admin

Our Essential Conversations series is hosted every second Tuesday of the month featuring a panel discussion covering a wide range of topics. Past panels have included foster care awareness, storm preparation, beautification and sustainability, unhoused resources, tourism and public transportation. We typically have between 20 to 30 people attending regularly who are all from our local networking efforts across the OKC area.

How It Works

Essential Conversations meets every second Tuesday at Essential Offices in Oklahoma City. Panel discussions start at 8:15 AM, with networking, coffee, and snacks before and after the panel discussion. We always encourage guests to check in at reception for directions [sometimes the event moves floors – we want to make sure you find the right spot!]. The speakers end their presentations promptly at 9:00 AM.

Why We Connect

Our goal is to bring generous, actionable conversations to people working or living in the OKC metro area. We believe great ideas grow when we connect local talent and provide practical tools for making a meaningful impact in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and everyday lives.

What To Expect

• Each session features an expert panel, guest speaker, or peer-led discussion on timely community topics and ending with Q&A from attendees.
• All events are free and open to professionals, volunteers, and anyone interested in learning or giving back.
• Coffee, snacks, and resource flyers are provided. Attendees leave with practical takeaways and new contacts.
• We are building out our future panels and welcome your suggestions for experts and topics – just let our team know what’s on your mind!

If you’re looking to meet fellow professionals, deepen your knowledge of OKC issues, or support local businesses, nonprofits and governments, Essential Conversations is built for you. Join us on any second Tuesday – your voice and ideas are always welcome!

Send an email to sales@essentialoffices.com to be added to the email reminder list!

---

At Essential Offices, our focus has always been simple: create spaces people actually want to use, more often, in more ways. That’s why the conversation at the Global Workspace Association’s Dallas Immersive conference panel, “Monetization and Yield in a Flex World,” resonated so strongly with how we operate every day.

Our President and CEO, Beth DeGraffenreid, joined fellow industry leaders Ben Von Drehle (The Root Coworking), Scott Chambers (Pacific Workplaces), and Mecca Shannon (25N Coworking) to talk about how flex spaces are evolving. While the session title leaned into monetization and yield, much of our discussion centered on something deeper: appeal, accessibility, and relevance to a broader range of people and teams.

Serving Different Ways People Work

Rather than asking, “How do we squeeze more margin from each square foot?”, we start with a different question at Essential Offices: “How many different types of workers can find a home here?”

That shows up in offerings like:

• Private offices for teams who need focus and privacy.
• Coworking and dedicated desks for professionals who thrive in a communal, flexible environment.
• Virtual offices and business addresses for entrepreneurs who don’t need a physical office but still want a professional presence.
• Meeting rooms and day offices for clients who just need a polished, reliable space sometimes.
  
  By designing around real use cases instead of static “products,” we naturally attract a wider range of members, from solo professionals and startups to established companies and remote teams.

Appealing First, Profitable Second

On the panel, we talked about “diversifying revenue streams,” but at its core, that’s really about making our spaces useful to more people, more often. When a space can flex from heads-down work during the day to gatherings, strategy sessions, or workshops after hours, it becomes more relevant to the community, not just more profitable on a spreadsheet.

At Essential Offices, offering multiple ways to engage with our space —  monthly membership, hourly meeting rooms, virtual services, and short-term solutions – removes barriers to entry. The more accessible we make our services, the more natural occupancy, utilization, and yes, revenue, follow.

Using Data to Understand People, Not Just Numbers

Data was another big theme on the panel. Many operators use analytics to raise prices or optimize yield, but we also see data as a way to listen to how people actually want to use our spaces.

Those insights help us adjust offerings, layouts, and services so the experience feels intuitive and welcoming. Profitability becomes the result of making better decisions for the people using the space, not the starting point.

Building a Broader Community

Ultimately, “monetization and yield” only matter if we’re creating a place where people and businesses can thrive. Events like GWA’s Immersive highlight that the future of flex space isn’t just about charging more; it’s about including more – more industries, more work styles, more stages of business.

For Essential Offices, that means continuing to design spaces that appeal to the solo attorney, the remote tech team, the non-profit director, and the founder who just landed his/her first big client – all under one roof. When we get that right, the numbers tend to take care of themselves.

If you’re ready to find a workspace that fits the way you work, we’d love to show you around. Book a tour at Essential Offices and see how our spaces can support your business, your team, and your next stage of growth.

Oklahoma City’s Best of the 405 awards are down to the top 5 finalists in each category, and  Essential Offices is thrilled to be nominated for Best Coworking Space in Oklahoma City!​ 

Voting is open now through March 1, 2026  at vote.405magazine.com. Winners will be announced May 1st.​ 

Why Essential Offices Stands Out in OKC & Edmond Coworking 

Located at 3030 Northwest Expressway  in  NW Oklahoma City and at Covell & Broadway in Edmond. Essential Offices offers Oklahoma City professionals more than just desks: 

• Professional, furnished, and all-inclusive private offices with month-to-month flexibility 

• Furnished offices and meeting rooms bookable by the half hour (and you don’t even have to be a member to book!) 

• Turnkey amenities like reception, mail and package management, office management, coffee & kitchen, and secure enterprise grade fiber Wi-Fi and ethernet. 

• Essential Conversations – our free monthly panels at our OKC location connecting business owners and learning about various topics such as aging parents, Route 66, tourism, and more. 

Whether you need coworking space in NW OKC, private offices near Edmond, or meeting rooms for hybrid teams, our Northwest Expressway location serves Oklahoma City’s west side perfectly. 

Earlier this month, Beth DeGraffenreid and Brenna Noble flew to Chicago for the Global Workspace Association (GWA) Conference – a key event drawing flexible office leaders, operators, and innovators nationwide. With over 20 years of attending conferences like GWA, and 36 years serving Oklahoma City’s business community, Beth is a recognized thought leader and voice in the flexible workspace industry, consistently bringing insights back to OKC that keep Essential Offices relevant and ahead of the curve. 

Why We Went 
Our goal has always been to blend big-market best practices with what makes Oklahoma City uniquely vibrant. Attending GWA is about more than inspiration, it’s about deepening our expertise so Essential Offices can continue evolving in ways that serve our local market best. 

Key Takeaways from Chicago 

• Flex Office Spaces in Small Markets Are Thriving: Even smaller cities like ours are expanding shared office usage rapidly, reflecting shifts in remote work and distributed teams. 

• Data-Driven Growth: Sessions filled with hard data confirmed our belief that shared and flexible office spaces are not a fleeting trend, they are fundamental to the future of work. 

• Flexibility Is Essential: Success requires nimbleness in membership options, space design, and services to meet constantly changing needs. 

• Service & Community Matter Most: Amid all the technology and real estate changes, human connection remains at the heart of coworking’s value. 

Bringing It Back to OKC 
With decades of experience and deep ties to our community, we’re excited to keep evolving Essential Offices to match the unique demands of the Oklahoma City market. We blend big-market innovation with local heart, focusing on community and exceptional service. 

Learn More 
For those wanting a deeper look, these resources from the conference offer excellent insights: 

• The Future Of Flex Space — 7 Must-Know Insights From The 2025 Global Workspace Association Conference (Allwork.Space) 

• GWA Conference Recap 2025 (25N Coworking/Good Neighbors Blog) 

We’re grateful for these ongoing learning opportunities, for a community of brilliant and groundbreaking professionals, and can’t wait to share what’s next with the Essential Offices community. 

This October marks 36 years of Essential Offices! This milestone reflects more than longevity; it tells the story of adaptability, innovation, and deep roots in Oklahoma City’s business community. 

Since we opened our doors in 1989, our mission has stayed steady: to provide flexible, professional workspaces that make it easier for great people to do great work. But how have we done that? We’ve had to adapt alongside the technology, tools, and trends that have reshaped business itself. 

From Executive Suites to Flexible Workspaces 

In 1989, Essential Offices began as PC Executive Services, a traditional executive suite model built around one simple need: small businesses wanted a private office without the high cost of hiring staff or managing overhead. We provided turnkey offices, shared receptionists, and on-site administrative support, a revolutionary idea at the time. 

By the mid-1990s, technology began to change everything. A PC on every desk meant our clients could work faster and connect further. As businesses adopted email and personal computers, the demand for space grew rapidly. We expanded locations and services, adding internet technology infrastructure and scaling operations to support this new, more connected workforce. 

The 2000s: Work Anywhere Becomes Reality 

With a cell phone in every pocket and the Internet now indispensable, “work” was no longer tied to four walls. Essential Offices adapted by becoming an internet service provider for our tenants, launching virtual offices, and welcoming meeting room bookings from non-tenants. 

By the 2010s, the workplace had become even more mobile. Cloud solutions, mobile tools, and changing attitudes toward work-life balance led to the rise of remote and hybrid work. We answered by upgrading our technology to fiber and VoIP, bundling contracts with internet and meeting spaces, and expanding to serve suburban and home-based professionals. 

Today: The Modern Flexible Office 

Now in 2025, Essential Offices continues to evolve. We’ve rebranded from PC Executive Services, doubled our OKC footprint, and invested heavily in technology and meeting spaces enhance collaboration, security, and community. 

Our spaces blend privacy with connection. We serve individuals, small teams, and hybrid organizations who value adaptability as much as security. With fiber internet, integrated meeting tech, and our member app that enables online booking and e-commerce, we’re bridging the digital and physical workspace experience. 

The workplace has transformed many times over, and so have we. What hasn’t changed is our philosophy: to stay flexible, listen to our clients, and grow alongside their needs. 

A Thank You to Our Community 

Since 1989, we’ve been proud to be a cornerstone in Oklahoma City’s and Edmond’s business communities, providing space, resources, and connection through every economic cycle and shift in how people work. 

From typewriters to touchscreens, dial-up to fiber, in-office to hybrid, Essential Offices has been there. And as we celebrate 36 years, we’re not just looking back; we’re building forward. 

Here’s to continuing to adapt, innovate, and create spaces where Oklahoma’s professionals thrive. 

Tired of working from coffee shops or dealing with unreliable internet? At Essential Offices, we understand that today’s professionals and businesses need flexible, convenient, and cost-effective workspace solutions to thrive in an ever-changing environment. That’s why we’re excited to launch the Meeting Room Membership Package, providing professional, secure, and adaptable spaces tailored to fit yourschedule, all without the commitment or cost of a full-time lease.

Save More with Our Meeting Room Membership

Do you frequently need professional meeting or day office space but want to save on every booking? Our new Meeting Room Membership is perfect for you!

• Only $50 per month
• Enjoy 15% off every meeting room and day office booking
• Access to all 11 Essential Offices meeting rooms across our two locations, equipped with high-speed WiFi, AV technology, whiteboards, and complimentary refreshments
• Ideal for interviews, client meetings, team training, and brainstorm sessions

Whether you need a quiet day office for focused work, a collaborative space for brainstorming, a board room to pitch your project to clients, or a training room to improve your team – this package helps you save while giving you access to our fully supported, professional environments at both our Oklahoma City and Edmond locations.

Why Choose Essential Offices?

At Essential Offices, we don’t just provide space – we provide an experience. Our meeting rooms and day offices come fully equipped with:

• Top-tier AV and video conferencing technology (for medium & large rooms)
• Complimentary coffee, tea, and water
• On-site administrative assistance and notary services
• Secure, high-speed enterprise-grade fiber WiFi
• Printing, scanning, and copying services
• Convenient locations with free parking

Our dedicated team is here to ensure your meetings and workdays run smoothly, so you can focus on what matters most.

Ready to Elevate Your Workspace?

Contact us today to learn more or book your package:
📞 (405) 848-8246
📧 sales@essentialoffices.com

Experience the future of work with Essential Offices – where flexibility meets professionalism.

Visit our Meeting Rooms page to explore all options and book your space today!

Elevate Your Business with Professional Office Space in Oklahoma City & Edmond

The Power of Professionalism in Your Workspace

In today’s competitive business environment, the right office space can make all the difference. At Essential Offices, we provide private, secure offices, shared office spaces, and flexible co-working options in both Oklahoma City and Edmond – all designed to project professionalism and support your success.

Why Choose a Professional Office Space?

• First Impressions Matter: Welcome clients, partners, and potential hires to a polished, professional setting that inspires confidence from the moment they arrive.
• Client Trust: A secure, well-maintained office in Oklahoma City or Edmond signals reliability and competence, helping you build lasting client relationships.
• Employee Productivity: Our thoughtfully designed workspaces – including private offices, shared offices, and co-working areas – boost morale and productivity.

Key Features of Our Professional Office Spaces

• Private, Secure Offices: Enjoy confidentiality and peace of mind with secure, lockable workspaces.
• Shared Office & Co-Working: Flexible solutions for teams and individuals, fostering collaboration and networking.
• Fully-Equipped Meeting Rooms: Host impactful meetings in modern, professional settings.
• Dedicated Reception Services: Our welcoming receptionist ensures efficient communication and a positive first impression.
• Hospitality Amenities: Complimentary gourmet coffee, water, and snacks for you and your guests.

The Essential Offices Advantage

• Streamlined Communication: Professional reception services handle calls onsite and is there to ensure your clients are connected to you whether you are in office or not.
• Enhanced Guest Experience: With twice the staff of the national average for shared office spaces, we provide attentive, personalized service to ensure every guest feels welcome and supported.

• Productive Meetings: State-of-the-art meeting rooms in both Oklahoma City and Edmond, featuring secure high-speed internet, TVs, wireless connectivity, and full video conference call capabilities for seamless collaboration.
• Employee Wellbeing: Clean, organized, and functional office spaces designed for focus and comfort.

Experience the Difference

Investing in a professional, secure office space is an investment in your business’s growth. Essential Offices helps you attract clients, retain talent, and build a strong brand reputation with our range of private offices, shared offices, co-working spaces, and meeting rooms in Oklahoma City and Edmond.

Ready to Upgrade Your Workspace?

Visit Essential Offices today to discover how our professional environment can elevate your business. Schedule a tour or drop by – see firsthand what sets our private offices, shared offices, and co-working spaces apart in Oklahoma City and Edmond.

Essential Offices: Where Professionalism Meets Productivity.