If you’re a coworking space owner, or thinking about starting one, attending a conference can be a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the industry. But how do you measure the return on investment of attending a conference? That's what we'll be exploring today.

Benefits of attending a coworking industry conference:

• Learning about the latest trends and best practices in coworking.

• Getting access to insights and actionable tips that can be applied to your own coworking space.

• Networking with peers in the industry, including other coworking space operators, vendors, and investors.

• Potential for new business opportunities, such as partnerships and collaborations.

Costs of attending a coworking industry conference:

• Registration fees: GCUC and the GWA are in the $500 to $800 range for early bird tickets.

• Travel expenses: If the conference is out of town, you'll need to factor in the cost of airfare or transportation, as well as lodging and meals.

• Time away from work: Attending a conference can mean taking time off from your regular duties, which can impact your business operations.

Calculating the ROI of attending a coworking industry conference:

To calculate the ROI of attending a coworking industry conference, consider both the costs and the potential benefits. Some factors to consider include:

• Cost of attendance: How much did you spend on registration fees, travel, and lodging?

• Value of knowledge gained: What new skills, insights, or best practices did you learn that can be applied to your own coworking space?

• Potential for new business opportunities: Did you make any new connections that could lead to partnerships or collaborations?

Case studies:

I share a few case studies from coworking conferences that I’ve attended -  partnerships formed, collaboration ideas sparked, and introductions that led to new job opportunities

Tips for maximizing the ROI of attending a coworking industry conference:

• Plan ahead - Set specific goals for what you want to achieve at the conference.

• Go beyond the content - attend social events and make connections with other attendees.

• Schedule time to follow up with new connections after the conference to maintain those relationships.