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!
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!
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.
We’ll kickstart our day with an insightful presentation, delving into the current landscape of the coworking and flexible workspace industry.
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.
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!
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.
Founder & Director, South East Angels
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.
Help yourself to a delicious lunch, mingle and check out our sponsors.
Dive into deeper conversations and forge meaningful connections in our Workshops & Roundtables session at GCUC UK. This segment features six 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.
Sign ups for these workshops to come.
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.
In an increasingly connected world, the coworking industry continues to expand globally, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Join our panel of international experts as they share insights on how coworking spaces are evolving in different regions. This interactive session will explore how we can leverage the global network built by GCUC, address cross-border collaboration, and identify areas for growth and innovation in the flex space sector.
During the session, attendees will have the chance to engage with panelists through Q&A segments and audience-led discussions, providing valuable opportunities to ask pressing questions and contribute to the conversation on shaping the future of coworking globally.
CEO/Co-Founder, The Commons
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!
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 short Q&A will follow.
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.
Co-Founder and CEO, Coworkies
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.
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.
As the day concludes, let’s come together for a final gathering, the perfect opportunity to reflect before connecting with other attendees over drinks.
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.
To be announced.
Details to be announced shortly.
Details to be announced shortly.
Details to be announced shortly.