If you run a coworking space, manage a community, or handle the day-to-day operations of a shared workspace, chances are you’ve hit a moment where you wished for a little guidance. A second opinion. A fresh idea. Someone who gets what you're going through.
That’s where the Global Workspace Association, or GWA, comes in.
The GWA is a professional network for coworking and flex space operators, community managers, owners, and anyone building shared spaces. It’s part industry resource, part cheerleading squad, and part safety net for those of us doing this work every day.
And if you ask the people who are already members, they’ll tell you: being part of the GWA community makes this work better, easier, and a whole lot more fun.
Let’s talk about why.
When Jen Michalik, community manager at Office Evolution in Ann Arbor, got her first taste of the GWA, it was through a live “Ask Me Anything” session.
“I started getting the emails around the time of an ‘Ask Me Anything’ session,” she said. “Those sorts of things have been very useful, having someone at a higher level speaking for all of us.”
It’s not just about the webinars. GWA members get access to a private Slack group and Facebook community where you can ask questions—big or small—and get real, honest answers from people who have been there.
How do I handle a loud member who’s driving others nuts?
What’s a fair rate for a podcast studio rental?
How are folks using their event space midweek?
It’s like having a virtual room full of coworking pros who always have your back.
Running a space means juggling a million details. From legal documents to new hire checklists to marketing strategies. GWA’s member library is full of templates and tools you can use right away. And many were created by other operators who’ve already done the trial and error.
Instead of spending hours drafting a membership agreement or guessing at onboarding materials, you can just download one that works.
That kind of shortcut? It’s golden.
Chelsea Dietz from The Post Workspaces put it simply: “The amount of resources GWA provides is amazing, from webinars to networking.”
As a member, you get unlimited access to a whole library of recorded webinars and conference sessions. That means even if you can’t make it to every live event, you can still learn from some of the best minds in coworking.
Shelly Wahl, who manages Office Evolution in Golden, Colorado, said she hasn’t made it to many events yet—but that’s changing. “The support from the GWA is invaluable.”
It’s not about being in the room every time. It’s about always having the room available when you need it.
It’s so people-based but coworking can be lonely work. You spend your days supporting your members, putting out fires, answering emails, and making sure everything runs smoothly. But who supports you?
That’s what Blaize Randell of Fractal Workspace loves about the GWA. “Connecting with other people in the industry has been my favorite part of this whole thing,” she said.
Whether it’s a direct message in Slack or meeting someone new at a regional meetup, GWA brings people together in ways that feel personal and supportive.
Membership also unlocks perks that have real financial value. GWA offers discounted HR services (including healthcare, payroll, and workers’ comp) that can save you and your members up to 50 percent. That’s a big deal, especially for independent spaces or growing teams.
And when it comes to insights, the bi-annual GWA industry report is a game changer. It’s one of the most comprehensive datasets available on the coworking industry. From pricing models and occupancy trends to how amenities are shifting and what members are looking for, the report helps you stay informed and make smart decisions.
Every year, the GWA honors the incredible humans who keep coworking communities thriving with the Community Manager of the Year Awards. Sponsored by Coworks, these awards are about recognizing the heart and soul of the space: the people who make everyone feel welcome and seen.
It’s more than a trophy. It’s a reminder that this work matters.
When nominees like William Hatfield, Sandra Sierra, and Francisco Gutierrez talk about what it means to be recognized, they mention how powerful it is to be acknowledged by peers who know what goes into this role.
Coworks is proud to support these awards. Because we believe that celebrating community managers uplifts the entire industry.
Here’s what your GWA membership unlocks:
But more than that, you get to be part of a community that’s working to move coworking forward. Together.
Hilaire Martin of the interior design focused Raleigh WorkUp joined because of that community.
"I wanted to join the GWA because I am interested in connecting with other coworking owners and operators to share resources, experiences and best practices,” she said. “Plus, I joined to also get the ticket discount for the annual conference. While our job as owners and operators is to create community, we also need support and encouragement too and I hope GWA will provide that for me!"
Whether you’re looking for answers, support, friendship, recognition, or just someone who gets it, becoming a member is a step toward making this work a little more sustainable—and a lot more connected.
You can learn more and join at globalworkspace.org. Or talk to another space operator who’s already a member. Chances are, they’ll say the same thing: It’s absolutely worth it.
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