In this episode of the Gather Gurus, we’re diving into a few hot-button topics in the events world: wellness programming, networking fatigue, and the rise of small-format gatherings.
GoGather Partner and CEO Brian Kellerman sits down with Director of Marketing and Business Development Katie Moser to explore:
- Whether wellness is actually supporting attendees, or becoming an afterthought
- How event planners can help make networking less awkward
- Why smaller events aren't always the silver bullet they're made out to be
If you're designing a conference agenda, thinking through attendee experience, or trying to make your events more meaningful, this one’s for you.
Transcript summary.
Katie: Welcome to our podcast, the Gather Gurus. We're going to talk about different aspects of event planning. Some of these topics are controversial, and some are... Well, we'll probably make them controversial. Let's start with wellness at events. It's a big topic right now. Do you think wellness is an addition or a distraction?
Brian: I'll play devil's advocate and say it can be a distraction, especially if it's not thoughtfully integrated. If we’re doing wellness activities just because everyone else is, like adding a morning yoga session with no context, that can miss the mark. Wellness is personal. For some people, going for a jog or hitting the gym is enough. Forcing a group activity without considering preferences can feel awkward or even exclusionary.
Katie: That’s a fair point, but what about people who feel like they don’t have time to fit in wellness? Including it in the agenda might give them a chance to reset and stay more focused. It can also add a new layer to the experience beyond just sessions and networking.
Brian: True, but you’re also asking people to step out of their comfort zones. Not everyone wants to do yoga in front of their colleagues, especially if they’ve never done it before or don’t feel like they “fit the part.” That’s where the strategy behind wellness becomes important. It has to be intentional, and we need to recognize it’s not for everyone.
Katie: Right, and wellness doesn’t have to mean yoga mats and meditation rooms. It could be building more breaks into the schedule, longer sleep windows, or moving a session outside. Even small tweaks can help.
Brian: Exactly. If we look at wellness from a broader perspective (mental, emotional, financial, not just physical) we open up more opportunities. Maybe there’s a session on financial planning or burnout prevention. That’s wellness, too.
Katie: Okay, you convinced me. Wellness can be a distraction unless it’s done well.
Brian: Agreed. It’s all in the implementation.
Katie: Let’s talk about networking. Do people actually enjoy it?
Brian: Depends on the personality. I personally enjoy it, but I know how awkward it can be, especially when you walk into a room, don’t know anyone, and everyone’s already in little groups. Suddenly, you’re standing there with your cocktail shrimp, wondering how to break in. That can feel like a nightmare.
Katie: Same here. I’ve stared at a charcuterie board longer than I care to admit just to avoid awkward small talk. If I don’t already know someone, it’s hard to jump in.
Brian: That’s why networking needs facilitation. If we can create moments for organic connection, like activations or structured activities, it becomes easier. Even a 30-second icebreaker can help you feel more comfortable approaching someone later.
Katie: I love that. It's about creating touchpoints so people don’t feel like total strangers. That connection makes a huge difference.
Katie: What about the trend toward micro-events and boutique gatherings? Are smaller events better?
Brian: They can be, but we have to be careful. Smaller events can foster more meaningful connections, but we also have to consider time and value. If someone is traveling for an event, they want to feel it was worth it. If it’s too small or too narrow in scope, they might run out of things to do quickly.
Katie: So maybe the better question is: how can we create small-event moments within larger conferences?
Brian: Exactly. Let’s break up the big agenda into more intimate sessions or groupings. That way, we offer the feel of a boutique event without sacrificing scale or content variety.
Katie: And it comes back to the event goal. If you're trying to build deep relationships, smaller can work. But if the focus is education or inspiration, bigger may be better. It depends.
Brian: For example, with incentive programs, people want face time with executives. In a large group, that’s hard to manage. But smaller breakout dinners or exclusive meetups can make people feel seen and appreciated.
Katie: It all comes back to intention and design.
Brian: Every time.
About the experts: Brian Kellerman and Katie Moser.
Brian Kellerman co-founded GoGather in 2008 to create an organization with big agency capabilities and a boutique agency feel. Working with top brands in multiple industries, Brian has translated corporate culture, goals, and objectives into meaningful, personal experiences at events. From incentive programs in Bora Bora to conventions in Boston, Brian has covered the globe with over 20 years of experience. As a leader within his agency and industry, Brian has served on the board of the San Diego chapter of the American Marketing Association and received one of the first Strategic Meetings Management Program certifications from the GBTA.
Katie Moser is the Director of Marketing and Business Development at GoGather. With over 10 years of experience in marketing and a certificate in meeting and event planning, she has an extensive background in creating content and branding for events, working with speakers, and managing agendas for conferences. When she's not managing GoGather’s marketing and growth efforts, she helps clients identify areas of opportunity for their events, from branding to communications.
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Planning your next conference or rethinking your event strategy? Our team helps you create experiences that connect your attendees. We can help you build meaningful wellness moments, making networking feel more natural, or shaping agendas that deliver value.
