3:00 PM –  6:00 PM  •  Registration / Badge Pickup

Pick up your name badge, and let us know if you have any questions. We are here to help!

4:00 PM –  5:00 PM  •  GWA Business Meeting

This event is exclusive for GWA Premium Members attending the Flex Forward Conference. We will review 2023 key initiatives and preview 2024. We will have Q&A time for feedback on how the association can better support you and your business.

5:00 PM –  6:00 PM  •  Welcome Reception

Kick off the conference with a warm and engaging networking welcome reception. Connect with fellow operators, landlords, occupiers, and service providers in a relaxed atmosphere, setting the stage for productive discussions and valuable connections throughout the event.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM  •  Networking Breakfast

Don’t miss this chance to jumpstart your day and make valuable connections before the sessions even begin. Rise, shine, and network with us!

9:00 AM – 9:20 AM  •  Welcome Remarks 

Join us for the grand kick-off as GWA’s leadership sets the stage for an event that will propel the flexible office industry to new heights. Inviting operators, landlords, occupiers, service providers, and visionaries alike, to share, connect, network, and forge meaningful connections. 

Megan Brown, Executive Director – Global Workspace Association
Giovanni Palavicini, Board President – Global Workspace Association
Cid Rhomberg, CEO – Brick House Blue

9:30 AM – 10:15 AM  •  Tech & Tools: What are the newest and best ways to efficiently run the space

Discover the cutting-edge technologies and tools that can streamline and optimize your coworking space operations. From management software to smart building solutions, learn how to leverage technology to enhance member experiences and boost overall efficiency.

Matt Newville, Head of Sales – dottid
Kurt Patrick, Business Development Director – essensys
Michael Everts, Product Marketing Manager – OfficeRnD
Warren Hersowitz, Sales Leader – Yardi

9:30 AM – 10:15 AM  •  Leadership Skills: Mastering Success with EOS

Discover the transformative power of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in this dynamic session. Uncover the principles and tools that empower businesses to achieve their vision by aligning teams, gaining traction through focused execution, and fostering a healthier leadership dynamic. Learn how EOS can elevate your organization’s clarity, discipline, and cohesion, driving your team towards unparalleled success.

Tom Thompkins,  Professional EOS Implementer – EOS Worldwide
Tim Slaughter, President – Caddo
Mark Hemmeter, CEO – Hemmeter Ventures

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM  •  Exhibit Hall Break

10:30 AM – 11:15 AM  •  Driving Maximum Value in your Coworking Business

In this session, our three panelists, who each operate unique versions of a shared workspace business, will share their business and impact goals, and the way they structure their business to reach those goals.
We’ll cover topics such as member experience automation, hiring a hospitality-focused staff, incorporating F&B, maximizing memberships that don’t require physical space, and more.

Jamie Russo, CEO – Everything Coworking
Laurent Dhollande, CEO – Pacific Workplaces
Michelle Ottey, Managing Director – Cambridge Innovation Center
David Andras, Founder – Northern Ohio Business Center

10:30 AM – 11:15 AM  •  Sales Success: Mastering the Art of Closing Leads

Maximize real estate sales by asking the right questions, following a structured sales process, and implementing an effective follow-up plan. Learn strategies to increase tour bookings and improve your close ratio, while also exploring the best approaches to initiate marketing efforts, including considerations for discounts and promotions to drive interest and boost occupancy.

Erin Maresko, Business Development Manager – Kiln
Justin Harris, Sales Director – Office Hub
Jillian Brown, Director of Global Occupier Business Development – Avison Young
Marcus Geromes, Co-Founder and CEO – Therapy Space

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM  •  Staffing: How to create the right culture to engage and retain employees

Discover the importance of company culture in attracting and retaining top talent. Explore innovative approaches to foster a positive work environment, empower your team, and build a cohesive workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional member experiences.

Paula Mercer, VP of Operations for Venture X – UFG
John Herring, President – Fuse Workspace
John Egan, Director of Operations – Lucid Private Offices
Nancie Dudash, COO – Quest Workspaces

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM  •  Hospitality: How to build and nurture your community

Community lies at the heart of coworking success. This session will delve into the art of creating a welcoming and inclusive community within your workspace. Learn how to foster connections among members, organize engaging events, and promote a collaborative atmosphere.

Ben Von Drehle, CEO – The Root Coworking
Shai Fogel, General Manager – Mindspace
Morgan Trego, Director of Engagement – Shift Workspaces

12:00 PM – 1:15 PM  •  Lunch on your own

1:15 PM – 2:15 PM  •  Keynote with Dror Poleg: Unveiling the Future of Flex Space

Get a glimpse into the future of the flexible office industry. World-renowned expert on the future of work and our Keynote, Dror Poleg, will discuss emerging trends, technological advancements, and potential disruptions that could shape the way we work and utilize flexible workspaces.

Dror Poleg, Future of Work Expert & Author of Rethinking Real Estate

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM  •  Data-Driven Decisions

Data-driven decision-making is essential for sustainable growth. Join industry leaders in a panel discussion on leveraging data to gain valuable insights, make informed business choices, and adapt to the evolving needs of workspace users.

Mark Gilbreath, CEO – Liquidspace
John Williams, Chief Marketing Officer – The Instant Group

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM  •  Exhibit Hall Break

3:30 PM – 4:15 PM  • State of the Union for CRE

During this fireside chat, we will delve into the perspectives of industry heavy hitters on how they approach deals and investments in the ever-evolving flexible office industry. We will learn the latest trends and strategies that people are adopting to acquire and consolidate properties and brands within the coworking and flexible office space sector.

Brandon Medeiros, Founder – Alidade Partners
Bill Bennett, CEO – Expansive

4:15 PM – 5:00 PM  •  Who’s Using Flex: Unraveling the Dominant Product Types in the Market

Join us in this dynamic session to uncover the latest market trends in the flexible space industry. Discover which product types are currently leading the way and gaining significant traction among users. As the flex space market matures and attracts more prominent players, it becomes crucial to stay informed and adapt to the evolving landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the changing dynamics of flex space utilization and ensure your workspace stays ahead of the curve.

Richie Parsons, Franchise Owner – Venture X
Paul Michaels, CEO – Monoc
Jonna Larson, Director for Center of Federal Coworking – GSA
Jonathon Perrelli,  Managing Director – Fortify Ventures  

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM  •  CMAwards

Find out who we are recognizing as the top U.S. and International Community Managers and what their teams and members say about why they are such top performers. Join us as we celebrate the finalists and name our two 2023 CMAward winners.

Deshawn Brown, Founder/Chief Innovator – Coworks
Sponsored by:

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM  •  Networking Happy Hour

Sponsored by: &

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM  •  Networking Breakfast

Don’t miss this chance to jumpstart your day and make valuable connections before the sessions even begin. Rise, shine, and network with us!

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM  •  Welcome & Day 2 Recap

Recap the highlights and key takeaways from the day’s sessions. This brief overview will help attendees reinforce their learning and prepare for the upcoming sessions.

Giovanni Palavicini, Board President – Global Workspace Association
Cid Rhomberg, CEO – Brick House Blue

9:15 AM – 10:15 AM  • Awaken Your Leadership Potential: The Power of Conscious Hospitality

Be inspired by visionary thought leader who’s renowned for his expertise in intentional leadership, culture, mindset, and growth within the hospitality industry, David Arraya. Bringing his wealth of experiences and profound insights around the transformative power of conscious hospitality, emphasizing that true success lies in fostering emotional bonds and meaningful connections with others. 

David Arraya, COO – Nomade People

10:15 AM – 10:45 AM  •  Exhibit Hall Break

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM  •  Unique Events to Drive Hospitality

Learn about innovative event ideas and experiences that can elevate the level of hospitality in your workspace. From themed gatherings to networking events, explore creative approaches to engage and delight your community.

Cid Rhomberg, CEO – Brick House Blue
Amy Pooser, COO – Convene
Nate Pinsley, Head of Studio – Tishman Speyer

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM  •  Culture Conversation

Join an insightful conversation about the significance of company culture in coworking spaces. Understand how a strong culture can positively impact member satisfaction, team dynamics, and overall business success.

Sari Lash, Director of Brand & Culture – 25N Coworking
Colleen Moselle, COO – Coco
Delphine Smith, Director of Culture & Engagement – Global Strategy Group
Tony Burke, CEO – Pivot Health Advisors

12:15 PM – 1:30 PM  •  Lunch 

1:30 PM – 2:15 PM  •  Networking Round Robin

Kickstart your afternoon with an energizing networking event! Come make new friends, expand your professional network, and forge new partnerships with us!

Kane Willmott, CEO – iQ Offices

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM  •  Embracing Setbacks: Unpacking the Lessons from Failures

Join us as experienced coworking operators pull back the curtain on their most challenging moments. Through their candid stories, discover the transformative lessons hidden within setbacks and equip yourself with the insights to turn potential pitfalls into stepping stones for success.

Shlomo Silber, CEO & Founder – Bond Collective
Ashley Buckner, COO – Carr Workplaces
Heather Harris, President – Intelligent Office

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM  •  Exhibit Hall Break

3:30 PM – 4:15 PM  •  Elevate Your Marketing with AI

Get ready for a dynamic session that delves into the intersection of Marketing and AI. In this engaging session, we’ll explore the latest trends and how AI is reshaping the marketing landscape. Uncover practical tips and strategies for leveraging AI to enhance conversational marketing. Find out how AI can help you scale your digital marketing efforts while allowing for local adaptation. And, learn the key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure that you’re getting the best ROI and results. Join us for an insightful session filled with expert insights, real-world examples, and actionable takeaways. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the full potential of AI in your marketing strategy.

Kane Willmott, CEO – iQ Offices
Andrea Pirrotti-Dranchak, Global Enterprise Director – NewFlex
Mary Hanula, Senior Director of Marketing – Eulerity

4:15 PM – 5:00 PM  •  Landlord Discussion: The Evolving Participation of Flex

Explore the changing dynamics between landlords and flexible office operators. This session will examine the evolving relationship, opportunities for collaboration, and how to navigate mutually beneficial partnerships.

Mike Kriel, CEO – Launch Workplaces
Peri Demestihas, Senior Director of Real Estate – Industrious
Annie Draper, Director – Hines
Nick Clark, President – Common Desk

5:00 PM  • 8:00 PM  Dinner On Your Own 

8:00 PM – 11:00 PM  •  After Party

Let’s dance the night away and wrap the conference the way we know best! Join us for an open bar and a great time at the annual GWA Conference After Party, just a short distance away from the MGM National Harbor at Bobby Mckey’s Dueling Piano Bar. 

Sponsored by: &

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM  •  Grab & Go Breakfast

Rise, shine, and come grab a coffee and quick bite before the final day of events take place!

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM  •  Space tours (Offsite)

The 2023 GWA Conference concludes with an exclusive visit to some of the most innovative and well-appointed coworking spaces in the Washington, D.C. area!
Tour Bus 1: Will head to Expansive, Launch Workplaces, and Studio by Tishman Speyer.
Tour Bus 2: Will head to The Mark, Mindspace, and Industrious. 

Space is limited so Grab Your Seat before tickets sell out!
Tickets are available on a first come first serve basis to GWA Conference ticket holders only.

1:30 PM – 5:30 PM  •  A Private Tour of the Monuments and Memorials on the National Mall

You will be picked up at MGM National Harbor and driven into Washington, D.C., where your Tiber Creek Private Tours professional will meet you for a wonderful tour and overview of the National Mall. Sites on the National Mall could include the Jefferson Memorial; the World War II Memorial, and the FDR and the MLK Memorials. We could then head down to the west end of the Reflecting Pool and then visit the Lincoln Memorial, which also has the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial nearby. Price of tour per person: $99

Fill out this Tour Inquiry and someone will be in touch with you! Inquiries due