6th Annual Conference & Exhibition

REAL ESTATE DECISIONS & HYBRID WORKPLACE

October 3rd, 2023

Brdo Congress Center, Slovenia

Atypical Business Conference

for Thought Leaders
and Curious Minds

WDC23 shines the spotlight on the very first phase of the workplace change project: research and planning. Gain insight from experts and explore best practice case studies to understand the vital role data is playing in the successful planning of any corporate real estate and workplace transformation project. If you are planning a project like this or thinking about it, make sure you don’t miss this year’s conference.

WDC23 shines the spotlight on the very first phase of the workplace change project: research and planning. Gain insight from experts and explore best practice case studies to understand the vital role data is playing in the successful planning of any corporate real estate and workplace transformation project.

Workplace Design Conference is an experience-based, results-oriented, super practical event bringing together business leaders and professionals. They attend WDC to create more efficient workspaces for their companies. And more successful businesses. A day full of questions and answers, challenges and solutions. And best practice case studies from local and international workplace strategy projects.

Alenka Kragelj Eržen

FOUNDER & CEO Kragelj Architects, Slovenia
Alenka-profilna-02
Workplace Design Conference is an experience-based, results-oriented, super practical event bringing together business leaders and professionals. They attend WDC to create more efficient workspaces for their companies. And more successful businesses. A day full of questions and answers, challenges and solutions. And best practice case studies from local and international workplace strategy projects.
Alenka Kragelj Eržen
FOUNDER & CEO
Kragelj Architects, Slovenia

6 years of tradition

19+ speakers

255+ attendees

200+ minutes of networking 

you'll meet...

Workplace Design Conference is, first and foremost, designed for Business Leaders, Company Executives and Entrepreneurs. You will meet many of your colleagues there, heads of SMB, SME and large enterprises.

WDC is also a must attend event for Workplace Strategists, HR Professionals, Facility Managers, Real Estate Professionals, Interior Architects, Designers and other key people who want to help improve performance, collaboration and talent retention in their organizations by matching workplace design and technology with strategic vision and sound management.

Kragelj-WDC2021-126 (1)
The WDC conference provided excellent opportunities for networking and all sessions were very informative. More importantly, we heard proven strategies of aligning the work environment with the needs of the people, with the new technologies and the overall vision of the organization.

Tomaž Šalamon

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Banka Sparkasse d.d., Slovenia

WHO’S SPEAKING

WDC23 speakers

This year’s conference will center around the initial phases of workplace projects, unleashing the power of research and planning.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW

AGENDA WDC23

8:30–9:00

Reception Opens / Morning Coffee

9:00–9:05​

Main Stage

Welcome

Alenka Kragelj Eržen

Introduction to WDC23 Day

Nigel Oseland

9:05–9:50

Main Stage

Working forward – Hard facts, soft skills

Peter Ippolito, Ippolito Fleitz Group

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Today, working does not necessarily mean the office … and the office is not just a place of work, which, as we have learned, can be performed in many different places. Designing work environments today means engaging with processes to create changeable tools with strong identities that bring a company’s values and purpose to life and put their users at the center.

9:50–10:25

Main Stage

Breaking the Mold: How Changing Leadership Mindsets at an Early Stage Can Drive Change

Gerda Stelpstra, Cushman & Wakefield
Are you struggling to get your office environment transformation initiatives off the ground? Are you experiencing resistance or a lack of engagement from employees during the process? You’re not alone. Despite the proven success of executive sponsorship as the number one factor in successful change, change management is often overlooked in office change projects.

In this presentation, we will delve into the impact of bad or no change management and explain why it’s a critical piece of the puzzle for successful transformation. We’ll share practical examples of what business leaders can do to drive change, and the role they play in ensuring success.

We showcase a client case study that highlights the dos and don’ts of change management. Learn from their experience as we explore what worked and what didn’t. Gain insights on how to better approach change management in your own office environment transformation initiatives.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical advice on how to make your office environment transformation a success. Join us for a thought-provoking and engaging presentation that will leave you inspired and equipped to tackle change management head-on.

10:25-11:00

Break

11:00–11:40

Main Stage

Framing the possible

Kay Sargant, HOK

Senior Principal and Director of WorkPlace

Attracting and retaining talent now hinges on an employer’s ability to meet the diverse needs of their employees while enabling their teams to do their best work, regardless of location. To be successful going forward, organizations must reposition the workplace as a destination that enhances how people work. We need to ensure organizations view the workspace as an asset, not a liability, and embrace the potential that can be created by providing high-performance workspace. To do so, we need to have a clear vision of what is possible and develop a workplace strategy based on each organizations specific DNA, not just based on copying what other companies are doing. And we need to engage employees in the process to have an inclusive and holistic approach.

In this new ecosystem of hybrid spaces, the purpose of place becomes increasingly important, and knowing how to get there. Now is the time to rethink what can be.
Kay Sargent, HOK

11:40–12:15

Main Stage

To be announced

Session

11:40–12:20

Main Stage

The (fantastic) future of workplace strategy

Neil Usher

Neil Usher will focus on the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to workplace strategy. Usher argues that the success of a workplace project is determined long before the construction phase begins, as it involves understanding the organization’s culture, objectives, and how its employees work. He emphasizes the need to involve employees in the initial stages of a workplace change project to understand their needs and preferences. Additionally, Usher will highlight the importance of continually adapting workplace strategies to meet the evolving needs of the organization and its employees. He suggests that workplace design should be flexible and adaptable to support different work styles and enable innovation. Understanding change is crucial as it begins before the project starts and continues long after it is deemed complete. Usher will conclude by encouraging organizations to embrace experimentation and continually adapt their workplace strategies to keep up with the changing needs of work environment.
Neil_Usher_WDC23

12:20-13:30

Lunch and networking

13:00–13:30

Parallel Stage

Mastermind Session with Speakers (Premium)

13:30–13:50

Main Stage

Best practice Case studies

Kragelj Architects Team

13:50-14:25

Main Stage

To be announced

Session

14:25-15:00

Main Stage

Panel with WDC23 Speakers

Moderated by Nigel Oseland

15:00-15:05

Main Stage

Closing Words

Alenka Kragelj Eržen

15:05-17:00

Main Hall

After event networking

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Premium*
Conference Pass

Virtual Pass

SECURE YOUR SPOT

RESERVE YOUR SEAT

Conference Pass
Access to main conference program, interactive expo area, Lunch & Refreshments
  • Access to main conference program
  • Lunch & Refreshments during breaks
  • Goodie bag and exclusive offers

Regular: 155 €

135 € *

(Valid until 9.9.2023)

Premium
Conference Pass

Everything included in the Conference Pass + exclusive benefits: Premium seat, Exclusive meet and chat with speakers, Access to sessions recordings

  • Access to main conference program
  • Lunch & Refreshments during breaks
  • Goodie bag and exclusive offers
  • Premium seat
  • Exclusive meet and chat with speakers
  • Access to session recordings after the conference

Regular: 255€

185 € *

(Valid until 9.9.2023)

Virtual Pass

Access to main conference program via live streaming, access to session recordings

Regular: 79€

69 € *

(Valid until 9.9.2023)

*Prices do not include VAT. 

A 10% group discount is available for organizations that register 2 or more delegates. Reserve your seat now. You can change the names of the participants at any time. For more information send us your inquiry or call us at +386 (0)1 256 43 50.

TIME FOR EXPERIENCE

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE

Choose between Conference pass with classic stall seats or Premium pass with banquette or lounge seating.
Special ticket packages available.
WORKPLACE DESIGN CONFERENCE

FEEDBACK FROM PAST ATTENDEES

WORKPLACE DESIGN CONFERENCE

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Become a sponsor or an exhibitor, and connect with your target market including business leaders, decision-makers and workplace professionals.

BRDO CONGRESS CENTER, SLOVENIA

VENUE & LOCATION

WHO inspired us in PREVIOUS years 

Previous WDC Speakers

Kirk Vallis

Global Head of Creativity Development Google, USA

Alex Pinter

Strategic Innovation & Growth Lead
Accenture, Austria

Ruben Van Eijk

Head of Creative Shop CEE Meta, USA

Asif Sadiq, MBE

Senior Vice President, Head of Equity and Inclusion,
Warner Media, UK

Michal Matlon

Place & Architecture Psychologist
theLivingCore, Austria

Dr. Ken Dooley

Chief Strategy Officer for Empathic Building
Haltian, Finland

Peter Baumann

Global Head of Real Estate & Facilities Projects
SAP, Switzerland

Randy Gage

Author & Speaker RandyGage.com, USA

Dr. Nigel Oseland

WP Strategist & Change Manager
Workplace Unlimited, UK

Thomas Fundneider

Founder & CEO
theLivingCore, Austria

Alenka Kragelj Eržen

Lead Architect and CEO
Kragelj Architects, Slovenia

Monika Ivanović

Head of Employer Branding
Infobip, Croatia

Tatjana Milnović

Global Brand Strategist
Infobip, Croatia

Roko Malkoč

Product Director
Better, Slovenia

Božidarka Radović

Product Lead
Better, Slovenia

GET INSPIRED

WDC GALLERY

Check out our video and photo gallery to see the highlights of our past gatherings. We’re excited to welcome you to this year’s conference and create more memorable moments together.

HOW CAN WE ASSIST YOU?

YOUR MESSAGE or INQUIRY

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COPYRIGHT 2023 KRAGELJ ARCHITECTS LTD., WORKPLACE DESIGN CONFERENCE 2023

PORTRAIT

Gerda Stelpstra

Partner | Total Workplace Lead Office Consultancy
Cushman & Wakefield, The Netherlands

As an anthropologist, Gerda brings a unique perspective to the corporate real estate sector, with a strong focus on people and organizations. She is known for being a thought-provoker, encouraging people to consider topics from different angles. Her expertise as a strategist is grounded in anthropological principles, which she uses to guide organizations in their workplace development. By taking a holistic approach, she examines the system, rituals, and behaviors that influence trends, providing valuable insights into workplace-related transformation. With her extensive experience in the real estate sector, Gerda is a knowledgeable guide in corporate real estate and a go-to expert for organizations seeking to optimize their workplaces.

PORTRAIT

Peter Ippolito

Co-founder and Managing partner
Ippolito fleitz group

Peter Ippolito studied architecture in Stuttgart and Chicago. During this period he was an assistant to Prof. Ben Nicholson (Chicago) and collected valuable practical experience in the studio of Daniel Libeskind (Berlin). He set up Ippolito Fleitz Group together with Gunter Fleitz in 2002. And in 2015 Peter Ippolito and Gunter Fleitz were the first German interior designers to be admitted to Interior Design magazine’s prestigious ›Hall of Fame‹. In addition to his creative work, Peter Ippolito has held various teaching positions and is in keen demand as a speaker and as a member of competition juries. Peter Ippolito is a member of the German Designers Club (Deutscher Designer Club).
Kay Sargent, HOK

PORTRAIT

Key Sergent

Senior Principal, Director of WorkPlace
HOK

With 38 years of experience, Kay is a recognized expert on workplace design and strategy issues and an award-winning designer. Kay is Global Co-Director of HOK’s WorkPlace team and sits on HOK’s Board of Directors. In 2020 she was named ASID’s Designer of Distinction. In 2021 she was selected from her field of peers to provide Congressional Subject Matter Expert Testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives on “Federal Real Estate Post-COVID-19: A View from The Private Sector.” Kay also serves on the GSA Diversity taskforce and is an advisor for the HOK Diversity Advisory Council.
Neil_Usher_WDC23

PORTRAIT

Neil Usher

CHIEF WORKPLACE & CHANGE STRATEGIST
GOSPACE AI
AUTHOR | BLOGGER

With over 30 years in industry as a property, workplace and change leader, Neil has delivered innovative environments for organisations in a variety of sectors, all over the world including Warner Bros., Honeywell, Rio Tinto and Sky. He is now Chief Workplace & Change Strategist at GoSpace AI, creators of the only dynamic and intelligent workspace management application available today. He leads the advisory arm of the business, providing strategic and practical advice to clients on creating and operating human-centric workplaces in a hybrid world. He has been actively blogging about work for over a decade. His first book The Elemental Workplace was published in 2018, the follow-up Elemental Change in 2020 and his third Unf*cking Work in September 2022.

PORTRAIT

dr. Nigel Oseland

WP Strategist & Change Manager
Workplace Unlimited, UK

Dr. Nigel Oseland is a workplace strategist, environmental psychologist, and change manager who understands the human experience, specifically what sort of behaviors can lead to greater engagement in the workplace, more ideas, and higher productivity. 

Nigel Oseland is a sought-after international speaker, and author of several papers and books, including “Improving Office Productivity – A Practical Guide for Business and Facilities Managers”. 

PORTRAIT

Alenka Kragelj Eržen

CO-FOUNDER & CEO
KRAGELJ ARHITEKTI

Alenka Kragelj Erzen is an architect, workplace strategist, designer and project leader with 15 years of experience on projects for corporate clients. She is also a coach, change manager and workshop facilitator helping organizations and their people transition to new, more efficient ways of working. Alenka successfully managed extensive research, workplace design and office relocation projects for clients such as A1 and VIP Mobil (members of Telekom Austria Group), Outfit7, Grey Worldwide, Krka, Prva Group, Triglav Insurance Group, Medis, DARS, Unicredit, Sberbank and others.

She passionately advocates for the idea of putting people in the center of workplace design. Alenka speaks at industry events, and has authored numerous articles on architecture, interior design and workplace design strategies.