The Art of the Art of Gathering

Gatherings crackle and flourish when real thought goes into them, when (often invisible) structure is baked into them, and when a host has the curiosity, willingness, and generosity of spirit to try.

For example, in planning that networking night, what if the organizers paused to ask questions like these: Is our purpose for this gathering to help people find business partners or clients? Is the purpose to help guests sell their wares or to get advice on the weaker parts of their product? Is the purpose of the night to help as many people from d

Gatherings crackle and flourish when real thought goes into them, when (often invisible) structure is baked into them, and when a host has the curiosity, willingness, and generosity of spirit to try.

• Ensure a coherent and shared welcome and initiation into the experience. Enable arriving.


• Logistics. This matters hugely. Create a seamless and easy experience. Manage transitions.


• Create a buddy system if it’s a large group (over 25) to check in with each other before, during and after.


• S

15 WAYS TO MAKE A CONFERENCE—OR ANY KIND OF GATHERING—SUCK LESS