Coworking conferences: yes or no?

If you operate, own or manage a coworking space, attending an industry-specific conference might be on your professional development to-do list. 

Coworking conferences offer numerous benefits that make them well worth your time and investment. But they can also be expensive and distracting from the work at hand.

What to think about before you register for a coworking conference

Not every conference is the right fit for every space or individual. Before registering, consider a few factors:

• Assess the diversity of speakers and attendees. Are there women and people of color lined up to speak? Is there a mix of ages and experiences among the panelists? Do photos from past events look like the community you want to be part of? Look for events that reflect the inclusive spirit of the coworking movement.
• Research the conference organizer's history and focus. Make sure the theme aligns with your space's model and values.
• Consider your budget. Factor in conference pass, travel, accommodations, meals, and time away from operations.
• Determine if the location works for you logistically. Can you afford to be away from your space? What do you need to put into place in order for this event to be effective?
• Review the agenda to see if the sessions match your needs and interests. Look for timely, relevant content.

The coworking movement encompasses a beautiful spectrum of spaces, models, and missions. Not every conference will suit every operator or community. Do your homework to find the best fit for you. Attend with an open yet discerning mindset to maximize your experience.

Go for networking opportunities

One of the greatest advantages of coworking conferences is the chance to network with like-minded professionals. These events attract attendees from all facets of the coworking industry, including space operators, owners, community managers, designers, consultants, vendors and more.

You'll have the opportunity to connect face-to-face with peers from around the world who are navigating the same opportunities and challenges. Coworking conferences facilitate networking through receptions, meals, breakout sessions and open coworking areas where attendees can interact informally.

The relationships you build and connections you make can benefit you long after the conference ends. You may find mentors to learn from, bounce ideas off, or partner with on future projects. Or you could make connections that lead to referrals, job opportunities, professional collaborations, or new friendships with those who understand the coworking industry inside and out.

Attend for thought leadership and trends

The presenters and speakers at coworking conferences offer valuable insights and best practices on a variety of topics relevant to space operators and owners. Expect sessions on leadership, community building, programming, design, business operations, technology, marketing, finance, legal issues, diversity and inclusion, and more. 

You'll glean global perspectives on coworking from thought leaders with experience launching, operating, designing, studying, or consulting with spaces worldwide. Their knowledge can help you take your space to the next level.

Speakers may also include leading voices from outside the coworking niche who provide broader tips on business, workplace trends, real estate, hospitality and other useful areas of expertise.

For example, these are the trending topics that coworking operators need to keep on top of:

1. Return to Office trends

The pandemic dramatically increased remote work and reshaped attitudes toward office utilization. According to a McKinsey survey, over 90% of organizations will be using a hybrid model post-pandemic. This impacts office leasing and layouts. 

Stat: Per JLL Research, only 43% of US office workers expect to return to the office full-time, down from 66% in 2020. 

Source: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/what-employees-are-saying-about-the-future-of-remote-work

2. Flexible work preferences 

Studies show employees increasingly desire location flexibility. 70% view flexibility as a top factor when considering a job. Coworking spaces can meet that demand.

Stat: Upwork research found 59 million Americans freelanced in 2021, representing 36% of the US workforce, up from 35% in 2020. 

Source: https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/freelance-forward-2022

3. Evolving commercial real estate 

Many organizations are rethinking their office portfolios. Hybrid work is decreasing demand for traditional office layouts.

Stat: 39% of real estate executives say flexible space will represent >30% of their portfolio by 2030.

Source: https://www2.deloitte.com/xe/en/insights/industry/real-estate/flex-space-occupier-survey-2022.html

4. Hospitality and Customer Service

Adopting a hospitality mindset is key for coworking spaces to attract and retain members.

Stat: 71% of coworking members say community is an important factor in choosing their space.

Source: https://www.coworkingresources.org/blog/key-coworking-statistics-to-know-in-2022

5. Fostering Community 

Creating meaningful connections and culture is central to the coworking experience.

Stat: 54% of coworking space operators say community-building is their top priority. 

Source: https://www.coworkingresources.org/blog/survey-results-what-coworking-space-operators-prioritize

By attending diverse sessions on the topics that matter to the coworking industry, you can get strategic ideas and actionable tips to improve everything from your layout to community experience. You're bound to discover new approaches worth implementing in your own space

Find the latest technology and innovations

Coworking conferences allow you to stay on top of the latest trends, tools, and innovations relevant to operating a space. Exhibitors showcase cutting-edge technologies, products, and services for coworking and flexible workspaces. You can explore various solutions firsthand to evaluate if they may suit your needs.

Presentations will also cover emerging directions in the industry. This includes things like new space models and layouts, innovative amenities, evolving workplace cultures and habits, shifting neighborhood dynamics, and more.

The sessions give you a glimpse into where coworking is headed so you can keep your space future-ready. They'll prod you to examine and refine your own model for the benefit of members.

By learning what new benchmarks and possibilities exist, you can make decisions from an informed perspective.

Access targeted, accelerated learning

With a packed schedule of varied sessions, you can create a personalized conference curriculum based on your goals, interests, and professional gaps. Scan the agenda in advance and map out which talks to attend. 

Target relevant topics that align with your space's weak spots or areas you aim to expand into. Soak up specifics on finances, marketing, community development, design thinking, leadership techniques, software integration, legal concerns, diversity initiatives - the list goes on.

Many conferences also incorporate hands-on workshops so you can apply what you learn through interactive problem solving. These sessions deliver tangible takeaways you can put into practice immediately after the event.

Find inspiration and motivation 

Being surrounded by passionate, invested coworking professionals provides a dose of inspiration and motivation. Their energy and ideas will reinvigorate your commitment to creating community, enabling collaboration, and supporting meaningfulness through your space.

During downtime between sessions, engage fellow attendees in conversations about why they got into coworking and what they find rewarding about the work. Their stories will remind you of the deeper purpose behind your space and prompt reflection on your original vision.

You'll return home energized, with restored purpose, and eager to implement changes. Surrounding yourself with people who embrace innovation and progress fuels your drive to keep evolving your own space.

Build your confidence and grow your business

Being among leaders and pioneers in the coworking space can make your own achievements feel modest, but it also demonstrates how much you've accomplished already. Recognize that you belong to the same community of trailblazers. Have the confidence to share your own expertise while continuing to learn from others.

After attending presentations, you may feel reassured that many spaces grapple with the same struggles. Challenges you face don't mean you've failed, but that you're participating in the natural growing pains of an emerging industry. Conferences are a reminder you're part of a supportive community facing the future together.

Tips for making the most of coworking conferences

Take advantage of these tips to maximize your conference participation:

• Arrive open-minded, with goals but no rigid agenda. Allow spontaneity and serendipity.
• Introduce yourself to at least 5 new people each day.
• Come prepared with business cards and any relevant materials about your space. 
• Identify speakers and companies you want to connect with. Follow up with them afterward.
• Take notes during sessions so you retain key insights. Discuss takeaways with colleagues back home.
• Participate actively in workshops and breakout discussions to fully engage.
• Ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your genuine interest.
• Balance solitary reflection with social interaction to recharge.
• Capture action items and next steps before leaving the conference.
• Once home, promptly follow up with your new connections.

The relationships, insights, inspiration and innovation you'll gain from attending a coworking conference can pay dividends for your space long after it's over. You'll return equipped with fresh expertise and connections to enrich your community and elevate your operations. Don't miss out on these rewarding opportunities for professional development and industry engagement. Sign up for the next leading coworking conference!