An Essential Book for ALL Planners: The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
book review, the art of gathering, event planner, event essentials
Whether you are an expert planner, or a home host, Priya Parker's book, "The Art of Gathering" will elevate your event planning game to a whole new level. This book was gifted to me by a client, and it brought me fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to create unforgettable experience. Priya Parker's book is YOUR guiding light to reimagine how we gather, connect and create meaningful moments in an increasingly digital world. Below are my most favorite take aways.
1. Start with Purpose
Begin each event planning process by defining a clear purpose and vision. Ask yourself why the event is happening and what you want to achieve. Understanding the "why" is critical to designing an impactful event.
2. Design the Invitation
Craft a compelling and intentional invitation that sets the tone for the event. It should communicate the purpose, create intrigue, and engage potential attendees. Speak in a voice or tone that matches your theme, use websites or videos to enhance the messaging, be creative!
3. Create a Unique Guest List
Carefully curate the guest list, prioritizing quality over quantity. Think beyond the usual suspect and consider diversity in backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise to foster enriching conversations.
4. Establish Rules
Now this one threw me for a loop- Establish Rules- at a party? There aren't supposed to be rules, just fun! But Priya talks about setting ground rules to create a shared understanding of the event's structure and objectives. Clearly communicating the format, expectations and desired outcomes of an event leads to a more successful event.
5. Foster Meaningful Engagement
Encourage participants to engage in a way that goes beyond small talk. Design activities and prompts the promote deeper conversations, vulnerability and connection. I will post some of my favorite ways to do this at a later time!
6. Reimagine Space and Environment
Think creatively about the physical space and how it can support the event's objectives. Consider room layouts, lighting, seating arrangements, and décor to enhance the atmosphere and encourage interaction.
7. Transformative Moments
Identify key moments during the event where transformation can occur. These are the instances that will leave a lasting impact on participants, so plan them intentionally.
8. Think About Endings
One of my biggest pet peeves is ending a meaningful, impactful event with LOGISITICS talk. Priya has the same pet peeve and talks about concluding an event thoughtfully. The ending should mirror the event's purpose and create a sense of closure, leaving the participants with a meaningful takeaway.
9. Rituals and Traditions
I absolutely loved this takeaway the most. Explore the power of rituals and traditions in gatherings. They can create a sense of belonging and identity, making your event more memorable. Priya talks about gatherings her mother started among her and her pre-teen friends in order to discuss the changes the girls would be going through and growing into womanhood. When their weekly get togethers concluded, Priya talked about how her mother gave all the girls a bracelet, that when she saw her friends wearing the bracelets at school, she knew she wasn't alone. I know this takeaway can be better utilized in many different types of events.
10. Diversity and Inclusion
Ensure that all participants feel welcomed and values, and be mindful of cultural and social sensitivities.
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