Meet the Lab Host gives you an inside look at the innovative, creative, forward-thinking Chicago organizations hosting CIW 2014 Labs.  To learn more about 2014 programming, consult our online schedule.  Tickets go on sale to the general public September 2, 2014.

Join Danielle Galmore of Workspring for a Lab exploring Insight-Driven Design on Tuesday, October 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Workspring is a space specifically designed to inspire productivity and creativity. Used for offsite meetings, business events and coworking, Workspring uses neuroscience research findings as a jumping off point for creating a work environment that results in work that is both higher quality and feels better.  Managing Director Danielle Galmore shared with us what Workspring has learned about the ways in which our environment influences our work.

Workspring’s Managing Director Danielle Galmore helps make the work space a productive and creative environment

In three sentences or fewer, what is your organization’s manifesto or mission?

Whether you’re working alone or as a group, Workspring has designed an environment that promotes wellbeing and helps you be accomplished. Every detail, from our attentive staff to all-inclusive amenities, is designed to make you feel enriched—mind, body and soul.

Why Chicago?  Tell us why this idea or organization is based in Chicago, how you think the city has supported the project and how you think the project contributes to our city. 

Workspring was conceived and developed over an 18-month period within WorkSpace Futures, the Global Research function of Steelcase.  Based on over 30 years of research into work, workers and workplaces, it responds specifically to the growing demand for flexible and technically advanced team spaces for an increasingly mobile workforce. With this vision in mind, we felt our vision complemented and supported the Chicago market and its community. The culture of work is changing quickly. Today’s worker is more mobile and more connected than ever. And you can see these trends in Chicago. Rather than ignore these clear trends, Workspring supports them.

Give us a sneak peek of what we should expect at your Lab.  What hands-on, interactive activities do you have planned for participants?  (But don’t tell us everything—keep some of your Lab a surprise!)

The culture of work is changing. Danielle Galmore, managing director of Workspring, will share how insight-driven space design stages great experiences and inspires people to be more productive and creative. You’ll learn how to activate the five senses with key design elements, and you’ll gain a unique glimpse into the inner workings of Workspring’s business model and culture, while learning about collaborative consumption and how your organization can be made more sustainable.

We want to be in the know!  Name one person, place or thing that you think is one of Chicago’s best-kept secrets—a secret until now, of course.  

Bridgehouse Museum on the Chicago River holds the rich history of Chicago’s river and the world-famous bridges. Many people pass by without knowing that it’s there.  And it’s $5 or less to non-members!

Q&As are edited for clarity and length.