Convene, a hybrid meeting, event, and workspace provider, announced on Tuesday that following the completion of their recapitalization plan, led by HBC and Ares Management Corp, they hope to create the largest premium flex meeting, event and workplace business globally.
Convene will operate SaksWorks meeting spaces that are part of HBC, a holding company of investments and businesses.
SaksWorks is expected to rebrand as Convene in the future, but will remain branded as SaksWorks in the interim.
According to a release, with 26 facilities under management and dozens more under development, Convene is expected to be the largest premium flex space operator across the US, Canada and Europe.
This includes the new SaksWorks location on Greenwich Avenue.
With investment from HBC and Area Management Corportion, Convene’s future expansion will focus on locations in key urban and suburban markets, as businesses reimagine their office footprint and hybrid workforce strategies, and commercial real estate landlords rethink what is required to stay competitive in today’s dynamic marketplace.
“This strategic alliance between the two like minded, premium flex office providers will elevate the workday experience and advance ever-evolving workplace trends, by providing Convene’s signature award-winning hospitality, including coworking options, on-site culinary offerings, premium and elevated meeting and event venues, plus hybrid technologies that are now ‘must haves,'” the release continued. “Convene combines design, technology, and hospitality to deliver elevated meeting and event spaces that enable business productivity and collaboration.”
Also, Convene Studio, a proprietary virtual and hybrid events platform, can be added to any Convene or third-party location for hybrid and virtual meetings for up to 10,000 attendees, including full production services.
“We built Convene with a mission of elevating the workday experience. This strategic investment by HBC and Ares provides instant scale and growth opportunities for our business,” said Ryan Simonetti, co-founder and CEO of Convene in the release. “As organizations continue to embrace hybrid work and are demanding higher quality environments in which to gather, we are well-positioned to seize this moment.”
Per the release, Convene’s hospitality delivers a human touch in both the physical and virtual worlds.
“A team of dedicated on-site professionals welcome each guest and offer in-house assistance with everything from catering to IT/AV support, to ensure workday experiences are effortless and personalized,” the release continues. “Alongside unlimited craft snacks, tea and barista coffee, Convene’s Head Chefs develop seasonal menus to replenish creative energy in every one of our locations.