Cities are growing and shrinking in different ways and at different speeds across the world. Using comparative analysis of global cities, this opening keynote explores the impacts on social cohesion, work dynamics and environmental well-being. Professor Burdett is a recognised world authority in urban development and design, contemporary architecture, and the social and spatial dynamics of cities. He leads LSE Cities, a global centre of research and teaching at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Sir Stuart Lipton has been at the forefront of innovation, place-making, planning and industry leadership, and at the centre of creating a large proportion of London’s most iconic developments. He joins this debate with Ricky and Jeremy to share unique perspectives on how post pandemic London is evolving in terms of buildings and place; how it is responding to the needs of business and employees; what implications for sustainability, inclusivity and wellbeing; and what new ideas exist for technological innovation and the future of work.

As the market changes and the necessity for frugality increases for all businesses, technology will play an ever-more prevalent role in achieving cost-cutting. Knowing how to balance savings and employee experience is an art and science that will determine which companies will be successful. This presentation highlights the technologies needed to make decisions that come with no regret.

The rapid acceleration of digital technology has transformed the real estate industry. Evidence shows that intelligent buildings not only improve the operation of spaces but can also support the performance of businesses occupying them, enhancing productivity, reducing absenteeism for employees, as well as being a factor in the war for talent. This session explores the different elements that make up the business case for intelligent buildings, examines how these can be quantified into financial metrics, and details what approach to take to maximise the value for an organisation and its people

Going from one Smart Workplace to a global rollout doesn’t need to be complicated. Learn from our expert panel as we explore best practice when it comes to scaling real estate digitisation, and applying a multi-building approach to smart workplaces.

Hybrid working presents new challenges. But we can find answers in a tried and tested method. Employee’s that are motivated, collaborative and feeling good: these are the returns a company can expect with quality foodservice on-site. Sharing food is an age-old way of taking a break and strengthening bonds. So how can modern workplaces utilise the power of food? James provides his insights in a short presentation.

Cisco has been at the forefront of this transition delivering 5 deep retrofits of their offices globally and helping its customers to achieve success in many more. Mark shares the learnings from implementing these workplace strategies and the success achieved in “retrofitting smart” to older buildings, the outcomes in workplace experience, operational efficiency and energy savings. He explores ‘what next’ in the evolution from “Hybrid Work” to just ‘Work’, from “Smart” to “Cognitive”, the evolution of Sustainability as a siloed initiative within organisations to sustainability.

David shares his insights into some of Australia’s most iconic developments such as Barangaroo, The Bond, 200 George St, Australia Technology Park, Darling Quarter, Olderfleet. He examines the work practices and workplace technology for these developments and shares key insights into the tenancy planning, the building design as well as the developer/tenant new ways of working to create a win-win for both.

We examine the future of the office and explore implications from the Corporate, Investor and Developer perspectives. What are the key issues facing the future of the office? What are the reasons and ways to innovate? How to create operational efficiencies and enhance the employee experience? What role does technology play? How should data best support? What does this all mean for an intergenerational workforce?

Daniel provides a framework for how people should think about AI (especially Generative AI), with entertaining examples and anecdotes. He argues that whilst these technologies are incredible at creating growth and streamlining operations, for companies to stay innovative they need to use AI to unlock the creative capacity of their workforce. Daniel will also cover the macro impact these technologies may have over the coming decades and suggests that it's within the gift of enterprise to make a better future for everyone.

In this closing session, Jeremy Myerson and Philip Ross, co-authors of Unworking: The Reinvention of the Modern Office, discuss key themes to emerge from Day 1 of the Unworking conference and set out a manifesto for change.