Managing a 3,500 m² Hack and Make Space - Challenges and Opportunities with 400+ Members

Explore the unique challenges and practical solutions of managing a massive 3,500 m² hack and make space in this conference talk from the 38th Chaos Communication Congress (38C3). Gain valuable insights into scaling community spaces while maintaining an open, inclusive culture across a diverse membership of over 400 makers, hackers, and artists. Learn how to navigate public-sector partnerships, implement safety regulations without compromising creative freedom, and balance spontaneous initiatives with intentional space design. Discover key strategies for community management at scale, from founding hurdles and building code compliance on limited budgets to fostering inclusive governance structures. Understand the complexities of maintaining creative autonomy while meeting structural requirements, and see how large-scale maker spaces can successfully serve both their members and the general public.