We’ve just wrapped up our time at the Coworking Canada Unconference, held from October 7-9 at the iconic 312 Main Vancouver, and what an incredible experience it was! This year was extra special as it marked ten years of connecting coworking communities across Canada! As proud sponsors and participants, we immersed ourselves in the Canadian coworking community, meeting inspiring individuals, sharing insights, and learning more about the continued growth of the coworking movement.
Day 1: Building Connections and Reflecting on 10 Years
The first day of the unconference kicked off in a fittingly special way at 312 Main in Vancouver—a location that has transformed from former police headquarters into a vibrant coworking and social innovation hub. The venue's history and setting in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside added a unique atmosphere to the conference, reflecting the themes of community development and social change.
The day started with an inspiring opening ceremony led by Shane Pointe, a Musqueam elder and Knowledge Keeper. Shane performed a traditional chant that encouraged all attendees to open their minds and hearts to the day's possibilities, creating a beautiful and reflective atmosphere for what was ahead.
One of the standout sessions was delivered by Am Johal from SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement, who discussed community-driven social and economic development. Am tackled pressing global issues such as cultural displacement, climate change, and the commercial pressures faced by communities. His talk highlighted the importance of community interconnectedness and the role coworking spaces play in addressing these challenges.
Later in that day, Brandon Houston from Collingwood Foundry and Justin Powers from Sierra Shared Spaces led a session on the importance of rural coworking spaces. The duo emphasized how coworking spaces in rural areas provide vital resources and bridge gaps between isolated business hubs and local communities, creating essential points of connection.
The day ended with a heartfelt video tribute honoring Ashley Proctor’s decade-long contributions to the Canadian coworking movement. The tribute also gave a special nod to Cobot’s role in supporting coworking spaces and community-building efforts over the years, with a shout-out to our CEO, Thilo Utke. It was a lovely way to close out the day, and we left feeling even more connected to the vibrant coworking community across the country.
Day 2: Unconferencing at Its Best
The second day was true to the spirit of an “unconference,” where attendees voted on the topics they wanted to explore. This approach led to various sessions ranging from space design to pricing strategies and partnerships with local development organizations. It was a day full of collaboration, learning, and engagement.
Workshops covered a range of subjects, including operations, technology, space design, pricing strategies, and forming partnerships with both the public and private sectors. Attendees broke into smaller groups to facilitate intimate and engaging discussions. This format allowed both industry veterans and newcomers to share ideas, ask questions, and gain insights into the evolving landscape of coworking.
One standout session focused on strategic partnerships, particularly how coworking spaces can collaborate with local economic development organizations. This session highlighted the importance of these partnerships in driving growth and sustainability for coworking spaces.
The day concluded with a fun and spontaneous round of PowerPoint karaoke—a lighthearted game that encouraged laughter and fostered a unique bond among the group. 🎤 It was the perfect ending to a day filled with innovation, collaboration, and learning.
What’s Next?
While the in-person event may have concluded, there’s still more to come! For those who couldn’t attend, there’s still time to join the virtual session on October 30!
Plus, don’t forget about our $50 discount code ‘Cobot2024’ for those who wish to register.
We are grateful to have been part of this inspiring event and can’t wait to see how the coworking community in Canada continues to grow and innovate in the coming years.
If you're considering diving into the coworking world, we invite you to explore Cobot's solutions, empowering spaces worldwide to thrive and innovate.
Until we meet again, let's keep unlocking the potential of coworking, one community at a time.
If you're looking to streamline operations within your coworking community, give Cobot a try. Feel free to contact us or sign up for a demo here and get started today!
