Nomad City: Open Chats, Beach Networking, and Lots of Inspiration

First time remote working? | Photo by Daria Nepriakhina on Unsplash

As a digital nomad or a remote worker, sometimes finding that community or others working with the same flexibility can be a hurdle. When you’re displaced by having a base location or having a core group, finding that self guidance can be overwhelming when you spend your days working on your own. Nomad City, based in Gran Canaria, was a great resource for me. I attended last year’s event and found an inspiring community and a great hub of digital nomads to meet and learn from. Happily, they’re doing it again this year.

What to expect from Las Palmas

I never visited the Island of Gran Canaria before, until last October 2018. However, I heard about Gran Canaria and its capital city from fellow remote workers. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria was one of the growing places for digital nomads and freelancers, and this is not surprising in the “lucky islands” as they are known in the Spanish mainland.

Gran Canaria is just 4-5 hours from Europe, and there are cheap flights from almost every major city. Plus, Las Palmas is one of cheapest cities in Europe to live and work in. Petrol costs less than a euro, beer is below two euros, and a taxi ride across the city is less than 5 euros (the cheapest in Europe). And Las Palmas has the world's most pleasant climate and the temperature never drops below 15ºC (and that's in the middle of the night). Seriously, so many elements that make it perfect for traveling.

And, thanks to Croissant you will have access to a huge range of different spaces with fast internet, roof terrace meeting spots and helpful staff. There are some great spaces with terraces, views, and art galleries. And zen spaces near the beach and historic buildings.

Photo courtesy of Laura

Nomad City, the event

Nomad City is an annual event that takes place in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria during the winter— but the weather is still amazing for beaches. The event focuses on the theme of remote work for both freelancers and companies. 

I found it a fantastic opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and remote workers from around the globe, learn how to find a remote job, improve your skills as a remote worker, or optimize and manage your remote company efficiently.

It’s also a great time to escape winter cold, so I bought my ticket to Nomad City last year and… it was amazing!

A total of 42 papers and four discussions were distributed during a 6-day program, which also included activities in nature, like surfing, hiking, excursions, and networking events. We were more than 240 professionals in the main auditorium of the city with incredible sea views. And we talked openly about building remote teams, how to pivot into remote life from the office, and how to keep communication and culture going as a remote team.

In the afternoon, I went to the activities in nature and meet ups of the city of the communities of workers in the different coworkings, and of course I always had time for a beer and meet professionals like me.  We were more than 240 professionals in the main auditorium of the city with incredible sea views.

It’s days full of great inspiration, highly interesting talks, workshops, and meet ups with a whole lot of new friends. Not to mention, great weather and incredible scenery in front of the the world's best city beach.

If you’re looking for a few great days of networking, conferences, sun and beach, I wouldn’t even hesitate, and go buy your ticket for Nomad City 2019.

Photo courtesy of Laura

This year it will take place from November 7 through 9 at the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium in Las Palmas. The first day is a workshops day, then a conference day, and for the first time a Summit, using the bar camp method. In addition, Nomad City combines leisure activities such as surfing or yoga with networking meetings and conferences themselves.

Last year was my first time and it really exceeded my expectations. It gave me a new understanding of how work is really evolving globally. And it was great to meet so many others who share this way to work outside the norm. I am not alone!

After this good experience, I was sure I would return this year, and that's why I already have my ticket. Do you already have yours?

Guest writer Laura is an experienced HR passionate about Tech & future of work. Expert in virtual collaboration and Getcroissant city manager from Barcelona and Canary Islands