Agenda London

Wednesday 8 October & Thursday 9 October

The agenda is fluid and we reserve the right to adapt programming. Speakers are added as they are confirmed.

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Event Schedule

8:00 am - 9:00 am

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Breakfast & Networking

We’re kicking things off with energy and connection, setting the tone for the next two days. Meet the community, get your bearings, and hear why this year’s GCUC is focused on action and fresh insights. You’ll have the choice of structured networking sessions or simply grabbing a coffee and catching up with old friends — it’s all about starting strong, together.

9:00 am - 9:10 am

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Welcome to GCUC UK

Join Emilie Lashmar, GCUC UK Director and Producer, and our MC as we open GCUC UK with an energising welcome.

Emilie Lashmar


Director & Producer, GCUC UK

9:10 am - 9:50 am

Presentation

Let’s All WIN: The Workspace Intelligence Network

WIN isn’t theory. It’s data direct from the coalface—shared anonymously by operators, for operators. Born out of frustration with guesswork and broker spin, WIN delivers clarity: who’s profitable, where demand’s rising, what ESG spend really looks like.

9:50 am - 10:30 am

Panel

Fit-Out, Funded, and Future-Proofed: A Flex Investment Deep Dive

What turns a flex space from a good idea into a serious investment? This panel lays it bare.

We follow Foundry’s real-world journey from independent operator to institutionally backed brand powered by Legal & General’s investment and Interaction’s fit-out expertise. It’s a full-circle view of how operators scale, what gets investors over the line, and the critical role physical space plays in that decision.

Legal & General will unpack what they look for when funding flex: the KPIs that matter, the red flags that don’t make the pitch deck, and how operator mindsets influence outcomes.

Interaction, design and build partner on this rollout, will show how they helped translate ambition into investable reality. From design standards to delivery timelines, they’ll reveal what makes a space not just look good, but perform for investors.

10:30 am - 11:15 am

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Mid-morning Snack & Networking Break

Refuel with a tasty bite and a cuppa while you chat with fellow attendees. Whether you want to swap ideas, meet new faces, or just take a breather, this is your chance to connect and recharge before the next session.

11:15 am - 11:55 am

Panel

Is Coworking Finally Growing Up?

Coworking isn’t the upstart anymore — but is it acting its age? As the industry matures, flex is colliding with everything from boutique hotels to build-to-rent models. Operators are scaling. Investors are circling. Users are expecting way more. This session brings together leaders from across operational real estate to explore: where are we now, what does “grown-up” really look like, and how do we make flex space a serious, sustainable asset class?

11:55 am - 12:35 pm

Panel

Circular by Design: Rethinking the Workspace Lifecycle

Sustainability isn’t a sideline anymore. It’s fast becoming the deciding factor—for investors, for occupiers, and for operators who want to stay in the game.

This panel tackles the circular economy through a workspace lens: what it really takes to design, retrofit and operate spaces that tread lighter, waste less, and deliver more.

We’ll hear how tech is driving down emissions without driving up costs. How data is helping operators make smarter sustainability decisions. And how retrofitting, not rebuilding, is the fastest route to greener space at scale.

12:35 pm - 2:00 pm

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Lunch & Networking

Take a well-earned break, enjoy a delicious lunch, and make the most of unhurried conversations with fellow attendees. It’s the perfect time to deepen connections, share ideas, and maybe spark your next big collaboration.

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Workshop

Workshops & Roundtables

Dive into hands-on workshops and lively roundtable discussions designed to spark ideas and tackle real challenges. Whether you’re looking for practical skills or fresh perspectives, these sessions are your chance to roll up your sleeves, share experiences, and learn from the best — and each other.

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm

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Break & Networking

Grab a snack, stretch your legs, and catch up with new and familiar faces. This is your moment to recharge, reflect on the day so far, and continue building connections before the next session kicks off.

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Keynote

AI, automation & the end of work?

If AI is transforming how we work, live, and create — what does the future hold?

This keynote, followed by a fireside explores the big, urgent questions about artificial intelligence and its ripple effects across industries, careers, and communities. As automation reshapes entire sectors, how do we adapt our workspaces, business models, and skillsets?

4:00 pm - 4:40 pm

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Break & Networking

Pause, refuel, and take the chance to spark new connections. Whether you fancy a quick coffee chat or a deeper dive with fellow attendees, this break is your time to share ideas, swap stories, and build relationships that could last long after the event.

4:40 pm - 5:20 pm

Presentation

Join, Don’t Just Buy — Building Future-Ready Brands in Flex

Brand used to be what you said. Then it became what people said about you. Now? It’s what people do with you.

This presentation, then fireside explores the blurred lines between brand, experience, community and culture and why operators need to think like media companies as much as landlords. We’ll explore:

  • What actually builds trust and belonging?
  • Why your online presence is more than a sales funnel—it’s your social proof
  • How to create content, space and systems that spark genuine connection

5:20 pm - 5:30 pm

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Close

We’ll wrap up with key takeaways, final thoughts, and a heartfelt thank you for being part of GCUC UK. Reflect on what you’ve learned, celebrate new connections, and leave inspired to shape the future of work.

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

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Reception Drinks

Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks and conversation. Unwind after a packed day, celebrate new connections, and toast to the future of work with fellow attendees. The perfect way to round off the day in good company.

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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Afterparty

Keep the energy going into the evening with our official afterparty! Expect good music, great chats, and a chance to let your hair down with new friends. Venue and timings coming soon.