5 Ways to Enjoy GCUC London Next Month
My guide to making every minute count at GCUC London
Crisp mornings, cosy knits, and the unmistakable scent of pumpkin spice in the air…autumn is here, and with it comes one of my favourite coworking events of the year: GCUC is returning to London on the 8th and 9th October!
Could there be a better way to kick off the season?
If you’ve been before, you’ll know just how vibey, exciting, and friendly GCUC is. If you haven’t, here’s the scoop: GCUC (that’s the Global Coworking Unconference Conference, pronounced juicy) is the world’s biggest coworking conference series. It’s where operators, community managers, designers, investors, and anyone passionate about the future of work come together to share ideas, swap stories, and collaborate.
And honestly, the coworking industry might just be the most welcoming and open out there – where else would people so freely share advice, lessons learned, and insights about their own businesses? It’s all down to the industry’s collaboration over competition mindset.
Whether you’re a GCUC regular or stepping into the community for the very first time, this guide will help you make the most of GCUC London next month.
1. Be present throughout the panels
In my opinion, the GCUC panel discussions are one of the best, led by industry experts who absolutely know their stuff about the coworking and flex space markets.
Often, the panellists share key industry trends that define the flex space industry in the months ahead. At last year’s GCUC London, for instance, John Williams predicted that Google’s evolving algorithms would increasingly benefit smaller, independent coworking brands, encouraging operators to shift towards authenticity.
In his words, “doubling down on brand” was the key to success. One year later, his prediction couldn’t be more apt.
At next month’s event, you don’t want to miss these sessions:
Fit-Out, Funded, and Future Proofed: A Flex Investment Deep Dive
Investment is always a big talking point in flex, and this year’s GCUC line-up brings some heavyweight perspectives. Expect insights on the KPIs that matter most, the common traps to watch out for, and how the right design and fit-out choices can turn ambition into an investable asset.
Is Coworking Finally Growing Up?
One of the big themes this year is around how the coworking industry is ‘growing up.’ And no, it’s not just about operators adding more spaces. The conversation goes deeper, like what happens when growth outpaces discipline, and how do we make sure the industry matures in a way that’s both sustainable and investable, without losing the human, community-driven element that makes coworking so different in the first place?
Circular By Design | Rethinking the Workspace Lifecycle
Another hot topic on the agenda this year is sustainability, and it’s no longer just a “nice to have.” For investors, landlords, and operators alike, it’s becoming the measure of who will thrive in the long run. This panel dives into sustainability through a flex-space lens, with a focus on the circular economy. Expect a practical conversation around what it really takes to design, retrofit, and run spaces that cut carbon and waste, without compromising on commercial success.
2. Use the networking opportunities
From my experience, the coworking sector is friendly, open, and collaborative. What GCUC does better than most is provide ample networking breaks for everyone to connect.
Whether you meet another operator, supplier, or consultant, connections are truly key to developing in the sector. During GCUC breaks, I’ve met new clients, connected with friends, and met founders from coworking spaces all over the world.
My favourite was two years ago, when I met a lovely couple of workspace managers from a regional flexible workspace near Manchester during one of the breaks. We just had a fun chat! The next day, we were on the coworking tours together, and it was a real joy walking through the spaces with them, learning about their own, and generally having a good chinwag. I love seeing these ladies at GCUC and hope to see them next month.
The additional benefits of networking breaks? It’s the perfect chance to fuel up on some coffee — something very much needed for an intense day of concentrating.
And, after a long day of panels and chatter, there’s a very relaxing networking drinks to look forward to! Much like the one at GCUC Manchester last year, on the roof of 100 Embankment.
3. Participate in the roundtable discussions
Now, I might be biased here because I’m leading a roundtable discussion at this year’s GCUC London, but the roundtable discussions always provide great learning opportunities (no pressure on me then!).
In the past, I’ve enjoyed how the roundtables encourage openness and sharing. Two years ago, I joined Lara Sheldrake’s roundtable on community – an eye-opening discussion about how people gather. At the last couple of GCUC events, Claire Carpenter devised a board game around leadership. Honestly, I haven’t stopped hearing about it from people who took part!
My session — Content That Connects: Building Your Coworking Community With a Smart Marketing Strategy — will be an interactive workshop helping you co-design a practical marketing strategy, placing your community and members at the heart of your content, and helping you connect with right-fit members and deepen engagement.
If you’re interested in connecting your marketing with the community you’d like to attract and gaining more confidence in putting yourself out there, do come along to my session at 2 pm.
To get you thinking about your marketing and discoverability, here’s a piece I wrote earlier…
4. Let your hair down at the after-party
GCUC isn’t all panels and note-taking; the after-party lets us all enjoy more casual conversations and see a coworking space come alive after dark. Think of it as networking… but with music, drinks, and a much more relaxed vibe.
I’ll never forget last year’s technologywithin after-party at Clockwise Manchester, aka FlexFest. Everyone dressed up for a 90s festival, there were face-painting stations, and yes, even silver bunnies on the dance floor. Let’s just say, the bar for GCUC after-parties was set very high.
5. Attend the coworking tours
If you’ve managed to dodge a sore head the next morning, then head back into town for a second day of GCUC. It’s a packed morning full of coworking tours. After a day of listening to some of the exciting work industry stakeholders are carrying out, the tours provide some real-world examples of that work in practice.
Whether you’re an operator looking at other spaces for inspiration or you’re just curious about the local coworking scene, the GCUC coworking tours are a must-do, because they really shine a light on the industry. It’s also a fantastic way to see a city because we often walk from place to place.
Let’s connect at GCUC!
From panels to roundtables, coworking tours to the after-party, GCUC London is packed with opportunities to learn, connect, and be inspired. Whether it’s discovering the latest trends in flex investment, sharing ideas with fellow operators, or simply soaking up the vibrant community, there’s something for everyone — newcomers and GCUC veterans alike.
The key is to show up, participate, and make those connections count. Ask questions, join discussions, explore the spaces, and don’t be afraid to let loose at the after-party. Every conversation, tour, and panel is a chance to gain insight, spark ideas, and build long-lasting relationships within the industry.
So, if you haven’t got your ticket yet, now’s the time! Use my 10% discount code: GCUCSPEAKER10, and make sure you’re part of one of the coworking industry’s most exciting gatherings of the year. Grab yours here.
If you’re going along, I can’t wait to see you there (let me know). Let’s connect, learn, and celebrate the future of coworking together!
All the best,
Lucy