Coworking Canada Unconference & Retreat
October 10th-15th 2023
Calgary & Banff Alberta, Canada
Community. Collaboration. Culture. Connection. Coworking.
We are excited to finally return to our three-day, in-person format for our 9th annual Canadian Unconference, where we’ll gather on Treaty 7 territory, to spark new ideas and learn from each other, as well as our guest speakers and experts from across Turtle Island.
If you’re interested in: coworking, collaboration, community hubs, creative and cultural spaces, networks of mutual aid, communal care, coliving, co-operative models, distributed and remote work, entrepreneurship, community-led economic development, supporting local businesses, systems change, building partnerships and alliances, making great change and meaningful connections – you belong at the Coworking Canada Unconference.
EST. 2012
We believe coworking is a verb.
It’s intentional. It’s an action. It’s an international movement.
The knowledge, experience, and expertise we’ve gathered by coworking in Canada over the past 20 years is now leading and shaping the way we work around the world.
Our collaborative practices have grown from and upon those developed by artists, academics, activists, women, caregivers, and especially the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Together we all share resources, provide guidance, and help to create effective strategies for navigating partnerships, strategic alliances, and building resilient communities. We’re empowering authentic and creative collaborations in this new work landscape.
We welcome contributors and participants from around the world, in the spirit of coworking.
Come join us!
Calgary, Alberta
COWORKING CANADA
2023 Unconference & Tours
OCTOBER 10-12
The 9th annual Coworking Canada Unconference will take place over 3 days this October in Calgary, AB – Treaty 7.
The theme this year is ‘Collaboration Between Community Catalysts‘. In addition to hearing from experts and thought leaders, you’ll have the opportunity to lead and contribute to these conversations. We all have unique perspectives and experiences to share – and we’re here to learn from each other.
We can’t wait to gather again in person, and to explore the best of Calgary with you.
Explore the agenda 👇
CONFERENCE VENUE: Calgary – Central Library
800 3 St SE, Calgary, AB
8:00 AM – REGISTRATION OPENS
Join us for coffee, tea, and introductions
9:00 AM – COWORKING CANADA BEGINS
Welcome to Coworking Canada
Speaker TBA
9:30 AM
Community Catalysts: A Celebration of the International Coworking Movement
Ashley Proctor – Creative Blueprint & Coworking Canada
9:45 AM
Where we Meet
Jerome Morgan – Social Innovation Hub, Innovate Calgary
10:00 AM
Grounding Ourselves
Speaker TBA – Calgary’s Central Library
10:15 AM
What we Dream into Being
Raven Davis – Artist, Educator, & Curator
10:30 AM
How we Connect
Interactive
10:45 AM – BIO BREAK
11:00 AM
Intentional Design: Placemaking and Holding Space
Kristopher Kelly-Frère – J5 Design
11:15 AM
Creative Collaborations: The Story of cSPACE
Speaker TBA
11:30 AM
Healthy Cities: Nurturing & Activating Urban Communities
Speaker TBA
12:00 PM
Beyond the Core: The Impact of Coworking in Rural Communities
Panelists TBA
12:30 PM – LUNCH
1:30 PM
The Future of Hybrid, Asynchronous & Decentralized Work
Denise Brouder – SWAYworkplace
1:45 PM
Community-Driven Social & Economic Development
Speaker TBA
2:00 PM
Hacking Capitalism: Community Land Trusts and Co-Operative Models
Panelists TBA
2:30 PM
Sustainable Growth and Community Wealth Building
Shane Austin – Okanagan Circular Society
3:00 PM
Grief Ready Workplaces & Trauma Informed Care
Sonam Swarup – 312 Main
3:15 PM – BIO BREAK
3:30 PM
Mutual Aid: Coworking, Coliving and Community Care
Speakers TBA
3:45 PM
A Vision for the Future – Interactive Conversation
Panelists TBA
4:45 PM
Day One – Closing Remarks
Ashley Proctor – Coworking Canada
5:00 PM – RECEPTION
RECEPTION VENUE: TBA
UNCONFERENCE VENUE: J5 Design @ The Ampersand
140 4 Ave SW #1500 (North Tower), Calgary, AB
8:30 AM – REGISTRATION OPENS
9:00 AM
Welcome to the Unconference
9:15 AM
Voting for topics and sessions
9:30 AM – UNCONFERENCE SESSION 1
ROOM A
Panel TBA
Coworking Essentials: Building & Operating Coworking Spaces
ROOM B
J5 Design
Gathering Space: Principles of Inclusive Design & Programming
ROOM C
Kevin Krausert – Avatar Innovations
Collaborative Futures: Reimagining the Energy Transition
ROOM D
Speakers TBA – Topic to be determined as a group
10:45 AM – BIO BREAK
11:00 AM – UNCONFERENCE SESSION 2
ROOM A
Shane Austin
Powerful Collaborations for Local Impact
ROOM B
The Coworking IDEA Project
We’re holding a ‘brave space’ for our collective Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility work (IDEA).
ROOM C
Speakers TBA – Topic to be determined as a group
ROOM D
Speakers TBA – Topic to be determined as a group
12:30 PM – LUNCH
1:45 PM – UNCONFERENCE SESSION 3
ROOM A
WORKSHOP – Building & Strengthening our Relationships with Indigenous Partners
ROOM B
Speakers TBA
Rest as Resistance: Sustainability for Catalysts & Caretakers
ROOM C
Speakers TBA – Strategic Partnerships & Alliances: Anchor Tenants, Private Partners, and Public Assets
ROOM D
Interactive (or not) – Sensory Friendly Space
3:00 PM – BIO BREAK
3:15 PM – UNCONFERENCE SESSION 4
ROOM A
Speakers TBA – Eco-Social Models; Fostering a Collective Responsibility for Sustainability and Regeneration
ROOM B
Speakers TBA – Outer Space: Virtual & International Coworking Communities
ROOM C
IDEA PROJECT WORKSHOP with Q & A – We’re holding a ‘brave space’ for our collective Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility work (IDEA).
ROOM D
Speakers TBA – Topic to be determined as a group
4:15 PM – UNCONFERENCE WRAP-UP
Collaborative
Interactive Session
4:45 PM
Closing Remarks
Ashley Proctor – Founder, Creative Blueprint & Coworking Canada
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Venue TBA (Don’t forget your badges!)
Party VENUE: TBA
MEETING POINT: Platform Calgary – Café
407 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
9:00 AM – MEET AT PLATFORM CALGARY
After touring Platform Calgary together, we are breaking into smaller groups and visiting MULTIPLE VENUES across Calgary.
Morning Tours
GROUP ONE – TOUR DESTINATIONS
Platform Calgary
The Ampersand
Energy Transition Centre
GROUP TWO – TOUR DESTINATIONS
Platform Calgary
VENUE TBA
VENUE TBA
GROUP THREE – TOUR DESTINATIONS
Platform Calgary
VENUE TBA
Energy Transition Centre
12:00 PM – Take yourself to lunch
Afternoon Tours
1:30 PM – MEET AT THE FIRST TOUR STOP
GROUP ONE – TOUR DESTINATIONS
1:30 PM cSPACE
VENUE TBA
VENUE TBA
GROUP TWO – TOUR DESTINATIONS
1:30 PM cSPACE
VENUE TBA
3:30 PM Central Library
GROUP THREE – TOUR DESTINATIONS
VENUE TBA
VENUE TBA
3:30 PM Central Library
4:30 PM – SAFE TRAVELS HOME…
or
4:30 PM – MEET THE RETREAT SHUTTLE AT CENTRAL LIBRARY
Speakers & Guests
Jerome Morgan
Innovate Calgary
Jerome supports Innovate Calgary’s social innovation portfolio as Associate Director of the Social Innovation Hub. Jerome is also the Director of Innovation & Lead Consultant at Wood Buffalo Strategy Group – a consulting agency that specializes in organizational strategy, business development, innovation, future-focused leadership, and complexity.
Raven Davis
Artist & Curator
Raven Davis is an Anishinaabe, 2-Spirit, trans, disabled multidisciplinary artist, and educator, working between Michi Saagig Territory and Kjipuktuk, (Halifax, Nova Scotia.) Davis fuses narratives of colonization, race, gender, disability, transformative justice, land practice, and 2-Spirit/Indigiqueer identity in their work.
Shane Austin
Okanagan Circular Society
The Okanagan Circular Society is a transformative economic system that co-creates community wealth and well being. Director Shane Austin also co-founded the Okanagan coLab – a coworking space that fosters a collaborative community of support and mentorship, while promoting sustainability.
Sonam Swarup
312 Main
Sonam is the Manager of Operations for 312 Main – Vancouver’s Centre for Social & Economic Innovation. She has spent the last 10 years working with various social impact organizations including Vancity Community Foundation, The Wellbeing Project, The Discourse, and The Urban Worker Project.
Kristofer Kelly-Frère
J5 Design
As the Creative Lead at Calgary’s J5 Design, Kristofer explores the edges of what seems possible. He is an architect by training, and a systemic designer by practice. He has worked with public, private, and government institutions to craft experiences, establish design labs, and move dreams across the threshold into reality.
Denise Brouder
SWAY Workplace
Denise is the Founder + Head of Data & Insights at SWAY – a B2B learning & development consultancy specializing in optimizing performance in hybrid work models through behaviour change. SWAY uses a data-driven and modular approach to building high-performing teams at the world’s leading companies.
Qasim Virjee
STARTWELL
As the Founder and CEO of Startwell in Toronto, Qasim holds a unique perspective at the intersection of shared workspace, and the future of work. With entrepreneurial experience in Canada, East Africa, and India, he has depth of knowledge and a passion for enabling innovative startups through technology, media, hospitality, health and wellness.
Ashley Proctor
Creative Blueprint
Creative Blueprint has inspired a global network of coworking catalysts and change makers for the past 20 years. Ashley co-founded Coworking Canada, Coworking Ontario, Coworking Toronto, The Coworking IDEA Project, and the Coworking Health Insurance Plan (COHIP). She developed and managed 312 Main, Xpace, The Foundery Buildings, and the Coworking Alliance Summit.
Tony Bacigalupo
New Work Cities
Tony is the founder of New Work Cities – connecting, educating, encouraging, and inspiring people everywhere to join, start, host, or support collaborative communities of empowered workers. Tony brought coworking to New York, as the Mayor of New Work City – Manhattan’s first dedicated coworking space. His report The State of Belonging 2023 – explores how we each can play a part in solving the crisis of disconnection.
Kevin Krausert
Avatar Innovations
Kevin is the CEO and co-founder of Avatar Innovations, filling a critical gap in the energy innovation ecosystem. By working with large oil and gas firms to champion solutions from within, Avatar engages their staff, creating a safe “third space” for energy companies and academia to collaborate and unlock new business opportunities.
Alanna Imbach
Vibe Coworks
Alanna is the Founder and CEO of Vibe Coworks in the Kitsap Peninsula. Eight months after opening, Vibe was named Emerging Business of the Year, followed by the honour of being named Best Meeting Place and achieving broad recognition as the region’s central hub of entrepreneurial connection and inspiration.
Mark Eaton
The Corner Coworking
Mark brought coworking to Cochrane, Alberta in 2018, built on the foundations of connection, collaboration, and community. The Corner has grown steadily since, with 4 shared workspace, meeting rooms, and shared warehouse spaces in the communities surrounding Calgary. Mark is also a Director of Innovate Cochrane.
Qasim Virjee
STARTWELL
As the Founder and CEO of Startwell in Toronto, Qasim holds a unique perspective at the intersection of shared workspace, and the future of work. With entrepreneurial experience in Canada, East Africa, and India, he has depth of knowledge and a passion for enabling innovative startups through technology, media, hospitality, health and wellness.
Ashley Proctor
Creative Blueprint
Creative Blueprint has inspired a global network of coworking catalysts and change makers for the past 20 years. Ashley co-founded Coworking Canada, Coworking Ontario, Coworking Toronto, The Coworking IDEA Project, and the Coworking Health Insurance Plan (COHIP). She developed and managed 312 Main, Xpace, The Foundery Buildings, and the Coworking Alliance Summit.
Tony Bacigalupo
New Work Cities
Tony is the founder of New Work Cities – connecting, educating, encouraging, and inspiring people everywhere to join, start, host, or support collaborative communities of empowered workers. Tony brought coworking to New York, as the Mayor of New Work City – Manhattan’s first dedicated coworking space. His report The State of Belonging 2023 – explores how we each can play a part in solving the crisis of disconnection.
Reserve Your
Unconference Tickets
But wait, there's more!
Banff National Park
COWORKING CANADA
2023 Leadership Retreat
OCTOBER 12-15
REFLECT & RECONNECT
The Coworking Canada Retreat is the perfect opportunity to extend your conference experience by visiting beautiful Banff, Alberta.
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, we’ll be holding space for you to rest and process all that you’ve learned at the Unconference, along with some light guidance and structure (like maps, and meals) to ensure we won’t lose you to the wilderness…
It’s an amazing opportunity to explore Treaty 7 Territory, along with your Coworking Canada ‘collaborateurs’ before heading home to implement all your ideas.
It’s the perfect retreat for community leaders, change makers (and positive deviants!) from across Turtle Island.
Explore the agenda 👇
MEETING POINT: Calgary Central Library
800 3 St SE, Calgary, AB
Meet at 4:30 PM
SHUTTLE LEAVES at 5:00PM
Once you’ve finished your Calgary Coworking Tours on Thursday, meet the group at the Central Library where a luxurious chartered shuttle will bring you to the Rocky Mountains. During this 1.5 hour road trip, you’ll enjoy a spectacular view all the way to Banff – so your retreat will begin the moment you take your seat.
It’s been a long day! All you need to do this evening is get settled into your room, and then join us for some well-deserved refreshments.
5:00 PM
SHUTTLE LEAVES FOR BANFF NATIONAL PARK.
6:45 PM
Check in at the Banff Centre
7:00 PM
Welcome Reception at the MacLab Bistro (Kinnear Centre, 1st Floor)
Food & Refreshments Available
VENUE: Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, Banff National Park
107 Tunnel Mountain Dr, Banff, AB
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Breakfast in the Vistas Dining Room
9:15 AM – MEET IN ROOM KC205
9:30 AM
Welcome to the Coworking Canada Retreat
10:00AM
Banff Centre Orientation
Orienting Ourselves to the Land
10:30 AM
Writing & Reflection: What is surfacing?
10:45 AM – BIO BREAK
11:00 AM
Retreat Co-Creation: Defining our Needs
11:30 AM
Building a Foundation for our Work in Community
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM LUNCH
Lunch in the Vistas Dining Room
1:30 PM
Collaborative Session 1
2:30 PM
Breakout Groups
3:00 PM – BIO BREAK
3:30 PM
Collaborative Session 2
4:30 PM
Walk & Talk – Explore Banff National Park
5:00 PM
Regroup – Meet back at KC205
Day One – Closing Reflections
5:30 PM
Free Time
6:00 PM
Take Yourself to Dinner or
Join a Group Dinner
VENUE: Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, Banff National Park
107 Tunnel Mountain Dr, Banff, AB
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Breakfast in the Vistas Dining Room
9:15 AM – MEET IN ROOM KC205
9:30 AM
Welcome to Day Two of the Coworking Canada Retreat
9:45 AM
Reflections: How are things settling? What is still stirring?
Group Discussion
10:30 AM
Breakout Groups
10:15 AM
Writing & Reflection: What is surfacing?
10:45 AM – BIO BREAK
11:00 AM
Creative Collaboration & Experimentation
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM LUNCH
Lunch in the Vistas Dining Room
1:00 PM – FREE TIME
Design your afternoon to meet your needs. Rest, hike, swim, climb, read, work or play in Banff National Park
1:30 PM (OPTIONAL)
Reflecting & Grounding Practices
2:30 PM (OPTIONAL)
Movement & Motion
3:30 PM (OPTIONAL)
TBA
4:30 PM
Regroup – Meet back at KC205
Closing Reflections
5:30 PM
Free Time
6:00 PM
Take Yourself to Dinner or
Join a Group Dinner
There is no programming or group meals planned on Sunday, so you can depart on your own time. Many of us plan to depart in the morning to make our way home on Sunday.
Your retreat ticket includes a Coworking Canada Code to reserve your shuttle ride at the most convenient time for you to catch your flight.
The MacLab Bistro is open all day for Food & Refreshments.
The luxurious Banff Airporter shuttle will pick you up at the Banff Centre and bring you directly to the Calgary Airport.
We encourage you to use the journey home to begin weaving your learning into your daily practice.
Reserve Your
Retreat Tickets
What do our past participants say?
FAQ
Questions?
Please read the FAQ section to get the most out of your Coworking Canada experience. Still have questions?
CONTACT US
A: This Unconference is produced by Coworking Canada and Creative Blueprint, and we encourage participants from across Turtle Island and around the world to attend. The event is meant to connect collaborative people from all nations. All are welcome! Just don’t forget your passport…
A: Yes. We introduced the Scholarship Fund back in 2015, and we have been committed to making Coworking Canada affordable and accessible ever since.
Thanks to generous support from our Sponsors and Partners, we are able to offer some complimentary tickets to the Coworking Canada Unconference and the Coworking Canada Retreat each year.
In some cases we may also be able to subsidize some travel expenses, meals and/or accommodations.
If the cost of admission, or travel expenses are the only thing preventing you from participating, we invite you to apply for a Coworking Canada Scholarship.
In some cases, volunteer opportunities may be more aligned or appropriate, as our event volunteers generally receive free meals and admission to the Unconference.
Please continue reading the FAQ to learn more about Volunteer Opportunities, or COMPLETE THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION HERE.
A: Yes! Coworking Canada is only possible thanks to a team effort.
Each year, there are opportunities to assist with setting up, registration, takedown, photography, music & performances, happy hours, and dinner events. We also offer volunteer roles for Calgary Tour Guides, and Dinner Hosts.
In addition we seek Media Partners and Individuals in advance of the event, to help us spread the word, to secure speakers, sponsors, and to sell tickets.
If any of these are your superpowers, we’d be happy to compensate you by covering your admission to the Coworking Canada Unconference.
Please COMPLETE THE VOLUNTEER INTAKE FORM HERE.
A: We are seeking value-aligned Sponsors, Partners, and Co-Creators.
Interested in Sponsoring Coworking Canada?
Please contact: Ashley Proctor
Interested in contributing to our Scholarship Fund? We introduced the Scholarship Fund back in 2015, and we have been committed to making Coworking Canada affordable and accessible ever since. Please Contact Us for more details on sponsoring and supporting travel for attendees.
Interested in Co-Creating a portion of the Coworking Canada Unconference or Retreat? It wouldn’t be coworking without the CO. We’d love to work with you! Please share your details here, and we will be in touch.
A: No. These are 2 separate events that take place back-to-back, in order to compliment and extend the Coworking Canada experience.
The majority of participants will be attending the Coworking Canada Unconference for 3 days in Calgary (October 10-12, 2023). Some participants may opt to join the Coworking Canada Retreat group heading to Banff, Alberta (October 12-15, 2023).
We have timed both events to ensure an easy transition for those who will be participating in both the Unconference and the Retreat.
A: No. We provide Coworking Canada Unconference discount codes and recommended hotels in downtown Calgary, however you are responsible for reserving your own accommodations.
If you are attending the RETREAT in Banff, AB – we will provide you with the link to book your room within our group block at the Banff Centre. Private and shared hotel rooms are being held for you to reserve at The Banff Centre.
A: We suggest you stay in Downtown Calgary to be near the Unconference and Tour Venues – for easy access to all events.
Suggested Dates: Arrive in Calgary on Monday, October 9th and Check Out on Friday, October 13th, 2023.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are also attending the Retreat in Banff, you will need to check out of your Calgary hotel on Thursday, October 12th, in order to catch the Banff shuttle on Thursday evening.
You will be staying in Banff for 3 nights – October 12, 13, and 14th – returning to Calgary Airport on October 15th.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS TO COME
A: When you purchase your Retreat Ticket you will be given the opportunity to reserve your accommodations with the group at the beautiful Banff Centre for the Arts.
The entire retreat will take place at the The Banff Centre – nestled half way up Sleeping Buffalo Mountain – so we encourage you to stay with the group, using the group code provided to get the best rate. (Additional fees may apply if you are staying off campus).
Facilities are modern and include a newly renovated conference centre with fast WiFi, sunny lounges, meeting rooms, a swimming pool, rock climbing wall, fitness centre, restaurants and bars, featuring a large selection of fresh and local food prepared daily.
Private or shared accommodations at the Banff Centre are available the nights of October 12, 13, and 14 for Coworking Canada Retreat attendees.
The luxury shuttle will be available on Sunday to take you back to the Calgary Airport.
A: If you are flying to Calgary, we suggest you arrive via YYC on Monday, October 9th, 2023.
YYC = Calgary International Airport
From the airport, you can take an Airport Taxi (use the official Taxi Stand) or you can request a Car Share Service like Uber to take you Downtown Calgary. The Airport is approximately 25 minutes from Downtown Calgary.
Public Transit in Calgary:
MORE DETAILS TO COME
Shared Bikes and Scooters are often available to rent and ride around the downtown core, on a first-come, first-served basis.
FOR THOSE TRAVELLING TO BANFF FOR THE RETREAT: All retreat ticket-holders will receive a complimentary code to reserve a seat on our luxury, chartered shuttle. The shuttle will take participants from Calgary to Banff on Thursday, October 12th, and from Banff to the Calgary Airport on Sunday, October 15th.
A: If you are flying in to get to Banff, we suggest you arrive via YYC on Thursday, October 12th, 2023.
YYC = Calgary International Airport
From the airport, you can take an Airport Taxi (use the official Taxi Stand) or you can request a Car Share Service like Uber to take you Downtown Calgary.
The Airport is approximately 25 minutes from Downtown Calgary. Traffic may increase this time – up to 40 min.
We are meeting as a group at the Calgary Central Library at 5:00PM on October 12th. Meet the luxury shuttle at Central Library for retreat transportation to and from The Banff Centre.
All retreat ticket-holders will receive a complimentary code to reserve a seat on our luxury, chartered shuttle. The shuttle will take participants from Calgary to Banff on Thursday, October 12th, and from Banff to the Calgary Airport on Sunday, October 15th.
A: Many of our audience members live in remote regions, across a global landscape, and we know it is not always feasible, medically or financially possible, or even environmentally responsible for everyone to participate in Coworking Canada events in person.
For this reason, we will be documenting the majority of the Coworking Canada Unconference, and making it available during a viewing party online, 2 weeks following the in-person events. Tickets to the viewing party will become available shortly. This is also a great opportunity to share your in-person learning with your members, partners, or other stakeholders after returning from Calgary.
Sponsors & Partners
It takes a dedicated team of value-aligned sponsors, partners, collaborators & volunteers to keep the coworking movement and this event thriving.
Thank you for all you do to support Coworking in Canada ♥
Contact Us
Still have questions? We'd love to hear from you!
A commitment to Truth and Reconciliation across Treaty 7 lands
With gratitude, mutual respect, and reciprocity, we acknowledge the ancestral home, culture, and oral teachings of the Treaty 7 signatories which includes the Siksika Nation, Piikani Nation, Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation, consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Good Stoney Bands, and the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation. We also recognize the Métis people of Alberta Region 3 who call Treaty 7 their home.
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Coworking Canada, 3 Borden Street #301, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 2M8