For the first time, WeWork’s CEO John Santora will take the stage at the Global Workspace Association (GWA) Conference — the flex workspace industry’s most anticipated annual event, returning October 14–17 in Chicago.
Santora joins fellow keynote speaker Anna Squires Levine, President of Industrious, to headline an impressive lineup of more than 50 operators, landlords, technologists, and service providers from across the coworking and flexible office ecosystem.
Over four days, attendees can expect high-impact programming, hands-on learning, and face-to-face connection with leaders shaping the future of work.
What’s Happening at GWA 2025
Held at Venue SIX10 in Chicago, this year’s event builds on GWA’s 30+ year legacy of convening the industry. Programming kicks off Tuesday, October 14 with a welcome reception and badge pick-up at Industrious, Ogilvie, setting the tone for three content-packed days.
The agenda includes:
- Roundtables on real-world challenges
- Panels on AI, marketing, operations, and design
- Keynotes from top execs at WeWork and Industrious
- Networking mixers, lunches, and happy hours
- The CMAwards celebrating community excellence
- Exclusive coworking space tours across the city
Roundtable facilitators include voices from iQ Offices, Uniti AI, Coworks, MilkMate, Avison Young, and more — offering intimate conversations on topics from tech adoption to team building.
What to Expect from Sessions
Breakouts and panels will span subjects like:
- State of the Flex Industry (with Gilbreath and Wright)
- Smarter Workspaces: How AI Is Powering the Future of Flex
- The Power of Hospitality in Every Design Decision
- Aggregator Strategy: Partner, Compete, Collaborate
- From Connection to Retention: The Engagement Blueprint
- Modern Marketing Secrets for Multi-Location Operators
The conference also includes a fireside chat with Santora moderated by Richie Parsons of Venture X, where attendees will hear firsthand how WeWork is evolving under new leadership.
Don’t Miss the Space Tours
The final day features curated tours of some of Chicago’s most notable coworking spaces, including:
- Life Time Work
- Industrious, Central Loop
- The Yard, Fulton Market
- The Sliding Door Company
These visits offer attendees a glimpse into high-performing workspace models, design trends, and real-world execution.
The Global Workspace Association has been a cornerstone of the flex industry for over 30 years, connecting operators, landlords, and service providers through resources, advocacy, and community. The annual conference remains one of its most valuable touchpoints.
