The Collabratory - Where JMU Meets the Community 

The Collabratory is James Madison University’s anchor space inside the Harrisonburg Innovation Hub—a place designed to spark ideas, foster connections, and showcase the value of having a nationally recognized R2 research university right here in the Shenandoah Valley. 

This is more than a room—it’s a bridge space where university and community come together. Every event in The Collabratory is an opportunity to highlight the talent, creativity, and innovation thriving in our backyard. Whether you’re hosting a workshop, a networking event, or a brainstorming session, the space is designed for comfort, movement, and above all—collaboration. 

What makes The Collabratory unique?
  • A true “third space” – not just a classroom, not just an office, but a gathering place designed to encourage people from different backgrounds to come together. 
  • Flexible and modern – rolling tables, open layouts, and adaptable furniture mean you can shape the space to fit your vision. 
  • Tech-enabled – equipped with classroom technology, screens, speakers, and hybrid-friendly tools so your event reaches both in-person and virtual audiences. 
  • Centrally located – nestled in downtown Harrisonburg at the Harrisonburg Innovation Hub, with easy access to parking, restaurants, and the energy of the city. 
Who Can Reserve The Collabratory?

The Collabratory is a free, shared community resource. 


Faculty, staff, students, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and local organizations are all welcome to host events here. If you’re working on something that brings people together, sparks innovation, or helps move ideas forward, this space is for you. 

Please note: The Collabratory is a self-service space. Once reserved, the setup, tear-down, and cleanup (including removal of trash) are the responsibility of the group or individual hosting the event.

Reserve the Space

Ready to bring your event to life in The Collabratory? 

The first step is filling out our reservation request form: 

Reserve The Collabratory 

Once you’ve submitted the form, our team will reach out to confirm details and walk you through the next steps. 

Let's Collaborate

The Collabratory is your front door to JMU research and innovation. Whether you’re a faculty member, student, entrepreneur, or community leader, this space is here for you. Together, let’s create impact—right here in the Valley. 

The JMU Collabratory is managed by the JMU Office of Economic & Community Development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please fill out the Reservation Form and either Leigh Evans (Director of Research to Impact) or Tyler Hendricks (OECD Administrative Assistant) will contact you to discuss further. If you have any questions, please reach out to us: at evanslf@jmu.edu and hendritl@jmu.edu 

The Collabratory is intended to host events that bring together JMU and the broader community—workshops, meetings, networking events, and collaborative projects that intersect talent, innovation, and place. 
  • 24 seated 
  • Up to 40 standing 
  • 10 classroom-style tables (on wheels, foldable for flexibility) 

 

Please let Tyler or Leigh know when discussing your event if you think you will require more seating than what is listed above.  
The Collabratory has dual screens, speakers, and an Owl webcam camera. Connections include HDMI, USB-C, and wireless options. HIH’s guest Wi-Fi is available. 
Parking is available in the Harrisonburg Innovation Hub’s parking lot, on surrounding streets, and at the Water Street Parking Deck, just one block away.
No. The Collabratory is self-service—which means once reserved, the host is responsible for setting up, tearing down, and cleaning up after the event (including removing trash). 

For other meeting rooms, offices, or event spaces at the Harrisonburg Innovation Hub, please reach out directly to harrisonburginfo@ihubs.work for assistance. 

 

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Economic Development
Ice House
127 West Bruce Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807