The Art of Gathering: Creating Meaningful Connections

Excellent book that helps meet with, around, and on intention and purpose. From way before the gathering to the ending (and after)… how do you do it all on purpose and not with rote thinking and stale process.

Our family has hosted parties since as early as I can remember. I was confident in believing that we were experts at the practice of bringing people together. Priya Parker’s book let me know how wrong I was. Moreover, how much opportunity is missed at every social or work gathering when we just follow the same script again and again. Parker guides us expertly through the Who, What, Why, When, and Where of having meaningful gatherings in every facet of life.

Parker’s pedigree and associations in the event planning space are a foundation she quickly points out but then skillfully weaves into the sections to show practical examples of how to level up gatherings. I appreciate her no nonsense, rip the band aid off style when it comes to addressing the most sensitive of decisions around gatherings. It is the attention to the human experience of why we gather and not the logistics that makes this book special. The emotionally touching selections from past gatherings really highlight how at are most vulnerable we are most connected.

My copy is littered with dogeared pages that tie to the practical techniques that gave me perspective shifting insights on what can happen when you put people in a room together for a shared purpose and goal. The practical and pragmatic tools and strategies for better and more meaningful gatherings of every size are even more important after a taxing pandemic and during turbulent political times. A call to intentional and meaningful planning into our social interactions is needed more than ever.

I thought this would be a guide to home entertaining/guests...nope. I read cover-2-cover & only found a few historical fidgets which I found interesting. I guess I goofed when I read the book title. Thank you.

This book is a must-read for anyone who strives to bring people together. These principles can be applied to work meetings, church gatherings, family settings, or parties with friends. We need to be intentional about how we bring people together- there is much to gain.

So it came at just the right time! I had volunteered to speak at a conference and facilitate groups. This book was so wonderful to have and it helped me feel more capable to have a collaborative memorable event.

I read a lot in many different genres but this has been one of the most helpful books I've read in a while. The way the author talks about hosting and creating a space for a group of people was much more practical than I had expected. It has changed the way I create space for groups rather it's over a small lunch gathering or teaching in the classroom.