Simon Moore the COO at Serendipity Labs shares some takeaways from the recent WorkSpaces conference in Napa.

Core notes: Flex is universal, flex as an extension of corp HQs, direct > brokers, best-in-class > global networks and how Gable, Deskpass, Desana and Upflex are a growing part of the conversation.

Erik Karasyk summarized the A16z’s TECH WEEK event "Place Matters: How Tech Shapes the Modern Workplace". The panel, hosted at The Shop Workspace by Anne Olsen examined how smart systems, data, and design are creating the next generation of flexible workplaces that enhance rather than replace human interactions.

Panelists included Daniela Mallarino (Kisi), Francesco Decamilli (Uniti AI), TWIC’s very own Hector Kolonas (who also is a co-founder at Syncaroo) who emphasized how integrations and automations are "hidden heroes" for improving operations, and Ginger Dhaliwal of Upflex who highlighted challenges with extracting meaningful insights from vast datasets.

The discussion revealed companies are rethinking workplace experience roles to provide remote employees access to "Third Spaces" focused on hospitality and connection, with participants expressing desire for "emotionally responsive" technology layers that build loyalty and encourage return visits. Topics explored also included whether more intelligent physical surroundings could encourage people to disconnect from devices and connect more meaningfully with each other.

What does it take to turn a space into a place, somewhere people actually want to be?

As technology reshapes how we interact with the built world, workspace operators, designers, and technologists are rethinking how we create connection, functionality, and meaning. Join leaders from Kisi, Uniti AI, Syncaroo, and Upflex for a conversation about the tools, data, and design choices powering the next generation of flexible, intentional workplaces followed by networking and refreshments.

Moderated by Anne Olsen of The Shop Workspace, this panel explores how smart systems and thoughtful design are helping transform blank square footage into community-driven, high-performing places.

Ginger Dhaliwal from Upflex joined the Flex Uncensored podcast to discuss how coworking is evolving from access-based models to experience-driven destinations—and what that means for operators.

According to HigherGov, the General Services Administration (GSA) posted an RFP on March 4th to "implement an enterprise-wide, scalable marketplace solution to optimize its real estate portfolio and streamline the management of federal office space". This week we heard that this contract has been awarded as two 12-month pilots.

As of curation, we have confirmed that two booking platforms are involved. LiquidSpace will be working with Trebellar on their solution in San Francisco. Upflex is leaning on their existing integration partnership with Gospace AI in conjunction with DHC Real Estate Services, a certified veteran-owned small business, for a pilot in Chicago.

This is a developing story, and in many ways would break government contracting records for speed – going from RFP to two pilots in weeks. It does follow/build on previous GSA contracts or flex-forward moves we’ve covered including the flex workspace contract vehicle and the FedCowork pilot. Stay tuned to This Week in Coworking as we continue to cover this story.