
Program
November 27th
09.00 - 18.00
Porto Coworking Tour - More than 12 coworking and co-living spaces open their doors for a personal visit to the Coworking Europe delegates (Self-Guided)
Self-guided Coworking Tour of coworking and co-living spaces in Porto.
More than 12 creative environments to visit within Porto and the Great Porto area at your pace.
Check out the Coworking Tour Map and Calendar to be published for delegates.
(Participating coworking spaces will be listed with the time slots available for a guided visit)
Ending after 6.00 PM.
19.30 - 21.30
Pre-Conference Meetup proposed by Shared Access (pre-registration requested)
Our partner Shared Access is happy to invite you drinks and canapés at World of Wine, one of Porto’s most spectacular locations, entrance in front of the Christmas tree, on the left, inside, Piso 3 (registered people only, check the conference app). One also can get in from the inside.
Fade out your coworking tour and warm-up with the conference crowd over a cool drink.
November 28th
08.45
Registration and Morning Coffee
09.50 - 10.00
Word of Welcome
- Jean-Yves Huwart, Coworking Europe
- Nuno Trigo, Vertical Coworking
Arquivo Room
10.00 - 10.15
Deskmag Survey - How are big players and independent operators living along one another while flex demand keeps growing in the EU
Keynote – Deskmag 2023 Coworking Survey.
Presentation of the main findings in the Deskmag 2023 Coworking Survey.
- Carsten Förtsch, Deskmag.
The Arquivo Room
10.15 - 10.30
Instant Group - Flexible office market main trends and forecast in Europe from 2023 data
Keynote – Flex and Coworking Main Trends in Europe.
- James Rankin, Head of Research at Instant Group.
The Arquivo Room
10.30 - 10.45
How coworking users profiles are changing and main trends in Europe
Keynote –
What have been the main changes one noticed in the coworking market in Europe over the last couple of years? Between corporates, governments, teams, company departments, nomad workers, individual freelancers, industries, etc. the occupiers in coworking spaces are more and more diverse. What are the different motivations? Can operators address different demands, in nature or size, in the same way? What do the data and observations tell in Europe in that regard?
A journey across the European coworking landscape with Emma Swinnerton, the Head EMEA of Flexible Workspace at Cushman & Wakefield.
- Emma Swinnerton, Head of Flexible Workspace EMEA Cushman & Wakefield
The Arquivo Room
10.45 - 11.30
Is the whole office market in Europe becoming flex?
Panel –
The conversation will be over the changing trends in the flex market some of the most important international coworking players in Europe are currently seeing. What do they see in terms of the transformation of the workspace market? Is Flex really eating market shares from the whole office market? Two years after COVID-19, was hybrid working an illusion, or is it clearly transforming the way companies envision their workspace needs? The Corporate Real Estate market is going through a crisis in some metros: is it an opportunity for flex workspace operators or could they be awash by the wave? Do you observe divergences between the workspace needs of the international tech-savvy workforce, on the one hand, and the more traditional local businesses eager to stay in more traditional models, on the other hand? Have some things changed with respect to the way you design your own facilities, nowadays, as opposed to 3-4 years ago? Have “working” functions changed in one way or another, reflecting a need to rethink space layout and flex products? Has the overall size of accommodated teams grown up or is the occupation more distributed between locations? How, as international operators, do you leverage your international network? What about local partnerships?
- Oliver Lehmann, General Manager Mindspace Germany,
- Rasa Strumskyte, Co-Founder & VP of Business Development at Talent Garden.
- Jiyaad Abdula, Managing Director VentureX Portugal
Moderated by Jean-Yves Huwart, SocialWorkplaces.com
The Arquivo Room
11.30 - 12.15
Coffee Break
Take a break and network with other participants.
12.15 - 13.00
Housing and co-living projects soon to become the main providers of coworking services locally?
Panel –
Housing projects integrate more and more coworking services into the whole package of services proposed to new owners. Co-living providers also more and more propose coworking services on top of the core accommodation amenities they offer their customers in the short or longer term.
– How is the convergence of mixed coliving and coworking spaces driving the growth of flex services, nowadays, in Europe?
– Will co-living and coworking pure players become competitors or partners?
– To what extent are residential areas becoming high-potential zones of interest for the growth of coworking spaces?
– Will coworking in my neighborhood be the solution to address the need for more coworking capacities in towns and more remote areas?
– What do residential property project developers know and don’t know about service-oriented environments and workplace hospitality?
– What new possibilities arise from combining these spaces, fostering collaboration and a sense of community?
Discussion with some of the most advanced players in Europe in the rising mixed housing/co-living + coworking model, with some very ambitious integrated projects.
- Nuno Trigo (Vertical),
- Josie Baum (ARC Club),
- Tom Heckmans (The Villy).
Moderated by Liz Elam, Founder of GCUC
The Arquivo Room
12.15 - 13.00
Pricing policy - How to manage your coworking product pricing in times of high inflation? Lessons from now and for the future
Panel –
– What are the main challenges faced by coworking spaces when managing pricing during periods of high inflation, and how can they effectively navigate these challenges?
– How can coworking operators strike a balance between maintaining profitability and ensuring affordability for customers in times of high inflation?
– What strategies or pricing models have proven to be effective in managing coworking product pricing during inflationary periods?
– What about product bundles?
– How can coworking operators utilize data to make informed pricing decisions?
– What are the key lessons learned from managing coworking product pricing during the current inflationary period, and how can these lessons be applied to future scenarios of economic instability?
- Carlos Goncalves (Avila Spaces),
- Lisa Zeitlin (CitySpace),
- Tudor Popp (Hotspot)
- Nevena Bacheva (Ahoy Berlin)
Moderated by Pauline Roussel, Co/Author of “Around The World in 250 Coworking Spaces”
D. Maria Room
12.15 - 13.00
How to have corporate clients signing up to flex workspace offerings: from the first contact up to having a European wide solution
Keynote –
A journey into a range of real corporate customer cases who opted for flex workspace solutions, from the initial demand up to the closing of a deal.
What are/were the most sensitive points to address? How to handle the high quality requirements and what are the guarantees that can be supplied? Why can local coworking providers play a very good card to be part of a global solution? Why is the trend to diversify providers a good thing for them? How to handle ESG and IT security requests?
- Tom Sleigh, Head of Flexible Workspace EMEA Colliers
D. Luis Room
13.00 - 14.15
Lunch Break
Eat something & network!
13.45 - 14.10
Presentation of Worktech Academy Trend Report 2023 sponsored by Zapfloor
S. Joao Room
14.15 - 15.00
New technologies to make coworking operations leaner and tenant experience better - An overview of the state of the art and soon to come innovative solutions
Panel –
– Introduction of technology providers, focus, and latest innovations
– What are the tech breakthroughs they have seen, lately, enabling better coworking operations?
– What are the ones coming and to which coworking operators should prepare themselves?
– How about product innovation allowed by newly introduced technology possibilities coworking operators could invest in to increase and diversify revenue streams?
– How far can user friendliness go? For users, can everything be monitored and managed via one individual member’s provided coworking app?
– How about data privacy and security? How to best address tenants’ concerns?
– Where and when should technology hide in order to let human interaction take the lead and make coworking spaces social and livable?
– Are APIs always the perfect way to manage tech integration? How about no-code options and easy-to-integrated plug-ins?
– Implementing new technology solutions: what are the do’s and don’ts to reduce as much as possible time and resources allocation?
- Justin Harley (Yardi)
- Christian Schmitz (SALTO),
- Sam Jackman (Shared Access)
- Boris Marinov (Officernd),
- Jochen Schurich (Tapkey).
Moderated by Zoe Ellis-Moore, CEO and Founder of Spaces to Places.
The Arquivo Room
14.15 - 15.00
Greater Porto and New Projects in Town
Panel –
Presentation of the Program Greater Porto by the City Council.
The unprecedented symbiosis between Matosinhos, Porto, and Gaia reimagine the future of the region, highlights the unique differentials of each city, and opens up new horizons for investment opportunities. Experience an urban ecosystem, dynamic and constantly reinvented, innovating in the development of key areas such as Tourism, Business, and Technology. Two Examples of big and successful growth projects, like Lionesa Business Hub, which is now taking the concept to new heights, promising to offer a unique and inspiring dimension of community, fostering collaboration and innovation, and one new project dedicated to revitalizing the Matadouro of Porto City located in Campanhã, transforming a derelict area into an environment that perfectly blends dynamic workspaces with enriching cultural experiences. These projects synthesize the commitment to crafting collaborative and inspiring environments, shaping the future of work and creativity.
- Ricardo Valente – Porto City Councilor,
- Eduarda Pinto (LBH),
- Pedro Ramos (Emerge).
Moderated by Nuno Trigo (Vertical Coworking)
D. Maria Room
14.15 - 15.00
People Management - How to recruit and assemble the best coworking operation team?
Panel –
Coworking is a hospitality business where human service and interaction remain a key part of the value provided to the member How to determine the perfect job description in 2023?
– What are the functions to be covered?
– Is multi-tasking the golden criterion to emphasize or should one move away from it?
– What are the soft skills that should be given the highest priority in 2023? How to deal with the departure of key people to whom the community is attached and who embodies the space culture?
– Should hospitality and sales responsibilities be assigned to the same individuals? If not, why and how to deal with it?
– Can one remotely manage coworking operations?
– In what ways can coworking operators attract and retain talent?
– How are operators implementing internal mobility programs to enhance the skills of their teams?
– Is part-time employment a viable option? Is it advisable to hire talent from within the local communities?
All those questions and more will be addressed by best-in-class operators who will share their experience and tips.
- Naiara Chaler (Attico)
- Benjamin Nick (Unicorn),
- Alexandra Livesey (Clockwise),
- Jamie Apostolou (Second Home).
Moderated by Suzanne Murdock, Co-Founder The Hub Newry
D. Luis Room
15.10 - 15.55
Why are Real Estate property companies becoming the main investors and supporters of the coworking industry?
Panel –
In Europe, property companies represent a significant percentage of the investors behind some of the most important coworking brands. Will all real estate property companies eventually establish their own coworking brands? How do they implement this? Can real estate-supported brands expand their offerings to all countries, or are they limited by the real estate portfolio they own? Is the investment policy now influenced by the coworking market opportunities available in a particular location? How can a company transition from considering coworking as a nice-to-have feature to making it a business line that becomes one of the main drivers of growth? Has coworking become the primary solution that real estate companies are implementing to address the challenges of hybrid working and the pressure it puts on the traditional office market in some regions and cities?
- Fernando Ramirez (Merlin Properties), (Spain),
- Ewelina Kaluzna (Skanska), (Poland),
- Alexandra Livesey (Castleforge / Clockwise)
Moderated by Jean-Yves Huwart, Founder SocialWorkplace
The Arquivo Room
15.10 - 15.55
Getting a sustainability label certification (B.Corp, ESG,...) - Why is it worth the effort for coworking spaces and members?
Panel –
– What are the main benefits and motivations for coworking spaces to pursue sustainability label certifications such as B. Corp?
– Do these certifications enhance the image and reputation of coworking spaces? Internally (better processes), externally (brand perception), both?
– How much sweat and money had to be invested in it? How to assess the return on investment?
– How can sustainability label certifications impact the daily operations of coworking spaces management?
– What are the most significant changes or improvements that were made because of the certification? (testimonials)
– Does labelisation or certification helps with marketing, talents, and members’ attraction and retention?
– From a sales perspective, do sustainability label certifications influence the perception and decision-making process of potential clients or tenants?
– What are the downsides of such certifications?
Operators who went through the process will share their experience about label implementation, the good surprises, and the pains.
- Manuel Bastos (HEDEN),
- Cliff Ho (The Commons),
- Teresa Jackson (Collabor8te),
- Charles Armstrong (The Trampery).
- Mike Bascombe (Incendium, part of The Instant Group).
Moderated by Claire Carpenter, Founder of Creatingconnections.org
D. Maria Room
15.10 - 15.55
Embracing AI in Coworking to Drive Marketing Success: Practical Use Cases and Discussion
Keynote –
Join us for an exciting talk diving into the world of AI and its practical applications in 2 coworking/coliving spaces: Coliving Semkovo and Coconat.
Discover how ChatGPT and other AI tools can transform day-to-day operations and marketing efforts in coworking environments. In this session, we’ll explore real-life examples and simple strategies, and offer easy-to-understand insights into the future of coworking through AI. Don’t miss out!
This text was written with assistance from ChatGPT.
- Matthias Zeitler (Coworking Bansko + Coliving Semkovo).
- Julianne Becker (Coconat)
D. Luis Room
15.55 - 16.30
Coffee Break & Network
Take a break & network!
16.05 - 16.30
Meet with national Coworking and Flex Workspaces Association
Some countries have set up a national association. Eduardo Salsamendi, the president of Proworkspaces, the Spanish Flex Workspaces Association, proposes to the other existing or soon-to-exist national/regional coworking associations to introduce themselves. All those considering setting up a local coworking association are welcome. The purpose is to get in touch and to trigger future conversations or collaborations.
S. Joao Hall
16.30 - 17.20
Direct sales, SEO, online aggregator, brokerage, events: how to build the right sales arsenal to maximize coworking lead generation?
Panel –
– How can sales leads be generated for different coworking products?
– How can the increasing number of online platforms and aggregators be effectively addressed?
– Can brokers become the best allies for coworking space operators, particularly for smaller prospects?
– How has the rise of hybrid working demands affected the overall market?
– Is local prospecting more rewarding than national campaigns?
– Are events still effective in bringing in new leads?
– Do SEO, social media, and email marketing strategies need to adapt to a more competitive flexible workspace environment?
– When should a direct sales team be hired? – Should operators consider bundling offerings with third parties (such as smart mobility solutions)?
– How can the demands of larger tenants or multi-location needs be successfully addressed?
Many practical questions will be addressed during this high-level session gathering operators and online service providers.
- Ed Bouterse (Workthere),
- Nir Kelner (Brain Embassy).
- Caro Windlin (1000 Sateliites),
- Fredrik Sköld (Genetor),
- Eyal Lasker (Flexspace).
Moderated by Zoe Ellis-Moore, CEO and Founder of Spaces to Places.
The Arquivo Room
16.30 - 17.20
Is the rise of profession-focused spaces the next big thing for the growth of the coworking industry?
Panel –
With the maturation of the flex workspace market, new opportunities arise to develop profession-focused coworking models, for instance for lawyers, researchers, doctors, therapists, even barbers and more.
This panel gathers representatives of coworking operators who built a successful niche brand for these respective professions. Is that one of the future of coworking?
During this discussion, we will have questions such as:
– Why establish a vertically-profession-focused coworking space?
– Why do they see an opportunity in profession-focused coworking spaces? Is the coworking model similar to general coworking services?
– What about access to professional and specific kinds of investment in tools and equipment?
– Can established coworking brands create profession-focused niche brands? – How to spot the specific industry needs or gaps that they aim to address?
– How do they tailor their coworking spaces to meet the unique requirements and preferences of professionals in their specific industries?
– How coworking best practices can be implemented to operate those facilities at best?
– What challenges have you faced so far in operating a profession-focused coworking space?
– How do those coworking spaces facilitate connections and knowledge sharing among professionals within their respective industries?
– Could this trend shape the future of the coworking industry as a whole?
- Joachim Azria (InstaCare),
- Alexander Sporre (Stories),
- Andrea Borrás (TMDC)
- Bruno Rebillé (CDAAP)
Moderated by Pauline Roussel, Co/Author of “Around The World in 250 Coworking Spaces”
D. Maria Room
16.30 - 17.15
How to create impact and collaborate for good in a world of flux: the example of HAN Spaces
Keynote –
While the world around us will continue to shift and change, coworking is a new way of partnership which provides us with creative possibilities and focus to lead the way to drive impact as ecosystem platforms. An example of this was to build resilience and collective strength from coworking spaces and NGOs in response to the devastating 2023 earthquake in Southeast Turkey, providing synergy and support during times of crisis. And the question arises: How can we connect people, start-ups, companies, NGOs, and governmental organizations designing for climate resilience to tackling inequality, from education to empowering local arts and cultures — from cacophony to harmony setting the course for innovative leaders to be resilient and connected as they co-create equitable and sustainable futures for all.
- Gizem Burtecin (Han Spaces).
The D. Luis Room
19.30 - 23.00
Networking Cocktail and Drinks
Networking Gathering offered at Lionesa Business Hub
Welcome word by Lionesa Team and networking activities.
Location : Rua Lionesa, 446 ADM, 4465-671 Leça do Balio
Good opportunity to have informal chat with the delegation and enjoy the Porto delights.
23.00
Closing or more for those who want
November 29th
08.45 - 09.15
Registration and Cloakroom
09.45 - 10.30
Will regional and national brands remain the driving force behind the coworking offering growth in Europe?
- Miguel Ricardo (Sitio),
- Sarah Travers (Workbar),
- Niclas Soor (DoSpace).
- Andreas Widmer (Westhive)
Moderated by Pauline Roussel, “Co/Author of Around The World in 250 Coworking Spaces”.
D. Maria Room
09.45 - 10.30
What is the future of the open space hot-desking product? - How to make it a substantial revenue generator?
- Mélanie Burnier (The Workhub),
- Cecilia Stizza (Yoroom),
- Benjamin Nick (Unicorn),
- Maarten Claes (Zapfloor)
- Axel Kuborn (Silversquare)
Moderated by Liz Elam, Founder of GCUC
D. Luis Room
09.45 - 10.30
Revitalizing sleepy real estate assets through implementing coworking and hospitality services. Three inspiring cases.
Keynote –
How can real estate value be recreated within sleepy under-valued infrastructures, such as outdated industrial or residential buildings, via the implementation of coworking along with hospitality services? Numerous examples demonstrate the successful revitalization of buildings bringing a new soul and using sustainable methods. What are those? How can this be achieved?
Let’s hear from some of the nicest and most creative projects recently implemented in Europe, in three different countries.
- Leon Reiner (Impact Hub Berlin),
- Beatriz Jimenez Pardo (TRIPLE),
- Sam Jackman (Shared Access)
Moderated by Vanessa Sans, Founder of Happy Working Lab
Porto Room
10.40 - 11.25
Shared profits, franchising contracts, managed services...: Which are the best partnership models for landlords to bring flexible amenities in?
Panel –
Shared revenues, profit sharing, co-financing, management agreements, franchising… Many legal asset-light options exist nowadays to lower the financial risk and build partnerships with landlords. Partnerships with landlords can speed up coworking brand’s expansion while it can also be a very effective way for Real Estate operators to enter the world of flexible services, making their facilities more appealing to future tenants.
During this panel discussion, participants will share their experience with implementing the different models, underlining the advantages from the Property owners’ perspective.
– What are the main differences between the different models?
– Why sign up with a coworking franchise brand rather than sign up for a profit-sharing agreement?
– How to assess the proper added value of flexible services and amenities in a building?
– What share of the total revenue generation can or should it represent, as opposed to traditional leasing revenues?
– How can the right balance be found between short-term gains and long-term costs?
– What are some common legal pitfalls to be aware of, and how can they be mitigated?
– How can operators effectively communicate the value and benefits of coworking spaces to conservative landlords who may have limited familiarity with the concept?
– What level of guarantee should be reached to initiate a productive discussion with a conservative landlord?
– How can coworking operators proactively address potential challenges or conflicts that may arise during the lease agreement, ensuring a smooth and successful partnership with the landlord?
This conversation will focus on the practices and arguments that maximize the chances of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement between a landlord and an operator.
- John Milhado (Office Improvers),
- Ian Chitsungo (VentureX),
- Romain Mefret (Bureaux&Co),
- Ashok Balabhaskarane (Wojo).
Moderated by Emma Swinnerton, Head of Flexible Workspace EMEA at Cushman & Wakefield.
D Maria Room
10.40 - 11.25
Make your virtual office services the most thriving and profitable business of your coworking offering
Keynote –
Piloto151 has been one of the most successful coworking spaces in its region of origin. The company and its team have become one of the most successful operators of Virtual Offices. How to transform Virtual Office services into you more profitable service?
- Sofia Stolberg (Piloto Mail).
D. Luis Room
10.40 - 11.25
Building a European brand with a local soul: How to fit-in and stand-out with a community of local and global guests?
Keynote –
Looking at how The Social Hub integrates itself into foreign markets: What have they learned from the experiences of setting up spaces in the Netherlands, Italy, or Spain? How do they create consistent experiences across different locations? How do they integrate the local culture into the overall experience of each location?
- Maria Piovano The Social Hub),
- Jason Steere (The Social Hub).
Porto Room
11.25 - 12.10
Coffee Break & Network
Take a break & network!
11.25 - 12.10
Live online discussion with leaders of the Japanese Coworking Scene
S. Joao Room
12.10 - 13.00
How to build on your difference as an independent local coworking brand?
Panel –
Professional independent coworking operators represent the majority of the flex workspace offering in Europe – What can independent operators do to maintain a competitive advantage as opposed to bigger players? Is “boutique” coworking just a buzzword? How to differentiate from the standard services? How can they differentiate themselves in terms of marketing, positioning, tactics, and strategy? Do smaller coworking spaces mean smaller customers? Are local champions the only ones able to deliver a customized service to local demand? How to generate synergies with a limited number of locations? What can partnerships bring (local suppliers, third-party coworking spaces, etc.)? Is access to capital a bigger challenge and how to fund a footprint growth? Is focusing on a geographical backyard the key to success or is geographical expansion a good option? What about embracing a vertical niche? How to accompany a steadily more distributed workforce with a more spread-out geographical presence? – How can independent operators leverage technology and digital platforms to enhance their visibility, connectivity, and overall footprint? – Are there any specific approaches or best practices you created to nurture partnerships with local businesses, organizations, or communities? – How can independent players leverage their flexibility and agility to adapt to changing market trends and member demands? – What are the key considerations when it comes to selecting the right location or expanding?
- Maudy Westerverl (EBC),
- Carlos Goncalves (Avilla Spaces),
- Tudor Popp (Hotspot).
- Maria Cadena Rutllan (Cloudworks)
Moderated by Vanessa Sans, Founder of Happy Working Lab
D. Maria Room
12.10- 13.00
How to optimize events strategy to make it the best engaging tool?
Panel –
Events hosting is one of the best actions any coworking community can activate to foster connection, visibility, and engagement. The panel’s participants will share some of their best practices as well as how they address their events hosting policy. What is the importance of own events with respect to the overall communication and marketing strategy of a space? In terms of marketing and engagement, are many small events better than less regular big events? Does a space or a network of space need a dedicated event manager? How important a revenue source should event hosting be in the overall turnover of a coworking space? What shall be the average size of the main event room as a proportion of the total space size? How to best support third-party-organized events in terms of mutually benefiting partnerships? How to make events a leads generator for the coworking space service and how to follow up with them sales-wise? How closely related to the space identity or positioning shall events’ topics be (digital, entrepreneurship, sustainable development, professional skills, etc., for instance)? Can technology be used intelligently to foster both weak and strong connections among members, as well as between members and external individuals? What about events for the own community only – how much resources maximum to allocate on this? What factors should be considered to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all? How can one position their coworking space as a magnet for the local ecosystem hosting local partners’ events and what shall be the counterpart? Catering, technology…managed in-house or outsourced to suppliers? Tips to write a quotation for an event hosting with maximum winning chances? This session will discuss the art of building a community strategy that strikes the right balance of engagement. It will look at community-building best practices through physical event organization as well as with online engaging actions.
- Luuk Visser (Microlab),
- Nadia Heinio (Wonderland Work),
- Amogh Mogre (Zapfloor).
- Alice Soru (Open Campus).
Panel moderated by Ivone Cruz, Co-Founder of LINK Cowork & Business
D. Luis Room
12.10 - 13.00
Can a bot run a coworking space? - A business case
Keynote –
At The Living Room Coworking, or simply TLR, in sunny Málaga (Spain), Ken Bensley manages trial days, responds to requests from interested members based on space availability, never forgets a member’s birthday, helps with onboarding, and organises events. Despite working hard, he can never get a hug from a community member because Ken Bensley simply doesn’t exist. Ben Kolp, Ken’s father, will tell us how a bot can help make your life easier. Ben will show us a live demo of how Ken handles trial days based on the spaces’ availability. You’ll learn how you can extend your team with automation, eliminating the need to pay a full salary to someone. You’ll return to your own space after this very practical keynote full of ideas on what to automate in your own space, knowing where to start and what it takes.
- Ben Kolp (The Living Room).
Porto Room
13.00 - 14.15
Lunch Break
Eat something & network!
13.45 - 14.15
Demo Session (proposed by Flexspace) - How to Develop and Implement a Dynamic Pricing Strategy to Boost Revenue
With static pricing, it’s too easy to under-charge for space during peak times, and miss opportunities to fill available inventory during down times. Learn how you can boost revenue and increase occupancy with Flexspace® Dynamic Pricing, the coworking industry’s first dynamic pricing engine built for on-demand bookings. Proposed by Flexspace
S. Joao Room
14.15 - 15.00
Community Management - Best practices for creating a socially engaging environment and a sense of common purpose?
Panel –
– To what extent is the community manager and the hospital vibe the best asset of a coworking space?
– What are the most effective tips and tricks to create a socially engaging environment within a coworking space?
– How to determine the right set of values?
– How can one encourage meaningful connections and interactions among members to foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose?
– Are there specific activities or initiatives that have been successful in promoting a vibrant and inclusive community within coworking spaces?
– How to balance the need for social interaction with the varying preferences and work styles of different members within coworking spaces?
– How can community managers ensure that information flows smoothly and that members are well-informed about events, opportunities, and initiatives?
– Do you actively involve members in shaping the coworking community and fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment?
– How do you teach your team to address conflicts or challenges that may arise within the community, while maintaining a positive and supportive environment?
– How do you assess the success of your community managers’ efforts in creating a socially enabling environment and fostering a sense of common purpose?
– What metrics or indicators can be used to evaluate the strength of the community and the level of member engagement?
– How can technology and digital platforms be effectively leveraged by community managers to enhance community engagement and communication?
- Cecilia Berglund (Baltigruppen),
- Nikolay Bonev (Campus X),
- Robert Beddries (Betahaus Hamburg),
- Maria Svensson Wiklander (Gomoronn).
Moderated by Claire Carpenter, Founder of Creatingconnections.org
D. Maria Room
14.15 - 15.00
What will economic success look like for remote and rural coworking spaces?
Panel –
Coworking spaces in rural areas are per se smaller. It’s more challenging for those to generate economies of scale than big spaces located in cities. At the same time, rural coworking spaces are critical to address to move to the countryside that hybrid working has generated since the Covid time. What are the key considerations for establishing a rural coworking space that can thrive economically? Can the economic sustainability of rural coworking spaces only rely on public funding? How to bring the same quality standards (in terms of furniture, building performances, technology…) in smaller towns and rural areas for coworking? Is a quality standard minimum level necessary? How to communicate the value proposition of a closer-to-home location though smaller in terms of room and services? Can rural coworking spaces foster a sense of community and collaboration as high as in cities? What role automation can play in improving economical sustainability? Best practices? Shall rural coworking operators manage a network of spaces or is a one-location activity enough? How to find the best opportunities for partnership or collaboration between rural coworking spaces and local businesses or organizations to enhance economic viability and mutual benefits? How to create connections with third-party coworking providers? In countries with the highest development of rural coworking, would one already see a shift in terms of workers’ relocations?
This panel will invite leaders in the rural movement to share their insights and strategies on how to create economically viable coworking spaces in remote and rural areas, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities associated with these locations.
- Hans-Peter Sander (CoworkLand),
- Sybille Tschopp (miaEngiadina),
- Stephen Carolan (ConnectedHubs),
- Yoshio Tsuda (Morino-Office Japan).
Panel moderated by Pauline Roussel, Co/Author of “Around The World in 250 Coworking Spaces”
D. Luis Room
14.15 - 15.00
Optimizing your coworking space design for 2023: Incorporating latest trends in online work for enhanced social effectiveness
Keynote –
Does one has to design a coworking space the same way in 2023 we did 5 years ago? How to address new digital work practices? Is social distancing still something in the air? What should be the ratio between social and productive areas for people who nowadays split their working agenda between home and a work spot? How to handle color, creativity, and space identity? What about visual contacts and soundproofed? Francisco Vazquez works with a lot of corporates and keeps track of the change in needs they are experiencing. How shall one translate those trends into the Flex workspace offering of today?
- Francisco Vazquez Medem (3g Group).
Porto Room
15.10 - 15.55
Digital Nomads and local communities - How to create a positive and lasting experience for all? The example of Portugal
Panel –
Portugal has become a magnet for digital nomads who more and more consider long stays in the country to enjoy the Portuguese lifestyle. This growing population of international workers needs to integrate into the local economy. What are the best practices and best approaches to do so seen by Portugal experts and practitioners? The conversation will be the opportunity to go through it addressing all the benefits and challenges. Here are some questions the participants will be asked: What initiatives can coworking spaces implement to help integrate remote and hybrid workers into local communities? Should coworking spaces actively communicate about the net economic benefits that international workers bring, or should this remain a task for the authorities? How important the positive economic impact can be for the local economy? Could it bring international new opportunities for Portugal workers, SMEs, and startups? Can coworking spaces provide safe spaces for skilled refugees seeking to join the workforce? What role do language support and communication play in facilitating the integration of foreign digital nomads? How can coworking spaces measure the success of their efforts in integrating foreign digital nomads? The rise of remote work and hybrid work models has enabled workers to break free from the constraints of location and work from anywhere. However, as the number of remote workers continues to increase, new challenges have emerged.
- Gonçalo Hall (Digital Nomad Association Portugal),
- Ines Petiz (Synergy Cowork),
- Debora Nabais (Second Home)
Moderated by Julianne Becker, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Coconat
D. Maria Room
15.10 - 15.55
Coworking in Ukraine in times of war: trends and challenges of the industry locally.
Keynote –
A testimonial on the challenges and triumphs of managing and growing a coworking business in war-torn Ukraine.
- Ilia Keniigshtein (Creative States, Ukraine).
- Anastasiia Gavrilova, Board member of the Ukrainian Coworking Association + Team Lead Ukrainian chain NAT COWORKING
- Anastasiia Kachan, co-founder and Supervisory Board Member, Ukrainian coworking association.
D. Luis Room
15.10 - 15.55
Coworking growth by merger and acquisition - How to maximize the chances of a successful marriage ? Testimonials : IDEA Spaces + NOW Lisboa and StartDock + X
Keynote –
A focus on how to create a successfully merged entity looking at strategies, best practices, and considerations for successfully merging between coworking operators, including navigating cultural differences, operational integration, member retention, branding, legal and financial considerations, leadership, and lessons learned.
- Joao Simoes (IDEA Spaces),
- Thom Wernke (StartDock).
Porto Room
15.55 - 16.30
Coffee Break & Network
Take a break & network!
16.30 - 17.15
Official launch of the first Roaming service between coworking spaces in Europe: Space Roamer, by Coworking Europe
For many years, coworking operators in Europe have been asking us how we could support the implementation of a system allowing coworking space members to use the services of other coworking spaces in Europe while on the go, with a proper user interface and easy-to-use tracking system. It now exists.
Dozens of locations are now onboarding on the continent. Any local operator can all of a sudden become the provider of an international service to its members and customers. Space Roamer will be introduced with the testimonial of some first operators.
- Jean-Yves Huwart (Coworking Europe, Spaceroamer)
- Robert Faulhaber (Coworking Europe, Spaceroamer)
D. Maria Room
16.30 - 17.15
Attracting & securing an international customer base
Workshop –
In this participatory workshop, we will collaborate to understand the attraction & retention strategies needed to secure 2 types of international customers: the individual digital nomad, and the company/team looking to ‘relocate’.
- Claire Carpenter
- Vanessa Sans (Happy Working Lab)
D. Luis Room
16.30 - 17.15
Turn your coworking space into a garden: How plants create the most enjoyable and inspiring work environment? (Do's and Don'ts)
Keynote –
Plants have become an increasingly common sight in coworking spaces, adding a touch of nature and improving the overall ambiance of the workspace. However, maintaining a healthy and thriving plant collection can be a challenging task for even the most seasoned plant enthusiasts. What are the trials and tribulations of keeping plants alive and what tips and tricks can we learn on how to maintain a thriving plant collection in your space? – Testimonials by inspiring coworking spaces and successful plant lovers.
- Michael Poell (Rochuspark).
- Cornelia Bredt (ARE)
Porto Room
17.30 - 18.00
Wrap-up Conference
Last words and interactive last session
19.00 - 9.00
Farewell Dinner
Join us for an amazing evening at Mercado Bom Sucesso on Day 2! We’ve reserved tables so you can explore and enjoy the diverse food and drinks from a range of stalls (1st floor Mezzanine). It’s a chance to relax, sample delicious treats, and soak up the lively atmosphere. Come along and make the most of this fantastic culinary adventure together! Your company will add to the fun. Food and drinks at your own cost
From 9.00 AM Last Drink for those who want (informal)
Plano B.
Come whenever you want.
(Era uma vez em Paris, the Gin House. Maus Hábitos)
R. de Cândido dos Reis 30, 4050-151 Porto