Global Workspace Association Conference in Chicago will be led by WeWork CEO John Santora's Keynote
For the first time, WeWork’s CEO John Santora will headline the Global Workspace Association (GWA) Conference, taking place from October 14 to 17 in Chicago. This event, recognised as the most anticipated annual gathering in the flexible workspace sector, will showcase an impressive roster of over 50 industry leaders, including Anna Squires Levine, President of Industrious. The conference is set to provide high-impact programming, practical learning opportunities, and direct networking with key figures shaping the future of workspaces.
The GWA Conference 2025, held at Venue SIX10, continues the association’s more than three-decade commitment to convening the flexible office community. The event opens with a reception and badge pick-up at Industrious Central Loop, followed by three days packed with content-rich sessions. Attendees can engage in roundtables tackling real-world industry challenges, panel discussions on emerging trends such as artificial intelligence in workspace optimisation, marketing strategies, operational efficiencies, and workspace design. The agenda also includes networking mixers, lunches, and happy hours designed to foster connection across the coworking ecosystem.
Key sessions highlight critical topics like the state of the flexible workspace industry, the implementation of AI to power smarter work environments, the importance of hospitality in design, and effective marketing tactics for multi-location operators. John Santora is slated for a fireside chat moderated by Richie Parsons of Venture X, where he will share insights into how WeWork is evolving under his leadership. Santora, who spoke recently at the Forbes Future of Work Summit, has emphasised WeWork’s unique fusion of hospitality, community, and flexibility, framing the company as more than just office space but a holistic work experience. He also addressed return-to-office trends and the company’s commitment to sustainable growth.
The conference’s final day offers exclusive tours of prominent coworking spaces around Chicago, such as Life Time Work, Industrious Central Loop, The Yard in Fulton Market, and The Sliding Door Company. These tours provide a practical look at successful workspace models and design executions, adding a valuable dimension to the event’s learning and networking objectives.
The Global Workspace Association, a non-profit organisation established over 30 years ago, plays a central role in supporting and advancing the flexible office industry. It provides its members — operators, landlords, service providers, and others — with vital networking opportunities, industry insights, and growth resources to navigate the sector’s rapid evolution. The annual conference remains a cornerstone event, pivotal for anyone invested in the future of flexible workspaces.
Registration for GWA Conference 2025 is ongoing, with organisers encouraging early booking to benefit from networking and learning at what promises to be a landmark event in the flexible workspace calendar.