit them, and get that as feedback. It could be location and people find it hard to get there, time of day, the day itself, the weather (whether it’s foul or amazing, you never win here), and the topic. It’s frustrating when everyone says it’s a great idea, they love the topic and when you pull everything together, you watch the door to see how many show up. And regretting not letting those on the waiting list join as there’s spaces. A nominal fee of €5 or a donation (it can go to charity, food, or help pay for a spot for another person) so people will most likely turn up, or don’t feel bad.

  I’d love to see other’s people’s insights and experiences as well.

  • 

    Oscar

    Member

    April 23, 2026 at 1:07 pm

    Hi Vicky

    Thanks for the reply, very nice insights. I hosted an event a few days ago, and experiment with one strategy for an open free event.

    I added the following line at the bottom of the event promotion:

    The event is open to all ages, young girls (younger kids welcome when accompanied by a parent or guardian), young women, and anyone curious about STEAM and what happens inside a FabLab.
    If you are a teacher and want to bring a girl’s class group, please send an email to accomodate.

    It did worked! I had a good number of participation of girls with their group friends and parents. Also I got a teacher willing to bring 18 students to the fablab.

    I think that was nice for an open lab with no specific skill to learn, more like awareness and exposure to STEAM. I might need to try with other type of workshops.

    Thank you

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