Agenda Manchester

Connect with our team, grab your lanyard, dive into roundtable sign-ups, explore our sponsors, greet fellow attendees, and recharge with a cup of coffee. Let the event excitement begin!

Welcome from GCUC UK Producer, Emilie Lashmar.

In recent years, there has been a remarkable shift in how people work and where they choose to work. With the rise of remote work and flexible arrangements, regional and commuter towns have emerged as hotspots for professionals seeking a better work-life balance outside major urban centres.

Join us as we uncover the unique challenges and opportunities facing regional and commuter towns and discuss strategies to harness the power of coworking and flexible workspaces to breathe new life into the heartlands of our communities.

A dynamic panel session challenging the notion that boutique, indie or affordable spaces are destined to struggle amidst the changing landscape of the industry. While the coworking landscape encompasses a spectrum ranging from intimate community hubs to sprawling corporate real estate, there is ample space for diverse players to thrive. Our discussion will emphasise the importance of focusing on members and serving their unique needs, rather than succumbing to rivalry or overshadowing concerns about commodification.

In this session, we’ll explore how boutique, indie or affordable spaces coworking spaces can leverage their inherent strengths – such as fostering genuine connections, promoting collaboration, and nurturing vibrant communities – to carve out a niche and make a lasting impact. By embracing their authenticity and staying true to their values, “small” operators can navigate challenges such as sustainability, pandemic recovery, and competition from larger entities.

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!

Do you need to be a B Corp? This debate will explore the need and efficacy of sustainability certifications like B Corp in the workspace and flex industry. It will provide an opportunity for members to express what they require and the moderator, with his extensive knowledge of company needs, will guide the discussion. Initially, the audience will vote on the topic. This will be followed by presentations of arguments both in favour of and against the motion. Finally, a second vote will be cast by the audience. The purpose of this structured debate is to offer a deeper understanding of the role and necessity of such certifications in promoting sustainability.

Help yourself to a delicious lunch, mingle and check out our sponsors.

Participants will collaborate and gain valuable insights into the world of coworking. Each group will focus on a specific challenge or question related to coworking, allowing participants to discuss and share their expertise as well as make deeper connections.

We aim to provide an enriching experience, enabling participants to gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the coworking industry.

We’ve gathered five industry leaders for a lightning-speed round of insights. Each leader will showcase their ‘Best of Hospitality’ perspectives with just two slides, offering a rapid-fire glimpse into the strategies, practices, or experiences that define top-tier hospitality in coworking spaces.

From member engagement tactics to design elements, our dynamic panel will share their game-changing approaches to elevate the hospitality quotient in shared workspaces. Join us for a whirlwind of wisdom, glean practical takeaways, and witness a diverse array of perspectives.

Join us for this fireside chat as we dive into the essential processes and considerations involved in scaling your business operations. Learn what data investors and stakeholders want to see and what technology and data requirements are necessary as you grow from 1 to 10 to 50 spaces. Discover how to streamline multi-site operations and ensure your numbers are accurate and factual. Gain insights into the importance of trusting your data and explore options for incorporating AI into your tech stack.

This session is an invaluable opportunity to understand how to establish transparency and make informed decisions as you scale your business.

Delve into the critical aspects of designing and building a productive and sustainable coworking space. Topics to be discussed will include the pros and cons of new construction versus retrofitting, cost management, and space efficiency. We’ll also explore the importance of flexible use of space, what are the changing needs of the workforce?

The panel will highlight the need for integrating sustainability initiatives in design and build processes. Lastly, we’ll discuss how your physical space can authentically represent your brand. Join us as we navigate the intricate journey of creating coworking spaces that are not only functional and cost-effective, but also environmentally conscious and true reflections of your brand identity.

Cap off the conference with a splash of relaxation! Join us for rooftop reception drinks—an opportunity to unwind, network, and savour the success of a day well spent, as well as gaze at the Manchester skyline. Cheers to connections made and ideas shared.

To be announced.