The design of social space, physical space, and emotional space affects how people engage with ideas, content, and each other.

diversity is a potentiality that needs to be activated. It can be used or it can just be there.

the test for a meaningful reason for coming together: Does it stick its neck out a little bit? Does it take a stand? Is it willing to unsettle some of the guests (or maybe the host)? Does it refuse to be everything to everyone?

Ending well is a crucial way to cement the feelings and ideas you want your guests to take with them.

Drill, baby, drill:

The responsible harnessing of good controversy—handling with structure and care what we normally avoid—is one of the most difficult, complicated, and important duties for a gatherer. When it is done well, it is also one of the most transformative.

What many hosts don’t realize is that the choice of venue is one of your most powerful levers over your guests’ behavior. A deft gatherer picks a place that elicits the behaviors she wants and plays down the behaviors she doesn’t.

Decide Why You’re Really Gathering

commit to one of those many possible somethings: