Agenda Manchester

Start your day the right way: coffee, breakfast, and great conversations. Grab a fresh brew, fuel up for the day ahead, and meet fellow attendees before we dive into an action-packed agenda.

We’re kicking things off with a big dose of energy, connection, and what to expect over the next two days. Meet the community, get a lay of the land, and hear why this year’s GCUC is all about action, insight, and shaping what’s next — together.

Numbers don’t lie! This session dives into the latest data shaping the UK’s coworking landscape. From occupancy rates to investment trends, find out which markets are thriving, where demand is growing, and what shifts are on the horizon. Perfect for operators, landlords, and investors looking for data-driven insights to inform their next move.

What sets a workspace apart? The best spaces combine smart design, seamless operations, and a strong sense of community. They don’t just function well. They feel right.

This panel explores:

• The key ingredients of high-performing workspaces
• How top operators balance aesthetics, functionality, and culture
• The impact of brand on hiring, community, and long-term success
• Real-world examples of spaces that deliver an outstanding experience
• Regional vs. London-based coworking—what works where, and why

Great workspaces aren’t about big budgets, they’re about thoughtful choices that create a place where people want to be. If you’re building, investing in, or running a space, this session is for you.

Take a breather, grab a snack, and connect with fellow attendees. Whether you’re discussing the latest coworking trends or just taking a moment to recharge, this is your chance to refuel before diving back in.

Flex space is booming. But as landlords dive deeper into coworking, what does it mean for the indie edge? In this high-energy session, we bring together operators, landlords, and industry insiders to explore what the future holds for big flex and the indies – and how we can learn from each other along the way

Expect bold takes, real-world strategies, and live audience polling. This isn’t a clash of titans, but a collaborative deep dive into what resilience, relevance, and reinvention look like in today’s flex market.

Refuel and meet your next big connection over lunch, the best conversations often happen over a good meal!

From Doubt to Dialogue: Women in Flex Luncheon by technologywithin

GCUC Manchester Ticket Holders RSVP here

Join Women in Flex by technologywithin for a bold, practical lunchtime session designed to help women in the flexible workspace industry show up with clarity, confidence, and authentic presence.

Led by Midlife & Personal Growth Coach Lisa Quait, this energising 45-minute workshop offers a real-talk space for women who want to craft an introduction that feels like them—not like something from a script.

Through interactive coaching, breath work, and peer-to-peer conversation, you’ll explore how to:

• Reframe imposter syndrome and own your unique value
• Use breathwork and visualisation to tap into calm, grounded confidence
• Craft a pitch that reflects your personality, passions, and purpose
• Practise real-world tools to build connection through conversation, eye contact, and presence
• Take one practical action this week to step into your influence

Whether you’re building your profile, stepping into a leadership role, or simply want to show up with more confidence in everyday conversations, this session will leave you with practical tools and fresh motivation.

Get hands-on with expert-led workshops designed to give you practical, actionable strategies in key areas of coworking success.

GCUC Manchester Ticket Holders RSVP here

1️⃣ Low Cost, High Impact: ESG on a Budget

Think ESG needs a big budget? Think again. This session is part case study, part creative challenge. You’ll hear how operators like Chris Griffin, General Manager at Koba have delivered high-impact sustainability wins for under £5k — and then you’ll get hands-on.

In groups, you’ll design your own ESG initiative to roll out in the next 6 months. We’ll explore what’s possible, who leads it, how to measure it — and then pitch back to the room.

Expect fresh ideas, practical takeaways, and a little competitive energy.

Facilitator: Samuel Warren | Sales & Marketing Director, technologywithin

2️⃣ AI & Automations – The Tech Transforming Coworking

AI – beyond the buzzword – it’s here to make us more human. In this forward-thinking session, we’ll explore how artificial intelligence and automation can empower coworking operators and space owners to do what they do best: connect, sell, and build community, while increasing their revenue and margin.

We’ll discuss intelligent sales agents that help you close faster, as well as predictive tools that streamline operations and free up time for member engagement. We’ll unpack the real-world AI that’s already changing the game. We’ll also discuss the role of connected technology and sensors in creating more efficient, sustainable, and healthy workspaces.

Expect an interactive session that blends technical insight with operational wisdom—delivered by those who have lived on both sides of the coworking equation.

Walk away with actionable strategies, AI tools to try, and a fresh perspective on how technology can amplify your people-first mission.

Facilitator: Manuel Conti | CEO, PONT

3️⃣ Can You Flex Enough – To Navigate Your Leadership & Entrepreneurship Journey?

Leadership is hard and complex, and often not talked about. In this session, be prepared for something different. Part round table, part workshop – we will playfully explore and illuminate complex topics. Expect an interactive, dynamic and fun learning environment. Prepare for some ‘serious play’ and gain deep insights into the rules of the games leaders play.

Walk away with insights, strategies & connections to apply to your business immediately.

Facilitator: Claire Carpenter | Claire Carpenter Coaching

4️⃣ Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Content Studio at MediaCity with Consensus Workspace

Join Consensus Workspace for a focused talk and guided tour of Media City including recently completed case studies, exploring how flex operators or small businesses can optimise cost and space utilisation in both conventional and serviced office environments.

We’ll look at practical strategies, layouts, and the trade-offs between flexibility and long term value. Whether you’re reviewing your current space , planning ahead or considering growth out of flex into conventional, this session offers valuable insight into smarter workplace design, cost and development decisions

Facilitator: George Tilbury | Commercial Director, Consensus Workspace

A quick reset before the next sessions. Use this time to stretch, check emails, or grab a fresh drink before we dive into more high-impact discussions.

How has the residential sector used tech to boost efficiency, cut costs, and improve the user experience? And what can coworking learn from it? In this session, Urban Bubble and Yardi explore lessons from property management at scale — from automation to predictive maintenance — and how operators can apply them to future-proof their spaces.

Need an energy boost? Grab a coffee, tea, or snack and use this time to chat with fellow operators, investors, and flexspace leaders. The perfect moment to exchange ideas and business cards before we head into the final sessions of the day.

At GCUC, we know that community isn’t just a warm-and-fuzzy concept — it’s the backbone of every thriving coworking space. In this fireside chat, we’re bringing together two international heavyweights who’ve spent over two decades shaping and studying coworking communities around the world.

Jonathan O’Byrne (Singapore, Collective Works) and Pauline Roussel (Berlin, Coworkies) will explore how community has evolved into the defining factor for coworking success — and why it’s now a business essential, not a bonus.

Celebrate a day of learning, insight, and connection with a well-earned drink.

Join us for reception drinks at the Content Studio, MediaCity — the perfect wind-down before we head into the city for the official afterparty at Colony Silk Street.

📍 Reception Location: Content Studio, MediaCity

🕔 Right after the last session, before we make our way to Colony.

See you there — glass in hand.

GCUC Manchester Ticket Holders RSVP here

The learning’s done — now it’s time to let loose.

Join us for the official GCUC UK afterparty at Colony Silk Street, home to what might just be the best rooftop view in Manchester.

Expect drinks, music, and proper coworking camaraderie as we toast to a day well spent.

About Colony:

An award-winning coworking and flexible workspace operator, Colony is behind seven standout venues across Manchester. Born from the idea that workspaces should fuel creativity and connection, their spaces are designed as “petri dishes” — thriving environments where ideas, people, and communities grow.

We’re thrilled to partner with Colony for the official afterparty.

📍 Location: Colony, Silk Street

🕖 Time: From 7PM – badge required for entry

GCUC Manchester Ticket Holders RSVP here

You’ll need to be a GCUC UK ticket holder to attend, please bring your lanyard. Attendees will receive an email next week to select their preferred tour, as well as sign up for workshops and the afterparty.

GCUC Manchester Ticket Holders RSVP here

You’ll need to be a GCUC UK ticket holder to attend, please bring your lanyard.