Insights from BCO Conference, Milan: Andy McBain, representing NatWest
Andy McBain Discusses BCO Conference's Unique Aspects and Future Workspace Design
Andy McBain, Junior Vice President of the British Council for Offices (BCO) and Head of Future of Workspace & Design at NatWest, attended the BCO Conference to network and meet new contacts. McBain finds the conference's tours, debates, and discussions across seminars invaluable, as they help uncover innovative ideas and share practical solutions to common issues and those of the future.
McBain is currently involved in organizing the BCO's 2026 conference. He is part of a dedicated project team, making the event a significant focus of his work.
The office landscape continues to evolve, offering fresh challenges and opportunities every day. McBain discusses how there is a strong appetite across various sectors – property, space, technology, and people – to experiment with new ideas and test possible scenarios.
Regarding the BCO conference's distinguishing factors, McBain highlights the conference's broad church of expertise, wisdom, NextGen energy, and love for knowledge. This breadth of participants and discussion topics makes the annual conference a unique platform for sharing ideas and debating the future of office design.
The office plays a crucial role in people's daily lives, and its design, location, transport, technology, and other components all try to create a successful work environment for employees.
McBain remarks that Milan is a design and brand icon that successfully maintains a fresh, modern image while staying rooted in its rich design and craft tradition.
The team, the challenges they face, and the dog serve as the motivations that get McBain out of bed in the morning. Contrary to popular belief, he enjoys a good night's sleep, only occasionally concerned about time if there were an extra two hours in a day.
Andy McBain is Junior Vice President of the British Council for Offices & Head of Future of Workspace & Design at NatWest.
[Incorporating Relevant Details from Enrichment Data]The BCO Conference stands out due to its comprehensive approach to the future of office design. By bringing together senior industry leaders, young professionals, and experts across disciplines, the conference fosters a dynamic environment of wisdom, innovation, and collaboration.
Emphasizing science, psychology, data analytics, technology, and sustainability, the conference addresses the complex challenges of designing office spaces that cater to the evolving needs of modern workplaces. The BCO actively involves its NextGen members in shaping the agenda, encouraging forward-thinking discussions about the future workplace and industry adaptation to challenges.
Another unique feature of the conference is 'The Gallery,' an immersive installation that showcases the broad range of work produced by the BCO's regional, technical, and awards committees. The festival-style networking and interactive sessions encourage collaboration, debate, and the formation of meaningful professional connections in a dynamic atmosphere.
Experiential elements, such as city-focused immersive experiences, also highlight the impact of architecture, workspace innovations, and culture on design development, providing attendees with practical insights they can apply in their work. Overall, the BCO conference offers a forward-thinking platform that combines inspiration, innovation, and networking for professionals in the property and workspace sectors.
The BCO Conference pioneers technology-infused discussions in the realm of future workspace design, drawing from a wealth of knowledge across property, finance, business, and technology sectors. In the dynamic setting of the conference, Andy McBain, with his expertise as Junior Vice President of the British Council for Offices and Head of Future Workspace & Design at NatWest, collaborates with like-minded professionals to shape the vision of the ever-evolving office landscape.
