The best books for event planners and community organizers
Looking for some new books to add to your reading list? I often alternate between fiction and nonfiction books. When I crack open a nonfiction I gravitate to books about events and community. Here are some of my favorite books that I recommend to fellow event planners and community organizers. Curl up with a cup of tea and dive in.
The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker
Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering is one of the first and only books I have read as an event planner and felt so seen and understood. She talks both high level and nitty gritty about feelings you want your attendees to have to the layout of tables. This is an essential read for anyone who organizes gatherings.
The Art of Showing Up: How to Be There for Yourself and Your People by Rachel Wilkerson Miller
The Art of Showing Up is about friendship and showing up for others as well as yourself. You can’t be a great community organizer if you aren’t taking care of yourself. Rachel discusses physical and mental health, self compassion and supporting others. This books is about empathy for yourself and others, which is a key ingredient in planning successful events.
Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee
As someone who strives to plan delightful and joyful events, Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness was a dream book for me! Ingrid writes about finding joy in little things, from your home office to events and experiences. This book made me think about what at events evokes joy and how to do more of those things at both gatherings and everyday life.
Get Together: How to build a community with your people by Bailey Richardson, Kai Elmer Sotto, Kevin Huynh
Bailey, Kai and Kevin live and breathe community building. In Get Together they share actionable plans based on their personal experiences and research. Whether you’re just starting a community or have had one for years, there are nuggets of wisdom and tangible actions you can take to nurture your people.
Next up on our to read list:
We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships by Kat Vellos
The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices by Casper ter Kuile
The Business of Belonging: How to Make Community your Competitive Advantage by David Spinks
Do you have another book recommendation? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter.