Impressions from the FutureCoworking Conference 2024 in Cologne: Why communities make the difference
Final image of the Future Coworking 2024 - © Bundesverband Coworking Spaces Deutschland e. V. (BVCS)
Last Wednesday, on November 30, I had the pleasure of being part of the panel "Why a coworking community is crucial to success" at the ZukunftCoworking conference in Cologne. The event, organized by the Federal Association of Coworking Spaces, brought together the movers and shakers of the industry to talk about the future of flexible working models and the crucial role of communities in the coworking landscape.
In my panel discussion with Lucia Schramm-Kaineder and Priscilla-Georgia Matei, I emphasized a key point: coworking providers today are faced with a crucial question. Do they only want to rent out office space with the added value of "full service" - as a flexible office (flex office), so to speak - or do they want to create genuine member communities that are much more than just a workplace? The challenge lies in finding the balance between a vibrant community and a flexible office model. A strong community is more than just a nice extra - it is the heart of a successful coworking space.
Networks, not places: The future of work
Another inspiring point came from Christian Schmitz from Salto, who aptly explained that "the future of work is not a place, but a network." This statement resonated with many participants and once again confirms the change we have seen in recent years. Coworking and working environments are no longer static spaces, but rather dynamic networks in which knowledge, ideas and opportunities are shared and developed.
Community: the key to success
What impressed me was the central message that ran through the keynotes and discussion panels: "Community is the key." Andreas Christ, moderator and founder of the H39 coworking space in Buch, put it in a nutshell after a few space pitches: "Community, community, community. It seems like this is the dominant theme today." This clear commitment to the importance of communities underlines the fact that real connections between members ultimately make the difference - and not just access to a desk.
Panel talk with Lucia Schramm-Kaineder, Priscilla-Georgia Matei and Jonas Lindemann: Why a coworking community is crucial for success
Coworking in campus projects and automation as future drivers
Anna Maria Losos, Head of Coworking at Beehive, also sees an exciting development ahead: she predicts an increase in campus projects in which coworking is designed as an integral part together with other community facilities. Such projects create space for synergies and more intensive use, which not only strengthens coworking spaces, but also the neighboring communities.
Another trend highlighted by Sascha Schell from Archibus concerns automation and process optimization in the coworking industry. He expects a wave of consolidation in the market, which will further fuel the need for efficient and automated processes. These changes will not only significantly advance flexibility, but also the scalability of the industry.
Conclusion: Why we build communities - and not just rent out rooms
The impressions from the ZukunftCoworking conference confirm once again that coworking has long been about more than just offering flexible workspaces. It is about creating places where real communities are created - places that connect people and help them to realize innovative ideas and projects. As coworking providers, we should make a conscious decision to pursue and promote this approach. Communities are at the heart of our work and are crucial to how our spaces are perceived and used in the future.
