4 Co-Work Spaces: Where to stay connected on the road
Working while travelling can be challenging. Coffee shops are fine for checking and sending a couple of emails, but Internet connections can be unreliable and you can’t always secure a spot by a plug-in. Co-working spaces offer a practical alternative with hourly and daily drop-in fees or flexible membership options. Available resources will typically include fast Internet upload and download speeds, private meeting and conference rooms, printing, copying and scanning facilities and mail and switchboard services, not to mention a rich networking environment. Here are four favourites.
NextSpace River North, Chicago
Rates: From US$20/day to US$450/month
Located in downtown Chicago’s gallery district, Nextspace River North—formally The Coop—is set up to accommodate a variety of work styles, from collaborative to heads-down. Services include free printing for up to 200 pages per month and six free hours in a conference room that seats 15. NextSpace also has a pet-friendly policy, kitchen facilities and a bottomless supply of coffee and tea.
The Network Hub, Vancouver
Rates: From $35/day to $350/month
A veteran of the co-working concept, The Network Hub opened its doors in 2006 and offers various workspace solutions from basic to event hosting. With an impressive client list, this spot has catered to visiting talent from companies like Kijiji, Google, StubHub, Geomerics and HSBC. Become a member and get up to three free days at any of The Network Hub’s 100+ partner spaces in locations across the globe.
ACME Works, Toronto
Rates: $25/day to $495/month
ACME gets its name from the industrial building’s original tenant, ACME Textiles. A member of the growing global co-working movement, ACME members have access to a network of experts including lawyers, accountants and marketers. Opened in 2013, the newly renovated space is fresh and functional with three meeting rooms, contemporary and ergonomic office furnishings and maximized natural lighting throughout.
Workshop Cafe, San Francisco
Rates: Free to US$2 per hour
Located in San Francisco’s financial district, Workshop Cafe combines a licensed coffee shop with dedicated co-working spaces. Both free and paying guests get access to the crazy-fast WiFi, but if you hunker down in one of the eight paid sections you’ll also get concierge and office services, in-for-the-long-haul seating and all the gadget chargers you could possibly need—in case you leave yours at home—to ensure you stay connected and productive.
Source: WestJet Magazine