The Art of Gathering
What I Learned From Hosting 20+ Events (and a Book That Put It All Into Words)
Over the past three years, Flourish Women's Networking has hosted more than 20 events. A few weeks ago, our Art Series brought together over 100 people in one room. After all that hosting, I picked up Priya Parker's The Art of Gathering, and it gave me language for things I had only understood instinctively until now.
If you gather people in any part of your life, whether that is work events, dinners, or community get-togethers, this book is worth picking up. I already host a lot, but it gave me real insight into why some of what I do works, and clear direction on how to do it even better.
Here are the three ideas that stood out to me most, and how they show up in the way we run Flourish.
Decide why before deciding who or what - The purpose
Most gatherings borrow their purpose from habit. A networking event looks like every other networking event because that is just what networking events look like. Parker's argument is simple, but it changes everything: get specific about why you are gathering people before you think about the guest list, the venue, or the format.
At Flourish, this is why we run two distinct streams, Elevate for professional networking and Restore for wellbeing. Each one exists for a different reason, and that shapes everything about how the room feels.
Flourish Women’s Networking at the Ace Hotel. Speed networking!
2. Be a generous host, not just a polite one
Hosting is not about being agreeable. It is about taking charge. That means protecting your guests, setting the tone of the room, and stepping in when something needs steering, even gently.
For women's networking specifically, this matters more than people think. A room full of women who do not yet know each other needs a host willing to introduce people, open conversations, and make sure no one stands alone at the edge of the room. That is generosity in action, not control.
3. Do not avoid the hard moments
Real connection usually comes from honesty, not from keeping everything smooth and pleasant. Some of the best moments at Flourish events have come from someone saying something true and a little vulnerable, not from the small talk around it.
Flourish Women’s Networking - Connection
Why this matters for community building
Whether you are planning a corporate event, a dinner with friends, or your next women's networking gathering, the principles are the same. Purpose first, generous hosting, and room for real moments. These are the foundations Flourish has been built on since day one, and they are the reason our events keep growing.
If you have not read The Art of Gathering yet, I would recommend it to anyone who brings people together, in business or in life.
Emilya Colliver, Founder, Flourish Women's Networking and Art Pharmacy
