Book excerpt: Grow your audience, shrink your footprint, change the world Events can help educate, inspire, and connect us to our community, but all too often they escalate into resource-intensive glorifications of excess and exclusivity. How We Gather Matters is an invitation to reimagine the modern events industry as a powerful vehicle for change. This practical guide will enable and inspire festival, conference, trade show, wedding, concert, and sporting event planners to: Develop the financial and human resources required to implement green, sustainable gatherings Collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders Design events with impact and purpose, while supporting marketing and strategic goals Engage participants authentically while aligning with positive and progressive values Lead the shift towards net-zero emissions and zero waste by leveraging best practices and accepted international standards. Packed with personal insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and case studies, How We Gather Matters is required reading for event professionals who want to decrease risk, increase profitability, and meaningfully contribute to a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society.