There is something profoundly powerful about bringing people together. I’ve witnessed it time and time again over the many years I’ve run events – whether through charity fundraisers, community gatherings, or with Eat Nourish Love. When people connect in a meaningful way, something shifts. The atmosphere changes. There’s energy, collaboration, conversation, laughter – and that intangible, deeply human sense of being seen and being part of something.
I believe in events not just as occasions, but as essential catalysts for connection. At Eat Nourish Love, every fair, every talk, every speaker, every trader is chosen with one goal in mind: to inspire and to engage. It’s about gathering people together, in person, and giving them an experience they’ll remember – not just because of what they bought or heard, but because of how it made them feel.
Over the years, what I’ve come to understand is this: when you create something with others, when you collaborate to bring an event to life, you build friendships that simply wouldn’t have formed otherwise. There’s a deep sense of shared purpose. And in a world that’s moving at lightning speed – where AI is evolving, technology is taking over our inboxes, and so many interactions are transactional – this human, face-to-face, heart-to-heart connection is more vital than ever.
Simon Sinek’s recent work on friendship echoes this beautifully. In his book The Infinite Game, and more recently in his conversations around community and trust, he reminds us that the relationships we build – the ones based on mutual purpose and vulnerability – are what truly make a lasting impact. Brené Brown, too, speaks powerfully about the importance of belonging and the courage it takes to connect. Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering offers a deeply insightful guide to designing gatherings that matter, while Johann Hari’s Lost Connections explores how community – or the lack of it – affects our wellbeing.
I love running events. They are hard work – often expensive, sometimes exhausting – but they are worth every moment. Because when you look out and see people enjoying themselves, connecting, laughing, sharing stories, or discovering something new, you realise just how important this work is. Whether it’s the Eat Nourish Love Autumn Fair, a charity supper, or even a small panel talk – what we are really doing is building community, brick by brick, person by person.
Events serve a far greater purpose than we often give them credit for. They drive local economies, support small businesses, and spark collaborations. They create jobs – not just on the day, but in the lead-up and in the ripple effects afterwards. They breathe life into our towns, bring attention to creative work, and give voice to ideas and people who might otherwise remain unheard.
On a social level, events offer moments of joy and shared experience. They remind us that we are not alone. They create belonging. They hold space for conversation and celebration, and they often leave us feeling that little bit lighter and more hopeful than when we arrived.
I’ve been lucky. I’ve seen what happens when a community comes together. And while I love curating the event, choosing the speakers, welcoming the brands and building it all behind the scenes – the most rewarding part, always, is watching others thrive in that space. Watching connections spark, businesses flourish, conversations ignite.
If you’re thinking of creating an event – big or small – start with why. Ask yourself: what feeling do I want to leave people with? What space do I want to create for others to meet, talk, listen, and grow?
And if you’re attending an event? Lean in. Talk to someone new. Support an independent brand. Sit in on a talk that might stretch your thinking. Events are not just entertainment – they are opportunities. Opportunities to connect, to learn, to expand your circle and nourish your soul.
In the end, mastering the art of connection is about being willing to show up – with energy, intention, and care. It’s what I’ve always done, and it’s what I’ll continue to do. Because connection matters. And events, when done well, are one of the most powerful ways to make it happen.
⸻
If you’re curious to explore this more, I’d recommend reading:
•Together by Vivek Murthy – a beautiful exploration of the healing power of human connection.
•The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker – practical and poetic in equal measure.
•Lost Connections by Johann Hari – an eye-opening look at how reconnection can transform our mental health.
•The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek – a reminder that we’re playing a long game, and relationships are everything.
•Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown – for anyone who wants to stand alone and belong at the same time.
So here’s your takeaway: never underestimate the power of coming together – make the effort and come together. Whether you’re planning your first event, supporting someone else’s, or simply turning up because you are playing a part in something much bigger. Keep showing up. It matters.