The art of gathering

Years ago I asked a handful of friends to share tips for running better meetings—and an uncanny number recommended this book. Parker doesn't take her subject lightly: she believes that it is the way a group gathers that determines what happens there and how successful it will be, and that the little design choices the organizer makes can make or break it. As someone who tends to be interested in the behind the scenes of any endeavor, I was fascinated by her insights into why some gatherings…

This isn't just a book about gatherings; it's a manifesto on making every encounter — whether a business meeting, a workshop, or a casual get-together — meaningful and memorable. And that's something that speaks volumes, especially in the creative business world.

How I Learned to Throw Amazing Parties, Every Time | The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters is about stepping back and setting an intention for every event, big or small—weddings, backyard barbecues, business meetings. She maintains that you don’t need to be an extrovert or have a fancy house to make an occasion meaningful and memorable.

Priya Parker’s “The Art of Gathering” & World Cafe

My sketchnotes from the book The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

A large crowd of people, mostly women, are gathered together. The majority are wearing colorful clothing, including shades of red, pink, blue, and yellow. The image is taken from a high angle, giving a view of the heads and shoulders of the crowd. The overall tone of the image is vibrant and busy.

Little hand-drawn picnic baskets on name cards with my calligraphy for our cookbook club. We enjoyed some flavorful recipes from @alannaoneilphoto’s cookbook; The Art of Picnics. Highly recommend sharing a sunset with a group of women whom you want to get to know better, and those who you know well. It’s magical ✨

Need Ideas for hosting the holidays? Just offer from the heart, without the expectation. Switch that assumption into anticipation of a fresh beginning.

This oral tradition has been adapted into digital marketing techniques.