5 things I’m looking forward to at GWA FlexForward
By William Edmundson
It’s no secret that the FlexForward conference holds a special place in my heart. As a former Board Member and Executive Director of GWA, I can say this event offers an incredible opportunity for attendees to level-up their business.
More than ever, flex offices and coworking spaces are rising to deliver on the future of work. And the wide variety of models, operator backgrounds, and constituents make this a rich experience for sponsors as well. iWorkSpaceMail will be there as a sponsor, so I was thinking about my perspective from this side of the sponsor booth.
I’ve also attended a great number of industry events, and wanted to share some best practices to help you make the most of it. For owners, operators, and community managers, any time away from the business can feel risky, so here are my suggestions to get the most value out of every moment.
1. Networking opportunities galore
One of the primary reasons I’m excited about GWA FlexForward is the extensive networking opportunities it offers. I get to see many people I know well, as well as expand my network with new operators, influencers, and solution providers.
This event brings together a diverse range of professionals, including coworking space operators, flex office managers, commercial real estate industry experts, and innovative tech companies. It’s an ideal platform to forge meaningful connections with potential clients, collaborators, and thought leaders. Whether during breakout sessions, coffee breaks, or after parties, the chance to interact with like-minded professionals makes GWA FlexForward an unmissable networking opportunity.
I know that not everyone looks forward to networking the way I do. In fact, it used to be something I struggled with. But over the years, I’ve adopted some techniques that have helped make networking more valuable every time I attend an industry event.
Networking is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, but it can also be intimidating. To help you make the most of networking opportunities and build meaningful connections, here are some valuable tips:
Be approachable: You’re in a room full of like-minded people, so try to have a warm and friendly demeanor. And make sure your name badge faces out and is easy to see.
Prepare your elevator pitch: Be ready with a concise and compelling introduction that communicates who you are and what you do. You’ll be saying it pretty frequently, and you might change it up a bit, depending on the responses you get.
Be ready with ice breakers: Even in short interactions, you can learn a great deal about someone. Start conversations with open-ended questions that allow the other person to share insights about themselves and their business focus. Some great ice breaker questions include:
What inspired you to get into coworking?
What are you most passionate about in your business?
How do you see the flex industry evolving in the coming years?
Be ready with conversation wrap-ups: once you start a conversation, you can find a gentle and genuine way to end it with comments such as:
It was great talking with you. I look forward to connecting!
I will see you in the next session!
Let’s chat during lunch or at the after party.
Focus on quality, not quantity: It's not about collecting as many business cards as possible. Even though you have smooth conversation starters and wrap-ups, don’t cut people short so you can move onto the person next to them.
Exchange contact information digitally: Business cards are great, but they are old-fashioned. Think about using digital methods to share contact information efficiently. QR codes, digital business cards, or networking apps make it easy to exchange details without fumbling for physical cards.
Carry essential items: I try to be prepared with essential items to make networking smoother:
Business cards: Even in the digital age, physical cards are still valuable.
Hand sanitizer: We might not be masked anymore, but it’s still considerate.
Gum or mints: Freshen your breath before engaging in conversations.
Follow-up fast: After the event, you’ll be back to work and no doubt very busy. But be sure to follow up with the people you connected with. Send a personalized email or LinkedIn message, referencing your conversation and expressing your interest in staying in touch. Before you leave for the conference, block some time for conference follow-up.
Take quick notes: After conversations, jot down key points or memorable aspects of the interaction in an app on your phone or a notebook. These notes will be helpful when you follow up later and want to reference specific details.
Be a resource: Offer your help or expertise to others. Introduce one person to someone else, even if you just met.
2. Insights from across the flex industry
Another aspect that sponsors are eager to delve into is the rich pool of knowledge shared by industry leaders at the conference. GWA FlexForward is renowned for its curated lineup of speakers, offering deep insights into the latest trends, best practices, and innovative solutions in the coworking and flex office sphere.
For sponsors like iWorkSpaceMail, this means gaining valuable information that can help us better understand the market, identify opportunities, and tailor our offerings to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
In particular, I’ll be paying close attention to sessions that speak directly to the value proposition of iWorkSpaceMail’s digital mail solutions, such as:
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.
The Bottom Line: Driving Maximum Profitability
In this session, delve into the strategies and tactics to maximize profitability in your coworking business. Industry experts will share financial insights, pricing models, and cost-saving techniques that can positively impact your bottom line.
3. Sharing our digital mail solution for flex operators
It’s no secret that iWorkSpaceMail will attend GWA FlexForward to develop new business. I came to the company particularly because the value of the service, the robust company culture, and the commitment to customer service all strongly resonated with me. And I can’t wait to tell more people about it.
Implementing a digital mailbox system provides workspace operators with a cost-effective method for managing mail and packages, complete with detailed tracking and accountability for every item received. This modern convenience is something flex office members will appreciate, often willing to pay for the added ease digital mailbox services provide. Moreover, this feature can serve as an enticing incentive for potential clients seeking a professional mailing address accompanied by the flexibility of remote mail handling capabilities.
Digital mail services are such a critical way for coworking and flexible workspaces to grow and increase their revenue. These are services that your in-person members can use, as well as virtual members. iWorkSpaceMail takes a service-first approach to our solution, helping you at every step of the way, and automating processes. And I’ll be there to show you exactly how it works.
4. Witnessing the can’t-miss keynotes
This year, the team at GWA has two notable keynote speakers who will no doubt deliver.
We’ll all get a glimpse into the future of the flexible office industry with keynote speaker, Dror Poleg. As a world-renowned expert on the future of work, Dror Poleg will delve into the exciting realm of emerging trends, technological advancements, and potential disruptions that are set to reshape the way we work and utilize flexible workspaces.
I’ll be listening for the invaluable insights into the transformative forces driving the evolution of the flexible office landscape. Drawing from his deep expertise, extensive research, and keen understanding of the industry, I have no doubt he will offer a compelling vision of what lies ahead.
As a thought leader in the future of work, Poleg's keynote promises to be an enlightening experience, leaving us all well-prepared to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie on the horizon.
The next day, David Arraya will take the stage. He is a renowned thought leader whose expertise lies in intentional leadership, culture, mindset, and growth within the hospitality industry. With a wealth of experiences and profound insights, David Arraya brings a transformative perspective on the power of conscious hospitality.
In his keynote address, David Arraya will emphasize that true success in the hospitality industry is not just about transactions but about fostering deep emotional bonds and meaningful connections with others.
David Arraya's insights go beyond the traditional hospitality realm, which is perfect for the flex workspace industry. By embracing the concept of conscious hospitality, coworking folks can elevate their spaces and leave a lasting impact on their members, staff, and local communities.
5. Contributing to the growth of the industry
Beyond the business benefits, our team is genuinely excited about being an active player in the coworking and flex office community through our involvement in GWA FlexForward. By supporting this event, we know we’re playing a crucial role in helping the industry grow and thrive with new efficiencies, data-driven decisions, and of course, radical hospitality and service excellence.
It’s such an exciting time for coworking and flex space. Commercial real estate is in flux, employers want workers in the office, but those same workers want to maintain a work/life balance that helps them do their best.
From networking with industry professionals to gaining insights from thought leaders, showcasing innovative solutions, learning from peers, and making a positive impact on the community, I know I have plenty of reasons to be excited about this upcoming conference. So register now and come see me at our booth — and be ready with your ice breakers!
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