Office market meets for inspiration and discussion

Challenges provide room for new ideas

On October 11 and 12, the RAI will be the venue for the Workspace Design Show. Enthusiastically, organizer Charlie Bark-Jones talks about the event, which aims to bring the office market together. "We are in a challenging time, which offers plenty of opportunities."

A gap in the (scholarship) market! That's how Charlie Bark-Jones and his wife Esha saw it. In fact, from their experience in organizing events, they were missing a trade show specifically for the office market. "We wanted architects, interior-
bringing together designers and many more workplace professionals. When this idea came about, however, we were still in the middle of the pandemic. Call it stupid, or brave, but we started researching anyway, and made contact with key stakeholders. Together with them, we determined what this fair should look like." 

That the organization persevered was because, according to Charlie, a difficult market situation also presents opportunities. "The office market is in a time of change, therefore there is a lot of need for discussion," he said.

How do you get people back to the office?

 "We hear around us that the market is waiting for the dust to settle. Getting people back into offices is a big challenge. How do you provide a nice, great experience so people are productive in the office? Hybrid work is not going away, so the way we work is going to look different. We need workplaces that are very flexible, so people can have different experiences in the office. Despite these challenges, there is also enthusiasm because there is room for new ideas."

In 2021, the Workspace Design Show took place for the first time in London; here the fair was a success. Why does the organization now choose to hold an edition in Amsterdam? "We saw potential for expansion of the concept. The Dutch market stood out, because of the high level of design and also because Dutch companies are ahead when it comes to sustainability. There is definitely a need for the event here, from the local market, the architects and the many international companies based here. In addition, Amsterdam is also just a beautiful location."

Central role for lectures and discussions

The Workspace Design Show aims to offer visitors a real-world experience. "In collaboration with companies like CBRE and Holland New, we are creating beautiful conference areas, with premium seating and lots of greenery. We are basically mimicking what is possible in offices." Under the title Workspace Design Talks, 24 panel discussions will take place over two days, focusing on the future of work. 

From the first edition, the organization learned that there is a great need for panel discussions. This is what the Occupiers Forum is designed for. Prominent companies such as ING, Philips, EY, Rabobank, Miro, Microsoft, Ericsson, Just Eat, UCB, Booking.com, Turner & Townsend, CBRE, Colliers and Cushman & Wakefield give their views on the office market here. 

"A lot is changing in the industry," Charlie stresses. "You may not agree with everyone, but a discussion can bring new views." 

In addition to being a conference, the Workspace Design Show is also an actual trade show. "We expect 70 to 75 exhibitors, mainly in the field of office design. Brands such as Vitra, Interstuhl, Ahrend and Vepa are showing their latest products. Of course, companies in the field of lighting and acoustics will also be present. By the way, at the end of the first few days, we are throwing a fun party. With music and drinks, visitors and exhibitors can then network."