The Art of Gathering

Priya Parker’s book The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters (2018) is a series of chapter-length essays that provide a guide to organizing effective gatherings as well as a persuasive argument for thinking about them as tools for social transformation. As a highly experienced group facilitator, advisor, podcast host, and expert in conflict resolution, Parker brings a specialist’s insight to her topic. At the same time, she organizes and presents the book as a practical, hands-on guide to help everyone from business people to community leaders to groups of friends organize purposeful gatherings. The Art of Gathering touches on a huge range of event types, from funerals to political summits. In addition, it incorporates an array of anecdotal evidence from Parker’s own experience as well as from numerous experts in professional fields including business, community organizing, entertainment, politics, and more.

This guide uses the 2018 ebook edition published by Riverhead Books, Penguin Random House. The book’s first chapter, “Decide Why You’re Really Gathering,” lays out what Parker considers to be the most fundamental part of a successful gathering: its purpose. No gathering can be effective without a well-defined, specific purpose.