September 24, 2026
the-coworking-creators-summit-returns-to-foster-growth-and-community-in-the-evolving-workspace-landscape

[WORLDWIDE] – September 24, 2026 – The Coworking Creators Summit, a pivotal virtual event for the global coworking industry, is set to make its highly anticipated return for its second annual iteration on Thursday, October 22, 2026. This intensive four-hour virtual conference will convene coworking operators, community builders, and key industry leaders from 9 AM to 1 PM Pacific Time. The event is meticulously designed to equip participants with actionable strategies and innovative insights for cultivating more robust coworking businesses and fostering thriving, human-centric communities within their spaces.

Co-founded by Cat Johnson, a recognized authority in the coworking sector known for her extensive work as a writer and community builder, and Amanda Leffew, Brand Director at Her First $100K, the Summit promises a dynamic exploration of both the commercial and relational aspects of coworking. The agenda features eight distinct sessions, each delving into critical areas such as lead generation, brand resonance, the practical implementation of core values, the art of creating authentic community, and the cultivation of a profound sense of belonging.

The inaugural Coworking Creators Summit in 2025 garnered significant acclaim, with attendees praising its energetic pace, practical takeaways, and the highly engaged atmosphere it fostered. This positive reception has set a high bar for the upcoming event, underscoring the growing demand for specialized knowledge and collaborative opportunities within the coworking ecosystem.

Cat Johnson articulated the success of the previous year’s event, stating, "Last year’s Summit exceeded my wildest hopes. The speakers brought incredible ideas and expertise, and the attendees brought so much energy and curiosity. People weren’t just listening; they were nodding along, taking notes, asking questions, sharing their own experiences, and thinking about what they could put into practice in their spaces. That’s exactly what we want the Coworking Creators Summit to be." This sentiment highlights the Summit’s core mission: to be a catalyst for practical application and shared learning.

The 2026 Summit’s program is structured to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing coworking operators today. The sessions are curated to provide a holistic perspective, recognizing that successful coworking spaces require a delicate balance of sound business practices and genuine human connection.

Second Annual Coworking Creators Summit Explores The Business And Human Sides Of Coworking

Key Sessions and Industry Insights

The diverse lineup of speakers and topics reflects the evolving nature of coworking and the increasing importance of community-centric operational models.

  • Putting Your Values into Action in Your Coworking Space, presented by Anne Kirby of The Candy Factory, will likely explore how to translate a coworking space’s core principles into tangible operational strategies and member experiences. This session addresses the growing trend of businesses prioritizing purpose and ethical considerations, a factor that resonates strongly with today’s workforce.

  • Face of the Brand: Leading Out Loud When You Are the One People Follow, featuring Jaime Munoz from Co+Hoots, delves into the critical role of leadership identity in building a strong coworking brand. In an industry where personal connection and community are paramount, the public persona of operators and managers can significantly influence perception and loyalty.

  • Before the Logo: Building a Brand People Can Feel, led by Emilie Lashmar of GCUC UK and TOGETHER, suggests a focus on the foundational elements of brand building, emphasizing emotional connection over superficial branding. This session is expected to offer insights into creating brands that evoke trust, comfort, and a sense of shared purpose, crucial for attracting and retaining members.

  • Take Space, Make Space, and Create Possibility for Others, presented by Citi Medina of EqualSpace, likely addresses how coworking spaces can serve as platforms for empowerment and growth, not just for their members but for the broader community. This session speaks to the aspirational aspect of coworking, positioning it as a catalyst for innovation and personal development.

  • How I AI, featuring Sam Rosen of Deskpass, Yardi, and Two Thirty, signifies the industry’s embrace of emerging technologies. This session is poised to explore practical applications of Artificial Intelligence in the coworking sector, potentially covering areas such as member management, space optimization, and personalized member services, reflecting the broader integration of AI across industries.

    Second Annual Coworking Creators Summit Explores The Business And Human Sides Of Coworking
  • You Filled the Room. Now What? How to Turn In-Person Events Into Authentic Community, led by Alesia Hendley, tackles a fundamental challenge for many coworking spaces: transforming transient interactions into lasting community bonds. This session will likely offer strategies for event programming and engagement that foster deeper connections among members.

  • Build Momentum, Not More Marketing: How to Create Growth That Compounds Instead of Constantly Starting Over, presented by co-founder Amanda Leffew of Her First $100K, focuses on sustainable business growth. This session is expected to provide insights into developing growth strategies that are not reliant on constant, high-effort marketing campaigns but rather on building organic momentum and customer loyalty.

  • Community vs. Belonging (and Why It Matters), delivered by co-founder Cat Johnson of Coworking Convos and Coworking Creators Lab, promises to explore the nuanced distinctions between mere community membership and a genuine sense of belonging. This session is vital for operators aiming to create truly inclusive and supportive environments where individuals feel valued and connected.

Collectively, these sessions underscore the industry’s recognition that the modern coworking operator must be adept at both entrepreneurial strategy and empathetic community stewardship. The event aims to equip attendees with the tools to navigate this complex landscape, ensuring their spaces are not only commercially viable but also deeply resonant with the needs and aspirations of their members.

A Growing Industry in Need of Specialized Dialogue

The coworking industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by a confluence of factors including the rise of the gig economy, increased demand for flexible work arrangements, and a growing awareness of the benefits of collaborative environments. Data from industry reports consistently show a steady increase in the number of coworking spaces and the utilization rates of flexible workspaces. For instance, a recent analysis by Global Workspace Analytics projected that the number of coworking spaces worldwide would continue to expand by an average of 10-15% annually in the coming years, with the number of flexible workspace users expected to reach over 5 million by 2025.

However, this rapid expansion also presents unique challenges. Operators face increasing competition, evolving member expectations, and the need to constantly innovate to stay relevant. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the trend towards hybrid and remote work, forcing many coworking spaces to re-evaluate their business models and emphasize their unique value propositions beyond just providing desks. This shift has placed a greater emphasis on the community aspect, the quality of the member experience, and the creation of spaces that foster well-being and productivity.

Second Annual Coworking Creators Summit Explores The Business And Human Sides Of Coworking

The Coworking Creators Summit emerges as a critical platform to address these evolving dynamics. By bringing together experienced operators and thought leaders, the event provides a much-needed forum for sharing best practices, discussing emerging trends, and collectively shaping the future of the industry. The virtual format ensures accessibility, allowing professionals from diverse geographical locations to participate without the logistical and financial barriers associated with in-person conferences.

From Inception to Impact: The Summit’s Journey

The genesis of the Coworking Creators Summit can be traced back to a recognized gap in specialized professional development for coworking space operators. While broader business conferences exist, few are tailored to the unique intricacies of building and managing a coworking community. Cat Johnson, with her extensive background in the coworking space, identified this need and collaborated with Amanda Leffew to create an event that would be both practical and inspiring.

The success of the inaugural Summit in 2025 was a testament to this foresight. Attendees reported leaving with a renewed sense of purpose and a wealth of actionable ideas. The event’s structure, characterized by its fast-paced, focused sessions and emphasis on peer-to-peer learning, proved highly effective. This positive feedback loop has informed the planning for the 2026 iteration, ensuring that the Summit continues to evolve and meet the needs of its audience.

Johnson’s own journey in the coworking space, marked by her consistent contribution to industry discourse through her writing and platforms like the Coworking Creators Lab and Coworking Convos, provides a solid foundation for the Summit’s direction. Her focus on community, connection, and belonging aligns perfectly with the current trajectory of the coworking industry, which is increasingly moving beyond mere space provision to become integral hubs for professional development, networking, and personal growth.

Accessibility and Registration Details

Understanding the diverse needs and budgets of its target audience, the Coworking Creators Summit offers two distinct ticket options, both providing access to the virtual event:

  • Live Access ($99): This tier grants attendees live participation in the full four-hour Summit, including all eight sessions and dedicated Q&A segments. This option is ideal for those who wish to engage with the content in real-time and interact directly with speakers.

    Second Annual Coworking Creators Summit Explores The Business And Human Sides Of Coworking
  • Pro Access ($129): The Pro tier includes all the benefits of Live Access, plus recordings of all Summit sessions for on-demand viewing. Additionally, Pro ticket holders will receive three exclusive bonus resources, offering further value and extended learning opportunities. This option is suited for individuals who may not be able to attend live or who wish to revisit the content at their convenience and delve deeper into the provided materials.

Registration for the Coworking Creators Summit opens to the public on September 24, 2026. Prospective attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early to benefit from the comprehensive insights and networking opportunities the event offers.

For comprehensive details regarding the Summit agenda, speaker profiles, and registration procedures, interested parties are directed to visit the official website at coworkingcreators.com.

About the Key Figures Behind the Summit

Cat Johnson, a central figure in the global coworking movement, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the industry to her role as co-founder and host. Her dedication to fostering community and connection is evident in her various ventures, including the Coworking Creators Lab, her podcast Coworking Convos, and her long-standing newsletter, The Coworking Letter, which has been a consistent source of information for coworking operators since 2015. Johnson’s work consistently emphasizes the creation of spaces where individuals not only work but also feel a profound sense of belonging and community.

Amanda Leffew, co-founder and Brand Director at Her First $100K, contributes her expertise in brand development and strategic growth to the Summit. Her role in guiding the brand narrative and ensuring the event’s alignment with its core mission is crucial. Leffew’s background likely informs the Summit’s focus on building sustainable, impactful businesses, particularly within the context of entrepreneurial growth and financial empowerment.

The combined expertise of Johnson and Leffew ensures that the Coworking Creators Summit is grounded in both the operational realities of coworking spaces and the strategic imperatives for building successful, community-focused businesses in a rapidly evolving market. The event stands as a testament to their commitment to advancing the coworking industry through education, collaboration, and the cultivation of meaningful connections.