Ideas based on observations from last two workshops, since we haven't had as many people come out as last year:
We need to advertise more and more widely, to get more people who may not be aware of the sessions.
Have the sessions be more structured and linked between... so like have several sessions in a row be on a particular theme.
If having themes, have them once/weekly to keep momentum going. Then have a break for a while.
Have two "streams" of structured and connected vs more like "lightning talks"/sessions that don't fit into a theme.
Have people register if having "themes". We need some way to get "buy-in" for attending, rather than merely saying "I'm interested" but then not showing up.
Have short, intense workshops (not just SWC) introducing thematic topics in R, targeted to beginners. Advertise these more heavily, have registration, get funding for snacks, etc. Could be 4 hr workshops, 1 day workshops, or multi-day workshops. More structured, more exercises, group work, etc. Maybe get ECTS credits for them.
Have the twice-monthly sessions be targeted for beginner-intermediate and intermediate rather than only beginner topics
Related to CRU in general:
Have occasional meetings with interested people on things to do, discussing and taken on tasks, direction of CRU, etc.
Generally from what I've noticed/should keep track of and also from others. I'll add to this as more sessions are completed.