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.
Our Why
At GCUC, our mission is to redefine the future of work by fostering a spirit of collaboration over competition. We believe in the power of meaningful connections. Our conference is designed to connect operators within the workplace hospitality industry with the technology, resources, and partnerships they need to elevate their business operations.
We prioritize interactive programming that promotes personal and professional growth, innovation, mental health, and overall well-being. By championing these values, we aim to combat the loneliness epidemic through connection, modeling the kind of community and relationships we hope our attendees will cultivate in their own spaces. At GCUC, you’ll find inspiration, best practices, and the essential industry resources to ensure your company is set up for success in the ever-evolving world of work.