See what makes GCUC unique.
The GCUC Africa Experience
The inaugural GCUC African launch event is a two-day gathering in Cape Town designed to unite the flexible workspace and coworking community. The event focuses on learning, conversation, and connection, offering a platform where operators, developers, landlords, and ecosystem builders can share practical experience and insights. Sessions will include peer-led discussions and practical content grounded specifically in African market realities.
It’s not all work.
Evenings create space to unwind and connect through informal gatherings and shared meals, offering a relaxed setting to continue conversations and build relationships. Throughout the event, you’ll also have time to connect with partners and explore ideas shaping the coworking and flexible workspace ecosystem.
The programme is designed with balance in mind, with space to recharge, reflect, and step away when needed. Quiet areas are available for catching up on calls or conversations, and optional local coworking tours offer a chance to experience the local ecosystem and learn directly from operators on the ground.
Who Should Attend GCUC?
GCUC is designed for a diverse range of professionals within the coworking and flexible workspace industry. GCUC is a best fit for:
Coworking Owners and Operators
Whether you run a single location or a network of spaces, GCUC offers valuable insights, best practices, and innovative ideas to help you grow and future proof your operations.
Developers and Landlords
Discover how to effectively incorporate coworking spaces into your properties and stay ahead of the curve in the evolving real estate landscape.
Aspiring Coworking Entrepreneurs
If you’re new to the industry and looking to start your own coworking space, GCUC provides knowledge, resources, and the connections you need to succeed.
Shared Workspace Enthusiasts
For those passionate about the future of work and the role of shared workspaces, GCUC offers a platform to learn from industry leaders and network with like-minded individuals.
Corporate Real Estate, HR leaders and Workplace Strategists
Understand the latest trends in workplace design and strategy, and explore what makes coworking different. If you have a hybrid environment, coworking/flex should be a part of your solution stack.
Service Providers and Technology Innovators
Showcase your products and services to a captive audience of professionals and decision-makers looking for the latest innovations.
By attending GCUC, you’ll join a community of forward-thinking individuals dedicated to shaping the future of work. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, gain new insights, or find inspiration, GCUC is the perfect place to elevate your coworking journey.
Our Why
The mission is to make Africa part of the conversation, and focus is on building stronger communities, more resilient businesses, and lasting relationships that extend beyond the event itself. GCUC Africa is a member of the worldwide GCUC community, which convenes globally to foster collaboration, shared learning, and meaningful connections within the coworking and flexible workspace sector. Fundamentally, GCUC champions collaboration over competition, providing a platform for authentic, peer-led discussion.
The primary mission of GCUC Africa is to integrate the continent into this global conversation. The focus is on developing stronger communities, more resilient businesses, and enduring relationships that continue well after the conclusion of any event.
The Origin of GCUC
Back in 2012, during the buzzing energy of Austin’s SXSW festival, a small but bold idea was born. GCUC founder Liz Elam saw the potential for a gathering that would bring together the brightest minds in the coworking world to share ideas and spark innovation. She reached out to industry pioneers like Adam Neumann of WeWork, Benjamin Dyett of GRIND, Neal Gorenflo of Sharable, and Mark Gilbreth of Liquidspace, inviting them to join her in this ambitious venture. What started as a spark quickly turned into something much bigger
From those early days in Austin, GCUC has blossomed into a global phenomenon at the crossroads of workplace hospitality, real estate, technology, wellness, and the future of work. We’ve hosted 44+ conferences around the world, connecting over 20,000 people and creating countless “a-ha” moments for coworking enthusiasts, developers, landlords, and industry pros.
Originally known as the Global Coworking Unconference Conference, GCUC has evolved into a dynamic institution both online and in person that champions collaboration, innovation, and community. We’re all about redefining the future of work by fostering meaningful connections and giving our attendees the tools they need to succeed.