The Art Of Gathering - A Guide to Meaningful Connections and Deepening Relationships
“Think of what you want to be different because you gathered,
and work backward from that outcome.”
I have a little secret. I am a closet introvert. In spite of this, I have consistently found myself in leadership and forward facing roles. 'Turning it on' is a learned skill, but in real life, I am most content at home, in my soft clothes, or out on a hike by myself in the redwoods. I used to consider this a handicap, now I see it as a superpower. When hosting or attending an event, I am acutely aware of how the event feels and, as a result, how the people around me are experiencing it. This applies to the virtual setting as well…a room is a room! I set out to create events with Acquire that I wish existed for me. You see, if you can make the most introverted person in the room feel good, you will have succeeded. This is because of a fundamental need we all have: the need to feel as if we belong.
Priya Parker states in her book, The Art of Gathering, that the biggest mistake we make when planning an event is to focus on the stuff: the mechanics like the AV, the menu and the equipment. We shrink a human challenge down to a logistical one, and in doing so, the soul of the gathering is lost in the shuffle. Rather than what do we do with people, it becomes what do we do with things.
So how do we design events with the highest impact? By starting with a purpose. We ask our clients what the desired outcome is, and we work backwards from there. A specific purpose allows us to decide who will attend and why. We can then best strategize the run of show to meet the desired outcome and the needs of our guests. Gathering is about how we make people feel, and while logistics are important, they are not what makes an event extraordinary.
As we begin planning for another year, my challenge for you is to look for opportunities to genuinely connect with those around you. We realize that this is a hectic time of year, that is why we offer an easy button approach for planning your holiday events and sending gifts. Yes! There is still time for Client Gifts, Virtual Events or a Chef-Driven Experience! How do we differ at Acquire? By taking the work off your plate and delivering results at the highest level. There is nothing we love more than being in service to you and making you shine.