Doors Open & Arrival
Connect with our team, grab your lanyard, and dive into roundtable sign-ups. Explore our sponsors, greet fellow attendees, and recharge with a cup of coffee. Breakfast will also be served. Let the event excitement begin!
Event Schedule
8:30 am - 9:00 am
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9:00 am - 9:15 am
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Opening & Welcome
Welcome from GCUC UK Producer, Emilie Lashmar.
Kick off the day with our MC, Freddie Fforde, Founder and Managing Director of Patch, a pioneering network of neighborhood spaces designed for work and community gatherings. In this opening session, Freddie will set the tone for the day, covering essential housekeeping details and providing key information to help you navigate the events and activities ahead.
9:15 am - 9:45 am
Panel
Global Coworking Connection
In an increasingly connected world, the coworking industry continues to expand globally, offering unique opportunities and challenges across different regions and cultures. While coworking is growing rapidly in many parts of the world, it’s crucial to recognise that diverse perspectives—from emerging markets to established hubs—are essential for shaping the future of the industry.
Join our panel of international experts as they share insights on how coworking spaces are evolving in their regions. This interactive session will explore how we can better leverage the global network built by GCUC, address cross-border collaboration, and identify areas for growth and innovation in the flex space sector, with an emphasis on creating a more inclusive and equitable global community.
Cliff Ho
CEO/Co-Founder, The Commons
9:45 am - 10:00 am
Presentation
Industry Data Unpacked
Join John Williams for an insightful and interactive session where the latest industry research and data on coworking will be presented, critiqued, and discussed openly. Using slides from recent reports—John will lead an honest conversation about the validity and applicability of the findings. Are these numbers reflective of what’s happening in your region? Do they align with the realities on the ground.
This session invites audience participation, encouraging attendees to share their own experiences and perspectives on whether the industry data accurately reflects their local markets. Together, we’ll explore the truths behind the statistics and aim to bring more candour to the presentation of industry trends.
10:00 am - 10:40 am
Panel
People Are Your Competitive Edge
Join us for an insightful panel discussion on the critical role of people in the coworking and flex space industry. Our experts will delve into what it takes to build and retain a world-class team that drives exceptional member experiences.
Pauline Roussel
Co-Founder and CEO, Coworkies
10:40 am - 11:20 am
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AM Break
Recharge with a cup of coffee or tea, water, soft drinks and snacks for those any time breaks.
Don’t forget to mingle with sponsors and connect with fellow attendees to make the most of your day!
11:20 am - 11:55 am
Panel
Evolving Occupier Needs in the Flex Space Market
An in-depth panel discussion on “Evolving Occupier Needs in the Flex Space Market,” where industry leaders will explore the dynamic landscape of flexible workspace solutions. This session will focus on the challenges and opportunities of meeting the evolving needs of occupiers, covering topics such as the impact of the current political landscape on the flex space industry, the role of technology and innovation, brand differentiation, and retention strategies.
Our panelists will share insights on how operators can adapt their offerings and services to enhance the member experience, leverage technology for improved efficiency, and stand out in a competitive market. Attendees will gain practical advice and actionable strategies to navigate the ever-changing demands of occupiers, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the flex space industry.
Niamh Martin
Managing Director, Convene
11:55 am - 12:25 pm
Presentation
Hot Takes: Expert Insights
Get ready for a dynamic session packed with insightful perspectives in our “Hot Takes” segment. This section features short presentations, highlighting cutting-edge topics from industry experts.
Abigail Ross-Groves
Director, UK Operator Solutions, The Instant Group
12:25 pm - 1:40 pm
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Lunch
Help yourself to a delicious lunch, mingle and check out our sponsors.
1:40 pm - 2:40 pm
Workshop
Workshops & Roundtables
Dive into deeper conversations and forge meaningful connections in our Workshops & Roundtables session at GCUC UK. This segment features seven separate sessions, allowing attendees to pre-select their area of interest. Each session is designed to facilitate focused discussions and provide specific Q&A opportunities with industry experts.
Moorgate Hub: Sales & Marketing with AI
The Library: Chair Yoga for everyBODY & Mind
Gracechurch Hub: Lara Sheldrake, Room Host – Various Roundtables
GCUC UK Ticket Holders – Sign Up Here
2:40 pm - 3:05 pm
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PM Break
Recharge with a cup of coffee or tea, water, soft drinks and snacks for those any time breaks.
Don’t forget to mingle with sponsors and connect with fellow attendees to make the most of your day!
3:05 pm - 3:10 pm
Info
Group Photo
Gather in the main conference room for a GCUC UK group photo.
3:10 pm - 3:35 pm
Presentation
Storytelling Through Design
Dean Connell, a seasoned Creative Director with extensive experience at WeWork and Knotel, will delve into the art of storytelling through design in coworking spaces. At WeWork, Dean led large-scale, complex projects globally, mastering the adaptation of the brand’s identity to resonate with local cultures and communities. His experience creating the Old Sessions House Workspace for Knotel further solidified his expertise in creating flexible, scalable workspace solutions tailored to the needs of diverse clients. In this session, Dean will share his insights on the challenges and strategies involved in designing unique, timeless spaces that reflect community culture and values, with a focus on circular design and sustainable furniture.
A brief Q&A session will follow, with Hollie Sanglier interviewing Dean Connell.
3:35 pm - 4:10 pm
Panel
Financing Future Flex – Exploring Funding Options for Growth
In an evolving industry like coworking & flexible workspaces, securing the right funding is crucial for growth and innovation. This panel will delve into the diverse range of financing options available to flex operators—from angel investors and crowdfunding to large private equity backing. Our expert speakers will also explore alternative avenues such as strategic partnerships, funds, and support from government or local authorities. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each funding route, shedding light on what attracts investors to the sector and the barriers that may be holding back further investment.
Whether you’re a startup seeking seed funding, an established player looking for expansion capital, or exploring collaborative opportunities, this discussion will provide valuable insights into navigating the financial landscape of flex. Join us to discover what’s driving investment in the industry and what’s still standing in the way.
Kristina Pereckaite
Founder & Director, South East Angels
4:10 pm - 4:40 pm
Info
PM Break 2
Recharge with a cup of coffee or tea, water, soft drinks and snacks for those any time breaks.
Don’t forget to mingle with sponsors and connect with fellow attendees to make the most of your day!
4:40 pm - 5:05 pm
Presentation
Lightning Talks – Hospitality, Community & Events
Get ready for a rapid-fire session in “Lightning Talks – Hospitality, Community & Events.” In this speed round, established and up-and-coming community leaders will deliver 8-minute presentations on specific initiatives or focuses within community and hospitality. With three back-to-back presentations, this session promises to be packed with fresh ideas and innovative approaches.
5:05 pm - 5:25 pm
Fireside Chat
Fireside Chat
In this fireside chat with Liz Elam and Robert Teel, you’ll gain an in-depth look at the intersection of technology, culture, and strategy within the coworking industry. Rob Teel, representing Yardi, delves into macro trends shaping coworking, the growing embrace of coworking by landlords, and the implications of WeWork’s ownership changes. He also shares insights into Yardi’s pivotal role in the “future of office” conversation, highlighting their innovative AI-driven Virtuoso app, designed to streamline processes and enhance customer engagement.
The discussion will also cover Yardi’s affiliate program, connecting spaces with corporate customers, and the exciting roadmap for Yardi Kube, with a focus on marketing, CRM, and lead generation through platforms like CoworkingCafe. This session is a must for anyone interested in the future of coworking, technology integration, and Yardi’s strategic direction in this evolving landscape.
5:25 pm - 5:30 pm
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Close
As the day concludes, let’s come together for a final gathering, the perfect opportunity to reflect before connecting with other attendees over drinks.
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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Drinks Reception
Cap off the conference with a splash of relaxation! Join us for reception drinks—an opportunity to unwind, network, and savour the success of a day well spent. Cheers to connections made and ideas shared.
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
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GCUC UK Official Afterparty hosted by Uncommon
Join Us for the GCUC UK Afterparty!
After a day of inspiring talks, networking, and making new connections, it’s time to unwind and have some fun! We’re excited to invite you to the GCUC UK Afterparty, hosted at the stunning Uncommon, Liverpool Street—just a 5-minute walk from the conference venue.
What can you expect?
- A selection of handcrafted cocktails from Strong Man’s Tipple
- Delicious canapés
- Groovy beats from a live DJ to keep the energy going from 7-10 PM
Uncommon is known for creating exceptional workspaces in central London, with a focus on design, smart technology, and enhancing the member experience. As a B Corp certified company with a robust ESG strategy, Uncommon provides an inspiring environment that sparks creativity and productivity—perfect for a night of celebration and connection!
10:00 am - 11:55 am
Tour
Tour 1
Please note, some locations and timings may change. We will always keep you informed.
Meeting place: TYPE SQB by General People, 77 Marsh Wall, Canary Wharf, E14 9SH
Meeting time: 10:00AM
This is exclusive to GCUC London ticket holders, so don’t forget your lanyard. As this is a walking tour with short walks between locations, we suggest being prepared for any weather.
10:00AM – 10:30AM
📍 TYPE SQB BY GENERAL PEOPLE
Location: 77 Marsh Wall, E14 9SH
Type SQB by General People is a vibrant, flexible workspace in the heart of Canary Wharf, designed to inspire creativity and collaboration. Blending modern design with a dynamic atmosphere, it caters to forward-thinking businesses, offering adaptable office spaces and a lively community vibe in one of London’s most iconic locations.
10:30AM – 10:45AM – Walk from TYPE SQB by General People to Level39
10:45AM – 11:15AM
📍LEVEL39
Location: 39th Floor, One Canada Square, E14 5AB
Level39 at One Canada Square is a vibrant tech hub in Canary Wharf, home to some of the most innovative start-ups in fintech, cybersecurity, and smart cities. Located in a sleek, modern space high above London, it offers a dynamic environment for collaboration, growth, and networking, making it a magnet for ambitious entrepreneurs and cutting-edge tech firms.
11:15AM – 11:25AM – Lift from Level39 to FORA
11:25AM – 11:55AM
📍 FORA
Location: 8th Floor, One Canada Square, E14 5AA
FORA at One Canada Square is a premium workspace offering beautifully designed, flexible offices in the heart of Canary Wharf. Combining luxury with functionality, it provides an inspiring environment complete with high-end amenities, ideal for businesses looking for both style and substance in one of London’s most prestigious locations.
11:55AM – Tour ends
GCUC UK Ticket Holders Sign Up
10:00 am - 12:25 pm
Tour
Tour 2
Please note, some locations and timings may change. We will always keep you informed.
Meeting place: Mindspace, 142-146 Old Street, EC1V 9BW
Meeting time: 10:00AM
This is exclusive to GCUC London ticket holders, so don’t forget your lanyard. As this is a walking tour with short walks between locations, we suggest being prepared for any weather.
10:00AM – 10:45AM
📍 Mindspace
+ Introduction from technologywithin
Location: 142-146 Old Street, EC1V 9BW
A stylish, boutique coworking space in the heart of London’s tech hub. Known for its vibrant, creative atmosphere, it offers beautifully designed offices and communal areas, making it a perfect home for start-ups, freelancers, and established businesses alike, all within the buzzing energy of Shoreditch.
10:45AM – 11:05AM – Walk from Mindspace to Work.Life
11:05AM – 11:35AM
📍Work.Life
Location: Rivington House, 82 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3JF
A friendly, community-focused coworking space located in the heart of Shoreditch. Offering flexible workspaces with a cosy, laid-back vibe, it’s designed for freelancers, small businesses, and start-ups who want to work in a collaborative, creative environment right in the midst of East London’s thriving tech and creative scene.
11:35AM – 11:55AM – Walk from Work.Life to Huckletree
11:55AM – 12:25PM
📍 Huckletree
Location: 199 Bishopsgate – entrance is around the corner, at 1 Primrose Street, EC2A 2JN
A dynamic coworking space that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of the City of London. Tailored for ambitious start-ups, scale-ups, and investors, it offers vibrant workspaces, meeting rooms, and event spaces, all designed to cultivate creativity and growth in one of London’s most iconic business districts.
12:25PM – Tour ends
GCUC UK Ticket Holders Sign Up
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Tour
Tour 3
Please note, some locations and timings may change. We will always keep you informed.
Meeting place: Knotel at The Old Sessions House, 22 Clerkenwell Green, EC1R 0NA
Meeting time: 10:00AM
This is exclusive to GCUC London ticket holders, so don’t forget your lanyard. As this is a walking tour with short walks between locations, we suggest being prepared for any weather.
10:00AM – 10:45AM
📍 Knotel at The Old Sessions House
+ Introduction from Yardi
Location: 22 Clerkenwell Green, EC1R 0NA
A premium workspace offering beautifully restored, flexible offices in the heart of Clerkenwell. Blending historic charm with modern functionality, it provides a creative and inspiring environment, complete with state-of-the-art amenities, ideal for businesses seeking a unique and dynamic space in one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
10:45AM – 11:15AM – Walk from Knotel at The Old Sessions House to Uncommon
11:15AM – 11:45AM
📍Uncommon
Location: 81-87 High Holborn, London WC1V 6DF
Located in a prime central London spot, this stylish coworking space offers flexible offices designed with wellness and productivity in mind. Featuring lush interiors, abundant natural light, and a focus on comfort, it provides the perfect environment for businesses and individuals seeking a serene yet dynamic space to work and grow.
11:45AM – 12:00PM – Walk from Uncommon to The Boutique Workspace Company
11:00PM – 12:30PM
📍 The Boutique Workspace Company
Location: Holborn Town Hall, 193-197 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7BD
Housed in the historic Holborn Town Hall, this boutique workspace blends classic architecture with modern design, offering flexible offices in an elegant setting. With high ceilings, period features, and premium amenities, it provides a sophisticated and inspiring environment for businesses seeking a unique and prestigious workspace in central London.
12:30PM – Tour ends