Coworking Space Ship lands in Chicago
Mini-conference explores booming global coworking movement
Chicago, March 14, 2012. Not long ago, the word “coworking” was still unknown to most people. Today it needs little explanation. That’s because the number of coworking spaces around the world has exploded, attracting tens of thousands of independent workers who are looking for a collaborative place to do their jobs.
The dramatic growth of the coworking movement worldwide will be the topic of discussion at a mini-conference in Chicago on March 14. The mini-conference, called the Coworking Space Ship, is organized by the coworking websites Deskwanted and Deskmag, along with the TechNexus, a dynamic Chicago collaborative workspace.
The evening will feature talks from experts on the global collaborative work scene, as well as discussion about exciting developments within Chicago’s independent work movement.
The coworking movement has been developing rapidly across the planet. The number of coworking spaces has been doubling worldwide since 2005, reaching 1,300 last month, according to Deskmag's Global Coworking Survey. Part of the driving force is no doubt the more than 300 million mobile workers worldwide, according to Forrester Research.
Talks at the event will include an in-depth analysis of the Global Coworking Survey, the biggest and most detailed study of the trend. The survey contains lots of interesting facts about coworkers. For example, the survey found 38% of coworkers increase their income and 83% increase their productivity simply by moving from an isolated home office to a collaborative environment.
As well as global coworking issues, the event will consider issues important to the vibrant Chicago collaborative work scene. TechNexus and other spaces would like to strengthen the local collaborative community by encouraging more interaction between the different coworking spaces. This event will be held in an unconference style to ensure that all voices have a chance to be heard equally.
“TechNexus is all about the serendipitous connections and collaboration… putting the right people in the right place at the right time, and the sometimes unexpected benefits that result,” says Terry Howerton, cofounder of TechNexus. “We’re particularly interested in connecting the innovative thinkers inside mature corporations with the entrepreneurial zeal within our ecosystem.”
Chicago is just one of 10 cities that will be visited by the Coworking Space Ship, which is a traveling roadshow moving across the country.
“Deskwanted and Deskmag are absolutely ecstatic about the Coworking Space Ship tour. The energy behind the coworking movement is palpable. We are glad to be able to facilitate these meet-ups and support growth in collaborative working where we can,” said Julianne Becker, Deskmag/Deskwanted community manager.
The event is a chance to meet up with coworking enthusiasts and connect with the coworking community in Chicago. Attendance is free, but registration is required via http://coworkingtour.com/index.php/cities/chicago/.
Notes to the editor:
The Coworking Space Ship is being organized by Deskwanted, an online portal for collaborative workspaces worldwide. Deskwanted also produces Deskmag, the leading online news source about coworking. Both websites are based in Berlin, Germany, one of the world’s leading hubs of coworking.
Event: Coworking Space Ship (mini-conference, meet-up)
Date: Wednesday 14 March, 6-9pm
Programme: 6-8pm presentations and unconference 6-8pm drinks
Venue: TechNexus, 200 S Wacker Drive, 15th Floor, Chicago IL 60606
Cost: Free with registration
Registration: www.coworkingtour.com
Contact:
Julianne Becker
Community Manager, Deskwanted and Deskmag
Taylor Kinsella
Clubhouse Coordinator, TechNexus
200 S. Wacker Drive, 15th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606
312.924.1026
