_341_http://blog.mereda.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Breakfast-Logo-for-Press-Releases-Social-Media-300x203.jpgAs demand for commercial real estate increases, how can property owners, brokers and developers meet the evolving expectations of modern businesses?  What are the emerging trends in real estate, design and marketing as they pertain to today’s mobile workforce?  Specifically, what can property owners do to attract new tenants and buyers as well as stabilize and future-proof their properties? As this open-concept trend continues to evolve, how can commercial property owners retrofit their existing properties and/or design new spaces to better accommodate the lean practices of today’s virtual business paradigm?Join MEREDA for breakfast on February 25th from 7:30 – 9:00 AM at the Clarion Hotel in Portland to learn how the coworking model has grown at a near exponential rate in the past ten years, highlighting the various types and structures that exist world-wide.  As an example, WeWork, the largest global coworking franchise, was recently valued at $10 Billion.  How is this possible and what lessons can we learn by looking at this bold new paradigm?

About our Presenters:


Patrick Roche is the President and owner of Think Tank Coworking, based in Portland Maine with locations in Yarmouth, Biddeford and now Boston.  Think Tank is Northern New England’s largest network of coworking facilities, providing nearly 300 members with access to professional, creative and collaborative workspace.

Think Tank’s coworking model has evolved over the years, adapting to today’s remote workforce needs, offering a variety of membership options; private offices, dedicated desks and floating access.  Members have 24 hour coded access to the space, replete with lounge areas, phone booths, conference rooms, kitchen and internet.  Think Tank’s also host to networking events, documentary screenings and arts programming.

Ezekiel (Zeke) Callanan is the founder and managing member of Opticliff Law, a boutique law firm focusing on startups and trademark law. Callanan’s primary practice areas are company formation, growth strategy, securities law compliance, and creative problem solving. Opticliff Law serves as general counsel to hundreds of Maine companies, including Think Tank LLC (and a few Think Tank members!).

Callanan and Opticliff Law have been members of Think Tank since the firm’s inception in 2012, fully embracing and endorsing the coworking model. Presently, the firm is outgrowing Think Tank and has plans underway to open and manage a new coworking office space on Cumberland Ave. as the value proposition of coworking to both the owner and the member makes the creation of more, diversified coworking space in Portland desirable.

About the Event:

MEREDA’s Morning Menu
The Changing Office Landscape – A look at Coworking

February 25, 2016
7:30AM to 9:00AM

Clarion Hotel
1230 Congress Street, Portland, ME
Buffet Breakfast: 7:30-8:00 am
Program: 8:00-9:00 am

Registering for this Event

Ticket Prices: 

Member:  $45 pp  |  Non-Member:  $55 pp
Prices increase by $10 after February 18th

Payment is expected at the time of registration.
No refunds will be granted to anyone who registers, but fails to attend or who cancels after February 18, 2016.

Visit www.mereda.org for more information and to register.

This MEREDA “Morning Menu” Breakfast Event is Sponsored by Norway Savings Bank.