The in-person edition of Coworking Canada has just wrapped up, leaving us buzzing with inspiration and new connections. But the excitement doesn't stop there! We're gearing up for the highly anticipated online edition on October 30th. This year's event marks a special milestone - it's the 10th anniversary of Coworking Canada, making it an absolute must-attend for coworking operators from around the globe.
Joining us is the incredible Ashley Proctor, a Founding Executive Director of Coworking Canada. As one of the pioneers of the coworking movement, Ashley's passion and expertise are invaluable. Let's dive into what makes this year's online edition so special and what we can expect from this global gathering of coworking enthusiasts.
1. What's your favorite memory from the past 10 years of Coworking Canada?
My most cherished memory from the past decade of Coworking Canada is from the 2017 conference at 312 Main, Vancouver’s Centre for Social and Economic Innovation. I helped build this space from 2015 to 2018, and it was still under construction when we hosted the event. Despite the unfinished state, we wanted to showcase the space's transformative potential.
The atmosphere was raw and unpolished, but the energy was electric. The audience gathered in the unfinished space where we were building a longhouse inspired community space. This beautiful structure, inspired by Indigenous gathering spaces, symbolized our community's connection.
A significant moment occurred when the first log for the longhouse arrived during the conference. This log, hand-felled on reserve, held deep spiritual meaning. Indigenous Elders performed a blessing ceremony, stopping the conference to honor this sacred moment. Everyone in the audience witnessed this powerful moment, a testament to the cultural significance of the longhouse.
Returning to 312 Main this year, with the longhouse inspired gathering space fully completed, was a profound experience. It brought a sense of closure and fulfillment to see the space transformed into a place for true connection and collaboration.
2. How has the coworking landscape in Canada changed since the first event?
The coworking landscape in Canada has evolved significantly since our first event. There are now far more spaces, and they offer a wider range of options. We've also seen a growth in resources and support networks for coworking operators. Initially, our conference was the only place where Canadian coworking professionals could connect, learn, and share resources. Today, the coworking movement has expanded so much that there are numerous organizations providing support and resources industry-wide.
Additionally, we've witnessed a shift towards more niche and targeted spaces, as well as a greater presence in rural areas. This is a positive development, as it demonstrates the growing accessibility and diversity of coworking options across Canada.
Furthermore, the geographical distribution of coworking spaces has changed dramatically. While there was once a strong concentration in urban centers, we're now seeing a significant trend towards smaller communities. This shift reflects the changing needs and preferences of the Canadian workforce.
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3. What were you most looking forward to about this year's celebration?
The highlight of this year's conference was reconnecting with our community in person. After several years online, it was wonderful to be back together in Calgary and especially this year in Vancouver at 312 Main.
One of the most powerful moments was collectively reflecting on the past decade of coworking in Canada. We shared our favorite memories and discussed our vision for the future. We created a collaborative poem based on the talks shared during the conference, capturing the impact we're making as coworking operators and communities.
Beyond the formal sessions, the informal gatherings and celebrations were a highlight. As always, it is inspiring to have operators from across Canada come together and share their experiences.
4. Can you give us a sneak peek into any special surprises or activities during the anniversary edition of Coworking Canada?
One highlight of the in-person event was a surprise video tribute. Tony Bacigalupo and Bernie Mitchell collected testimonials from coworking operators worldwide and presented us with a touching 10-minute video filled with messages of love and appreciation. It was a truly humbling experience to hear how Coworking Canada and my work for the coworking movement have impacted people around the globe.
Another special moment was the return of Shane Pointe, who blessed the very first log of our longhouse in 2017. His presence, welcome, and words of wisdom created an inspiring atmosphere for the event.
5. What are some of the unique networking opportunities attendees can look forward to during the Coworking Canada online?
The chat during the online edition is highly active, allowing you to connect with attendees from around the world and discuss the presentations in real time. Our co-hosts, Hector Kolonas, Tony Bacigalupo, and myself, will be providing live commentary and interacting with speakers and attendees.
Throughout the day, we'll also have interactive sessions where everyone can gather to reflect on the content. Some folks will also be gathering for viewing parties. This is a great chance to connect with others.
6. How does the event address the evolving needs and challenges of the Canadian working community?
We always follow a three-day format for our events: the first day is dedicated to conference sessions with inspiring speakers and big ideas. On the second day, we adopt a more practical unconference style, breaking into sessions to delve deeper into topics of interest. Attendees co-create the agenda, allowing for in-depth discussions on operations and best practices.
The third day's tours were designed to showcase different types of spaces. We explored creative spaces like artist studios and libraries, collaborative kitchens like YVR Prep, community-focused spaces, and larger, more established ones. Each space offers unique insights into design choices, collaboration, and the overall vibe. We're trying to bring some of that experience online to share with everyone.
This format is designed to provide a customizable learning experience, allowing people to take away what's most important to them. It addresses the diverse needs of the Canadian coworking community, as everyone has unique requirements at different stages of development. Our model empowers people to take what they need. Our participants also bring their own knowledge and expertise to the table, sharing their learnings and experiences.
The variety of topics we cover and the different approaches make our event beneficial for Canadian coworking operators and international audiences alike. For years, people from around the world have been looking to Coworking Canada for inspiration. We've been at the forefront of innovation, pioneering initiatives like the Coworking Health Insurance Plan (COHIP) and collectives and alliances. It's exciting to welcome the world to our online event!
7. In your opinion, what is the future of coworking in Canada?
I believe that coworking in Canada is still in its infancy, despite my two decades of involvement in the movement. My first coworking space is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, giving me ample time to reflect on its journey.
I envision a future where coworking hubs are recognized as essential infrastructure for local, community-driven economic development. This trend is already evident in rural communities, where these spaces serve as central hubs for small business, community events, information sharing, and gathering.
I anticipate a growing recognition of the multifaceted roles coworking spaces play in our communities. They serve as incubators and accelerators, foster a sense of belonging, improve mental health outcomes, and contribute to retaining local talent. As these benefits become more widely understood, I believe Canada will continue to lead the way in strengthening and building vibrant coworking communities.
8. How can coworking spaces contribute to building stronger communities and fostering innovation?
We've touched on this earlier, but coworking spaces, being deeply rooted in their local communities, play a crucial role in fostering connections among neighbors. These spaces are designed to bring together individuals engaged in impactful work, whether it's social enterprises or for-profit small businesses.
The power of connection is at the heart of coworking. By creating a space for innovative leaders and thought leaders to come together and share ideas, coworking communities foster innovation and strengthen local bonds. The more of our neighbours and community leaders who experience the magic of coworking, the stronger our communities will become overall.
Join Us Online!
As a final note, the discounted ticket code,Spacebring2024, for the $50 off and scholarship opportunities are still available for the Coworking Canada online anniversary event. Anumber of complimentary tickets are available for those who may not be able to afford the registration fee.
While the event often features Canadian spaces and speakers, Coworking Canada is not exclusively for Canadians. The goal is to share knowledge and best practices from Canada with the international coworking community, and the online edition is a testament to this commitment to accessibility. As Canada is often seen as a leader in the coworking field, the event is an opportunity to share our insights with the world.
