The Coliving Conference 2024 wrapped up in style, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who attended. Over two packed days, attendees experienced insightful site tours, engaging panel sessions and endless opportunities to network with global coliving professionals. Held on the 25th and 26th September, this event marked the successful second edition of the first and only premier conference for the coliving and shared living industries.
In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through the key highlights of the Coliving Conference 2024, summarising the key events and moments from both days. From immersive site tours that showcased innovative living spaces to the diverse networking opportunities, join us as we recap the moments that made this event a must-attend for anyone passionate about the future of shared living.
Highlights of Coliving Conference 2024: A Two-Day Journey of Innovation and Connection
Day 1: Exploring Amsterdam’s Coliving Scene
Coliving is best understood through experience, and the first day of the conference was designed to offer just that. Attendees explored three distinct coliving spaces across Amsterdam, each showcasing a unique approach to shared living. These behind-the-scenes tours went beyond architecture, offering a first-hand look at how technology, sustainability, and design come together to create thriving, purpose-driven communities. From smart living innovations to human-centred design, each stop provided fresh insights into the future of coliving and the impact of well-designed spaces in fostering connection.
The featured site tours included:
- The Social Hub Amsterdam City - A hub for students and professionals, blending living, working and community
- Superwood and Marc Koehler Architects - A project that merges sustainable design with urban living
- Hotel Jansen Bajeskwartier - An innovative space that brings coliving higher with creative design
Each site offered a distinct perspective on coliving, from sustainability-driven architecture to spaces designed to foster meaningful human relationships.
After a full day of exploration and discussions, attendees gathered for the Coliving Awards 2024—an evening dedicated to recognising the visionaries shaping the future of shared living. From community-driven initiatives to pioneering design & architecture and the diverse coliving typologies, the ceremony highlighted projects that pushed boundaries of the shared living industry. With winners honoured for their impact on coliving’s growth and the esteemed jury playing a vital role in recognising the most innovative initiatives, the awards highlighted the creativity and dedication driving the sector forward.
Day 2: Unpacking the Future of Coliving
Day 2 was dedicated to collaboration, learning, and meaningful connections. With three distinct stages, attendees explored a wide range of discussions covering community-building, investment trends, and sustainable design. Each panel offered practical insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping coliving, with speakers sparking thought-provoking conversations. As one attendee shared:
“The Coliving Conference is a great focal point for the global coliving sector. I was very impressed with the international nature of the audience, the quality agenda, and the great networking opportunities. I look forward to seeing the next iteration in Barcelona." - George Sell, Editor-In-Chief at Urban Living News.
With 17 panel sessions across three dedicated stages — 6 Thought Leadership, 5 Market Insights, and 6 Showcase panels — and over 65 speakers, the conference provided a platform for fresh perspectives and deep industry expertise. Attendees gained insights from industry veterans and emerging voices alike, diving into key trends, innovations, and the evolving landscape of shared living.
The Thought Leadership Stage panel sessions covered larger topics experienced in coliving and were discussed by thought leaders in the respective fields. For those interested in the future of urban living, sessions like “The Role of Coliving & Shared Living in the Cities of Tomorrow” sparked valuable discussions on how coliving is shaping urban environments. If you are focused on sustainability, the panel on “The Role & Impact of Latest PropTech & ConTech in Meeting Net Zero Agenda” provided useful insights into how new technologies are driving sustainability efforts across the industry. Below is the overview of every panel session of the stage:
- From Coliving 1.0 to 2.0: Next Generation of Community Driven Real Estate - Transitioning from early-stage shared living to professional coliving schemes catering to diverse audiences and sizes.
- The Role of Coliving & Shared Living in the Cities of Tomorrow - Examining the significance of coliving and shared living developments in shaping future urban landscapes.
- Mastering the Coliving Blueprint: Strategies for Asset Lifecycle Optimisation - Overview of comprehensive strategies for optimising the lifecycle of coliving assets, from conception to operation.
- How Does Nomadism Shape the Demand for Modern Real Estate & Hospitality? - Analysis of the impact of nomadic lifestyles on the demand for contemporary real estate and hospitality offerings.
- The Role & Impact of Latest PropTech & ConTech in Meeting Net Zero Agenda - Assessment on the role and impact of cutting-edge PropTech & ConTech in advancing sustainability agendas in coliving developments.
- Global Outlook: Where and How Coliving Spreads its Wings - Insights into the global expansion of coliving and identification of key markets for future growth.
The Market Insights Stage offered sessions that catered to professionals keen on understanding current status, facts and figures behind coliving sector development, with topics such as “Market Updates, Opportunities & Investments” giving attendees a deep dive into micro & macro trends. If flexibility in offerings piqued your interest, the panel on “Coliving’s Flexibility in Crafting Offerings” explored how coliving can cater to a broad range of needs, from affordable comfort to premium experiences. Below is the overview of every panel session of the stage:
- Data Driven Design for Enhancing Human Interaction - Leveraging data-driven design principles to enhance human interaction and community engagement within coliving environments.
- Market Updates, Opportunities & Investments - Exploring market insights, opportunities, and investment trends across regions, in established, developing, and emerging markets.
- Investment Agenda: Exploring Challenges, Trends, Sentiment, and Indicators Driving Market Dynamics - All about the investment landscape in coliving, including challenges, trends, sentiment analysis and key market indicators.
- Coliving’s Flexibility in Crafting offerings: From Affordable Comfort to Premium Experiences - The flexibility of coliving models in catering to diverse offerings, ranging from affordable comfort to premium experiences.
- Navigating Hybrid Typologies: Expert Strategies for Flexible Living Solutions - Expert insights for navigating hybrid coliving typologies and creating flexible living solutions adaptable to diverse needs.
Over at the Showcase Stage, speakers presented groundbreaking projects and innovative solutions, inspiring attendees with fresh ideas. Throughout the day a wide range of niche topics were explored that sparked intriguing discussions across the conference. Sessions ranged from “What can AI do for Coliving?” which offered exciting glimpses into how artificial intelligence could revolutionise coliving space, to “Exploring destination Coliving” which provided a fascinating look at how rural retreats are becoming the next big trend for digital nomads and remote workers. Below is the overview of every panel session of the stage:
- Exploring Destination Coliving: Nomad Communities and the Rise of Rural Retreats - Exploration on the emergence of destination coliving and their role in the rise of offering for digital nomads and remote workers.
- What can AI do for Coliving? - Insights into the potential applications of artificial intelligence in optimising coliving spaces and experiences.
- The Role of Modern Fintech in Optimising & Scaling Transaction Volumes - How modern financial technology can optimise and scale transaction volumes within the coliving sector.
- Coliving Insights 2.0 Showcase - From 1.0 to 2.0: Sneak Peek into Coliving Insights 2.0
- The Ultimate Coliving Stakeholder: Understanding Demand for Optimal Product Market Fit - Investigating the demands and preferences of coliving stakeholders to achieve optimal product-market fit and enhance user experiences.
- Senior Coliving: Creating Accessible Housing Solutions for Ageing Populations - Insights into the development of senior coliving communities as accessible housing solutions tailored to ageing populations.
These diverse topics were packed with valuable insights, and luckily, if you missed any of these sessions - or simly want to revisit them - on-demand recordings are available. Whether you’re looking to discover new strategies, understand new strategies, understanding market trends or learn enw technology is reshaping shared living, these recordings offer the perfect opportunity to deepen your knowledge and take actionable insights back to your projects.
Lastly, we can’t overlook the rich networking opportunities that unfolded throughout the second day of the conference. Multiple networking sessions, complete with delicious bites and refreshments, created a welcoming atmosphere that set a positive tone for the conversations to come. As the conference drew to a close, participants gathered for the Closing Drinks & Bites event, celebrating the successful culmination of two insightful days and reflecting on the knowledge they had gained. As one attendee noted:
“ I saw a lot of appreciative people from start to late night finish. I had a wonderful time. Thank you. I benefited in so many ways: being able to introduce the sector to Canada, meeting so many like-minded people, and learning from existing examples to tweak my vision in positive ways. I leave Amsterdam incredibly motivated to build an amazing coliving venture in Canada and beyond." - Robert Barnard, Co-Founder at Toboggan Flats.
In addition to the flexible networking, attendees found time for friendly competition in the game area, where laughter and camaraderie flourished in a relaxed setting. The exhibitor's lounge further enhanced the networking experience by showcasing innovative products and services that are advancing coliving solutions. Lastly for those balancing work commitments, a dedicated coworking space provided the flexibility to stay on top of their tasks, while fully engaging with the event, creating an environment where meaningful connections and productive conversations could thrive simultaneously.
Expanding Horizons: A New Chapter for Coliving Conference
Coliving is no longer just an emerging concept; it’s a movement shaping the way people live, connect, and create thriving communities. With each edition, Coliving Conference has evolved alongside the sector, bringing together those driving its growth. Now, for the first time, we are expanding beyond the Netherlands, a testament to the conference’s impact and the sector’s rapid expansion. The 2025 edition in Barcelona on 15–16 October will take place in a city that reflects coliving’s momentum, offering new opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Barcelona marks the next chapter for the Coliving Conference and we invite you to be part of the conversation shaping the future of shared living.
