August 27, 2025

Third Space Events: Why They Feel More Like Real Life

The rise of third space events is reshaping how we experience connection in a world where the lines between work and life are blurrier than ever. Remote working has us dialling into meetings from our kitchens, coffee shops double as co-working hubs, and TikTok keeps us entertained in the two minutes it takes the kettle to boil. But with all this convenience comes a problem: we’re lonelier, more disconnected, and craving something deeper.

If home is our first space, and work is our second, third spaces are the places in between, where community, connection, and conversation flourish. Think coffee shops, parks, gyms, local pubs, even gaming lobbies. They’re not about productivity or domestic chores; they’re about belonging. And increasingly, the most memorable events are those that recreate this feeling of a third space.

What are third space events, really?

Unlike the first space (home, family life) or the second (work, career), third spaces are where we nurture relationships, explore new perspectives, and build social bonds.

They’re the places where conversations stretch longer than you planned, where you run into familiar faces, and where you feel a sense of belonging without needing a formal invitation. In short, third spaces are where real life happens, and that’s exactly why events that capture this spirit resonate so deeply.

Why third spaces matter for events

Audiences today don’t want to just attend—they want to belong. They want to feel seen, heard, and part of something real. That’s why creating events that feel like lived-in environments rather than sterile “conference centres with lanyards” is becoming the game-changer.

It’s not about filling a room with branded banners and a keynote stage; it’s about curating an experience where people naturally connect. Spaces where conversations flow as easily over a flat white as they do during a panel session. Where chance encounters spark collaborations. Where the line between professional and personal blurs in the best way possible.

Designing events as third spaces

So how do you transform an event into a third space?

• Authenticity first – Forget cookie-cutter setups. Build environments that feel human, lived-in, and relatable. Lounge-style seating, interactive installations, natural lighting—these subtle touches make a big difference.
  
• Create moments of serendipity – The real magic of third spaces is the unexpected conversation. Design your event so attendees bump into each other in meaningful ways. Think networking nooks, communal tables, or gamified icebreakers.
  
• Blend work and play – Just like your favourite coffee shop can host both laptop workers and latte catch-ups, the best events balance professional content with social moments. Give people opportunities to both learn and laugh.
  
• Think community, not crowd – A third space thrives on relationships. Foster long-term engagement before, during, and after your event. This isn’t just about the day itself; it’s about building a community people want to come back to.
  

Why this matters now

Loneliness is at an all-time high. Studies show that despite being more “connected” than ever online, people feel more isolated than ever offline. Yet there are signs of a shift. Employee engagement in the UK has climbed to 65%, the first rise since the pandemic (Nottingham Trent University, 2025). It suggests that while people are craving connection, they’re also more open than before to opportunities that help them feel engaged and part of something bigger. Events are uniquely placed to tackle this head-on. They can offer the sense of belonging that many are craving.

And let’s be honest: the events people talk about weeks later aren’t the ones where they got a free tote bag. They’re the ones where they felt like they truly belonged.

The future of events is human

As technology continues to reshape our lives, events have the power to bring us back to what really matters; connection, conversation, and community. 

At First Event, we believe the best third space events are the ones that feel like real life, the ones that bridge the gap between work and play, strangers and friends, isolation and belonging. That’s the true power of third spaces.

Want to dive deeper into how events can tackle loneliness and build belonging? Download our report Tackling Loneliness: Re-establishing a sense of belonging through events.Ready to design your next event as a third space? Get in touch, we’d love to help you make it unforgettable.