5 ways to gather better — and make every moment matter

Do you long for something deeper?

Not just to keep up, but to slow down.

Not just to connect, but to feel connected.

Not just to attend, but to belong.

Often in today’s world we find a need for depth, for meaning, for spaces where we can be more human, less performative.

Yet too often, the gatherings we attend, even the well-produced ones, fall short. They promise connections but just give you business cards. They promise inspiration but deliver tired sales pitches. They check the boxes but miss the moments that truly move us.

The truth is, you don’t need just another event.

You need moments.

Moments that restore your curiosity, challenge your assumptions and expand your sense of what’s possible — not just in the world, but in yourself.

That’s why gathering with intention matters more than ever. At TED, we think deeply about what it takes to design custom events with experiences and curated programing that moves people forward.

Whether you're planning an annual summit or a summer dinner party, here are 5 ideas to help turn any gathering into a collection of moments that matter:

1. Invite fresh perspectives

When the world feels noisy, the right idea can cut through. The most powerful moments often come from hearing something you thought you understood in a completely new way. Great gatherings offer unexpected takes on familiar topics, helping people rethink what’s possible.

Behavioral scientist Jiaying Zhao explained that sustainability advice can sometimes feel dry and boring. She dared to ask: What if climate action was actually fun? Zhao shared how small, joyful acts — like rearranging your fridge to put the food that'll go bad first front and center — can give you a new perspective on how to tackle something as enormous as climate change. 

Zhao was just one of the speakers from a full-day TED Institute with Destination Canada, featuring speakers from their organization and across Canada sharing their unique perspectives on everything from polar bears to finding a sense of belonging. 

2. Turn quiet voices into leaders

The best gatherings uncover and elevate the quiet voices that need to be heard — those who haven’t built a platform yet. By making space for stories that often go unheard, you open the door to innovation rooted in inclusion and belonging.

Investigative journalist Yvette Cabrera brought urgent attention to the threat of lead in urban soil and its impact on Latino and immigrant communities — a story that might have been left in the shadows if it weren’t for her transformative work. Her talk was just one of many in a TED Salon supported by The Rockefeller Foundation that aimed to spotlight new ideas tackling the world’s biggest issues.

3. Make growth feel personal

People don't just want more information. They want tools to navigate the challenges of everyday life. Create a space where people can reflect, reset and engage in real talk — and walk away with new skills they can apply to their work, relationships and leadership. 

In this TED Talk, psychotherapist Esther Perel shared practical ways to bring structure and care into our daily lives so we can grow through stress, not just survive it. It was part of a virtual TED Salon with Dell Technologies Women's Entrepreneur Network (DWEN) spotlighting practical ways to help women leaders move forward.

4. Design for connection, not transaction 

After an event, you may not remember the specific words said, but you’re certain to remember how they made you feel. You’ll remember the energy of the room. Your connection with the person you sat next to. The moment that moved you, not the sales pitch. Prioritize interaction and shared experiences before profit.

At TEDNext, we partnered with Intel Corporation to spotlight ideas that push technology toward greater inclusion. In this talk, Adam Munder explained how AI can bridge communication gaps between Deaf and hearing communities. His live demo turned a product reveal into a powerful emotional experience the audience won’t soon forget.

5. Anchor in shared purpose

When everything around us feels uncertain, purpose can be a stabilizer. Great gatherings invite people to explore why they do what they do, what really matters and how they can move forward together. Purpose isn't just a theme, it's the thread that makes the moment stick.

In this talk, Newman's Own Foundation CEO Alexandra Amouyel offered a fresh take on what it means to invest in change, reminding us that even small things can carry big meaning when rooted in purpose. It was part of The TED Institute at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) — a long running partnership with BCG that spotlights bold ideas from across the globe, including many from leaders at the firm itself.

Join us at our next gathering — or maybe even design one with us

However you choose to gather, we hope these tips help you create meaningful, lasting moments that connect you with those around you. 

This November 9-11, we’ll be coming together for TEDNext, a new playground for the curious. We’ll create new spaces and experiences that inspire and move us toward the next, best version of ourselves. Check it out! 

If you're planning something of your own — whether it’s a team offsite, a community convening or something entirely new — we’d love to be a part of it! Our TED Custom Events team are experts in creating intentionally designed, powerful gatherings for some of the world’s leading organizations. From full-day TED Institutes to intimate TED Salons and private speaker trainings, these high-impact experiences move people, brands and ideas forward. Learn more here.

Tell us in the comments: What is one thing that you think makes a gathering transformative?