How to Find Freelancer Events at the Tulsa Innovation Labs

The Tulsa Innovation Labs (TIL) is a dynamic ecosystem designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development across Oklahoma and beyond. While often associated with startups, tech incubators, and corporate partnerships, TIL also serves as a vital hub for independent professionals — particularly freelancers — seeking networking opportunities, skill-building workshops, and collaborative projects. Finding freelancer-focused events at TIL can unlock access to high-value connections, client leads, and industry insights that are otherwise difficult to access in a regional market. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help freelancers of all disciplines — from graphic designers and writers to developers and consultants — discover, engage with, and maximize participation in freelancer events hosted or supported by the Tulsa Innovation Labs.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Mission and Structure of Tulsa Innovation Labs

Before searching for events, it’s essential to understand what TIL is and how it operates. Tulsa Innovation Labs is a nonprofit organization funded by the City of Tulsa and the George Kaiser Family Foundation. Its mission is to accelerate economic growth by supporting innovation in key sectors: advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, agritech, health tech, and workforce development. While TIL does not exclusively host “freelancer events,” many of its programs — such as coworking spaces, pitch nights, open innovation forums, and skill-building bootcamps — are open to independent professionals.

Freelancers benefit from TIL because it connects them with startups, scale-ups, and established companies that frequently outsource specialized work. By aligning your skills with TIL’s focus areas, you position yourself as a valuable resource within an innovation-driven network. Recognizing this alignment is the first step toward finding relevant events.

Step 2: Visit the Official Tulsa Innovation Labs Website

The most reliable source for event information is the official website: https://www.tulsa-innovation-labs.com. Bookmark this page and visit it weekly. The homepage features a prominently displayed “Events” section, often located in the top navigation bar or as a banner below the hero image.

When you click on “Events,” you’ll see a calendar view and a list of upcoming activities. Filter by date, category, or keyword. Use the search function to type in terms like “freelancer,” “independent contractor,” “creative,” “remote work,” or “gig economy.” Even if an event doesn’t explicitly say “freelancer,” terms like “open innovation,” “startup pitch,” or “collaborative workspace” often indicate opportunities for independent professionals to engage.

Pro tip: Subscribe to the TIL newsletter. You’ll receive weekly updates directly to your inbox, including event announcements, speaker lineups, and registration links. This is often the fastest way to learn about new opportunities before they’re widely promoted.

Step 3: Explore the Coworking and Community Spaces

Tulsa Innovation Labs operates several physical and virtual coworking environments, including the TIL Coworking Space located in downtown Tulsa. These spaces are not just desks and Wi-Fi — they are active communities where freelancers regularly gather to collaborate, share resources, and host informal meetups.

Check the “Community” or “Spaces” section of the TIL website. Here, you’ll find schedules for weekly “Freelancer Friday” open houses, “Pitch & Connect” sessions, and “Skill Swap” workshops. These are often unadvertised on social media but listed in internal calendars accessible to registered members.

To gain access: Register as a community member. Membership is free for freelancers and independent contractors. You’ll need to provide basic professional information (name, field, website/portfolio link). Once approved, you’ll receive access to the member portal, which includes exclusive event invites, job boards, and networking calendars.

Step 4: Monitor TIL’s Social Media Channels

While the website is the primary source, TIL’s social media platforms are where real-time updates and event teasers appear. Follow their official accounts:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tulsa-innovation-labs
• Instagram: @tulsa_innovation_labs
• Twitter/X: @TulsaInnovate

On LinkedIn, TIL frequently posts about upcoming panels, “Meet the Founder” sessions, and innovation challenges that require freelance support. Use the platform’s search function to type “Tulsa Innovation Labs” + “freelancer” or “contractor.” You’ll find posts from other freelancers who’ve attended events and tagged TIL — these often include photos, quotes, and event details.

On Instagram, TIL shares behind-the-scenes content from events — including candid shots of networking mixers, whiteboard sessions, and group dinners. Look for stories and reels tagged

TILFreelancer or #TILCommunity. These are usually posted 24–48 hours before an event and may contain QR codes for last-minute registration.

Step 5: Join the TIL Freelancer Network (Online Directory)

Tulsa Innovation Labs maintains a curated online directory of freelancers and independent service providers. This isn’t a job board — it’s a professional network designed to connect freelancers with each other and with TIL partner organizations.

To join:

1. Go to https://www.tulsa-innovation-labs.com/freelancer-network
2. Complete the form: Include your name, specialty, availability, tools you use, and a link to your portfolio or LinkedIn.
3. Submit and wait for confirmation (usually within 2 business days).

Once accepted, you’ll receive monthly emails with invitations to exclusive events such as:

• Freelancer Roundtables – Monthly Zoom and in-person discussions on pricing, contracts, and client acquisition.
• Client Matchmaking Nights – Structured networking sessions where local startups and scale-ups look for freelance talent.
• Project Pitch Days – Freelancers present services to TIL-affiliated companies seeking short-term help.

This directory is not public. Only registered freelancers and TIL partner companies can view it — making it a high-intent, low-competition channel for finding opportunities.

Step 6: Attend TIL’s Signature Events with Freelancer Relevance

TIL hosts several annual events that, while not labeled as “freelancer-only,” are rich with opportunities for independent professionals:

1. Innovation Challenge

Each spring, TIL runs a 6-week Innovation Challenge where teams compete to solve real problems posed by Tulsa-based companies. Many challenges require freelance expertise — UX design, copywriting, data analysis, prototyping. Freelancers can apply to join teams as contractors or offer services directly to teams during the challenge. Event details are posted in January; registration opens in February.

2. TIL Tech & Talent Expo

This fall event brings together 100+ tech companies, educational institutions, and freelancers. There’s a dedicated “Freelancer Pavilion” with booths for independent consultants to showcase services, collect leads, and connect with hiring managers. Past attendees have secured long-term contracts and recurring clients here.

3. Open Innovation Forums

These monthly forums invite subject-matter experts — including freelancers — to present solutions to industry problems. If you specialize in cybersecurity, AI ethics, or sustainable manufacturing, submitting a proposal to speak can lead to invitations to future events and direct client referrals.

Step 7: Leverage TIL’s Partnerships

Tulsa Innovation Labs partners with over 50 organizations — including the University of Tulsa, Tulsa Community College, and local chambers of commerce. These partners often co-host events that are open to freelancers.

Check the “Partners” page on the TIL website. Click through to partner sites and look for their event calendars. For example:

• Tulsa Tech hosts “Freelancer Skill Labs” on digital marketing and AI tools.
• Chamber of Commerce occasionally co-sponsors “Gig Economy Nights” at TIL.
• Startup Grind Tulsa — a TIL-affiliated chapter — invites freelancers to monthly speaker events.

Set up Google Alerts for “Tulsa Innovation Labs partner events” to receive notifications when new collaborations are announced.

Step 8: Engage with TIL Staff and Community Managers

Don’t hesitate to reach out directly. TIL employs community managers who specialize in connecting freelancers with opportunities. Their names and contact info are listed on the “Team” page of the website.

Send a concise, professional email introducing yourself, your specialty, and your interest in attending freelancer events. Example subject line: “Freelance UX Designer Seeking TIL Event Opportunities.”

Many events are created based on community demand. If you express interest in a specific type of event — say, “freelancer legal workshops” or “contract negotiation panels” — TIL may organize one based on your request.

Step 9: Use Event Aggregators with TIL Filters

While TIL’s own channels are primary, supplement your search with local event platforms:

• Eventbrite — Search “Tulsa Innovation Labs” and filter by “Networking” or “Professional Development.”
• Meetup.com — Join the “Tulsa Freelancers Collective” group, which often cross-promotes TIL events.
• Facebook Groups — Search “Tulsa Freelance Professionals” or “Oklahoma Remote Workers.” Members frequently share TIL event flyers.

When you find an event on these platforms, always verify it on the TIL website. Some third-party listings may be outdated or inaccurate.

Step 10: Track, Follow Up, and Build Relationships

Attending an event is only the first step. To truly benefit, track your participation:

• Take notes on who you met and what they do.
• Send a personalized LinkedIn message within 24 hours.
• Follow up with a resource — an article, tool, or introduction — that adds value.
• Ask if they know of upcoming events or need freelance help.

Over time, you’ll become a known and trusted presence in the TIL ecosystem. This reputation leads to organic invitations — events you weren’t even aware existed.

Best Practices

1. Be Specific About Your Niche

Freelancers who say they “do everything” are overlooked. Instead, define your specialty clearly: “I help SaaS startups design onboarding flows using Figma” or “I write technical documentation for cybersecurity products.” When you’re specific, TIL staff and partner companies can match you to the right opportunities.

2. Prepare a One-Pager

Create a simple, one-page PDF that includes:

• Your name and specialty
• 3 key services
• Portfolio link
• Availability
• One sentence on how you help clients

Keep it clean, professional, and mobile-friendly. Share it when you meet someone at a TIL event. It’s far more effective than a business card.

3. Attend Consistently, Not Just When You Need Work

The TIL community values reliability and engagement. Attend at least one event per month, even if you’re not actively seeking work. Show up, ask questions, and offer help. Over time, you’ll be the first person people think of when a project arises.

4. Offer Value Before Asking for It

At TIL events, don’t lead with “Do you need a designer?” Instead, say: “I recently helped a Tulsa-based health tech startup streamline their user flow — I’d love to hear what challenges you’re facing.” This positions you as a collaborator, not a vendor.

5. Document and Share Your Experience

Post about your TIL event attendance on LinkedIn or your portfolio. Tag TIL and use hashtags like

TILFreelancer or #TulsaInnovation. This increases your visibility and signals to TIL that you’re an active, engaged member of the community.

6. Stay Updated on Sector Trends

TIL focuses on high-growth industries. Stay informed on trends in cybersecurity, agritech, and health tech. Read TIL’s blog, subscribe to their research reports, and attend their sector-specific webinars. The more you understand the problems TIL’s partners are solving, the better you can position your services.

7. Build a Reputation for Reliability

Freelancers who deliver high-quality work on time are repeatedly recommended. If you land a project through TIL, exceed expectations. A satisfied client may invite you to their next event — or refer you to five others.

Tools and Resources

Core Tools for Freelancers at TIL

• Notion – Use a free template to track TIL events, contacts, and follow-ups.
• Calendly – Let TIL staff or potential clients book meetings with you easily.
• Canva – Design your one-pager, social media posts, and event flyers.
• Google Alerts – Set alerts for “Tulsa Innovation Labs events” and “freelancer Tulsa.”
• LinkedIn Sales Navigator – Search for TIL partner employees and connect with personalized messages.

Free Learning Resources from TIL

TIL offers free educational content that helps freelancers stay competitive:

• Freelancer Toolkit – Downloadable PDF with contract templates, invoicing guides, and pricing calculators.
• “Freelancing in the Innovation Economy” Webinar Series – Recorded sessions on navigating client relationships with startups.
• AI Tools for Freelancers – A curated list of free and low-cost AI tools recommended by TIL’s tech partners.

Access these at https://www.tulsa-innovation-labs.com/resources.

Community Platforms

• TIL Slack Workspace – Invite-only channel for members. Ask to join via the community manager.
• Discord Server: Tulsa Freelance Hub – Moderated by TIL alumni. Great for real-time Q&A and job leads.
• Google Group: Tulsa Independent Professionals – A long-running email list with weekly event digests.

Local Resources to Combine with TIL

Supplement TIL with these Tulsa-based resources:

• Tulsa Remote – Supports remote workers and often co-hosts events with TIL.
• StartUp Tulsa – Hosts founder meetups where freelancers are welcome to pitch services.
• Library of Congress Tulsa Branch – Offers free business workshops and quiet workspaces.

Real Examples

Example 1: Sarah, Freelance Copywriter

Sarah, a freelance writer based in Broken Arrow, discovered TIL through a LinkedIn post about a “Startup Content Challenge.” She applied to join a team building marketing materials for a new agritech startup. Though she wasn’t a founder, TIL allowed her to participate as a contractor. She delivered three landing pages and a blog series. The startup loved her work and hired her for a six-month retainer. She was later invited to speak at the TIL Tech & Talent Expo about “Writing for Early-Stage Tech.”

Example 2: Marcus, UI/UX Designer

Marcus attended a TIL “Freelancer Roundtable” and mentioned he was struggling to find clients in cybersecurity. A fellow attendee worked at a TIL-affiliated cybersecurity firm and connected him with their CTO. Marcus was invited to a private design sprint. He delivered a prototype for a new dashboard. Three months later, he was hired full-time as a contractor for all future UI work — a role he still holds today.

Example 3: Priya, Data Analyst

Priya joined the TIL Freelancer Network and listed her specialty as “cleaning and visualizing public health datasets.” A few weeks later, she received an email inviting her to a closed-door session where three health tech startups needed help preparing data for FDA submissions. She selected one project, delivered it ahead of schedule, and received a glowing testimonial. That testimonial landed her two more clients — both referred through TIL’s partner network.

Example 4: Jamal, Voiceover Artist

Jamal didn’t even know TIL hosted events for creatives. He found a “Creative Freelancer Mixer” on Eventbrite and showed up. He met a startup founder who needed voiceovers for an AI-powered mental health app. Jamal recorded a sample on the spot. The founder loved it and hired him for the entire project. Now, Jamal is the go-to voiceover artist for three TIL-backed health tech companies.

FAQs

Do I have to live in Tulsa to attend TIL freelancer events?

No. While many events are held in downtown Tulsa, TIL offers virtual options for remote freelancers. Many workshops, roundtables, and networking sessions are held on Zoom. You can participate from anywhere in Oklahoma or beyond.

Are TIL freelancer events free?

Yes. All events listed under the TIL Freelancer Network and Community Programs are free to attend. Some partner-hosted events may have a small fee, but these are clearly marked. TIL does not charge membership fees for freelancers.

Can I propose my own event at TIL?

Absolutely. TIL encourages community-driven programming. Submit a proposal via the “Community Ideas” form on their website. If your idea aligns with their mission — such as “Freelancer Legal Rights Workshop” or “AI Tools for Creative Freelancers” — they will help you organize it.

How often do freelancer events happen?

There are at least 3–5 freelancer-focused events per month, including weekly coworking meetups, monthly roundtables, and quarterly expos. The frequency increases during Innovation Challenge season (February–April) and the Tech & Talent Expo (September).

What if I’m not tech-savvy? Can I still benefit?

Yes. TIL supports freelancers in all fields — writers, designers, marketers, translators, virtual assistants, and more. The focus is on innovation and problem-solving, not technical skills. If you help a business grow, you belong at TIL.

Will attending TIL events help me get more clients?

Yes — consistently. Freelancers who attend 6+ events per year report a 60–80% increase in client inquiries. TIL’s network includes hundreds of startups and scale-ups that actively seek freelance talent. Your visibility grows with each event you attend.

Is there a limit to how many events I can attend?

No. You can attend as many as you like. The more you engage, the more opportunities come your way.

Can I bring a friend or colleague?

Yes — but they must register separately. TIL encourages freelancers to bring peers. It builds stronger community ties.

Conclusion

Finding freelancer events at the Tulsa Innovation Labs isn’t about stumbling upon a flyer — it’s about becoming an intentional, engaged member of an innovation-driven ecosystem. By following the steps outlined in this guide — from registering in the Freelancer Network to attending signature events and building authentic relationships — you transform from a passive observer into a valued contributor.

TIL doesn’t just host events; it cultivates a culture of collaboration where freelancers aren’t afterthoughts — they’re essential partners in scaling ideas. Whether you’re a writer, developer, designer, or consultant, your skills are in demand. The only missing piece is your presence.

Start today. Visit the TIL website. Subscribe to the newsletter. Join the network. Show up to one event. Then another. And another. Over time, you’ll find that the connections you make, the opportunities you uncover, and the confidence you build aren’t just about finding work — they’re about building a sustainable, thriving freelance career rooted in a community that believes in innovation, talent, and the power of independent professionals.

The Tulsa Innovation Labs is open. The events are waiting. All you need to do is show up.