The challenges for coworking in Las Vegas
So with the stage set and the options open for potential coworkers, what are the odds that coworking can thrive in the Vegas Valley? Whether downtown or in the suburbs is the collaborative nature of coworking something that Las Vegans will embrace?
Long-time Nevada residents are often community-minded, but there is also a tradition of rugged individualism running through the culture. Though the city attracts risk takers from around the world, Las Vegans tend to be conservative and are not the early adopters that the tech industry and new initiatives typically rely on. The population is also highly-transient which creates another set of challenges -- or perhaps opportunities.
Graham Kahr of Zappos who organizes Pop-up coworking in Las Vegas thinks that Pop-up coworking sessions might be an interesting solution to the Vegas problematic. Organized in local business around town, Pop ups provide a venue where coworkers can meet on a regular basis and spend a few hours working together.
“Most people feel that Vegas can be painfully transient,” says Kahr. “Pop Up helps give members of the startup world a sense of local community.” Another advantage is that Pop up coworking in Vegas is free and there are no rules or sign up. “You just show up” says Kahr. “Flexibility is a big deal in Vegas.”
Apart from the offering practical solutions, Kahr believes that Pop Up coworking can have other advantages. “Pop Up Coworking nights can help to fuel the coworking movement, getting more people interested in the opening spaces and growing the user base.”
Las Vegas, though at first glance is an atypical environment for coworking, it could prove to be a useful testing ground for the coworking concept and may yet shape and define what coworking can do to develop strong working communities. “We hope to see Vegas become a model for coworking, CoLiving, and CoLearning.” says Morning.
It looks like most there is some serious investment in Vegas coworking and regardless where they are located in the city, many are on the same page about the benefits that coworking can have in the Las Vegas community.
“There are plenty of potential coworkers and it will take time to educate, inform and invite them to participate in this revolutionary way to work.” says Jaramillo. Kahr concurs, “Building this community with the right people will help it scale in a healthy way. As participants learn that there is no downside to learning new stuff and meeting new people, the community will grow naturally and that's a beautiful thing.”
