623. The Art & Science of Convening: Designing Events That Spark Change (Heather Mason)
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Overview
Meet Heather, Founder and CEO of Caspian Agency and Impact Lounge. 🤝
She’s the creative mind behind some of the world’s most powerful gatherings. Since launching Caspian in 2005, she has brought a scientifically grounded, strategic approach to high-impact events for organizations like the Skoll World Forum, Rockefeller Foundation, and Dalio Foundation. With roots in film, marketing, and large-scale conference production, she also created the Caspian 10 Essentials, an event methodology now taught in university programs and used by leading global institutions.
In this episode, Heather shares how intentional design, storytelling, and purpose can transform any gathering into a catalyst for change. Whether you're planning a summit, workshop, or community meetup, she reminds us it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing it with heart. 💛
This conversation will shift how you think about convening. 🎧 Tune in and walk away ready to gather with more purpose, clarity, and impact.
💡Learn:
The Caspian 10 Essentials framework in creating impactful gatherings
Understanding the ‘why’ behind events is crucial for success
Events should be designed to foster meaningful connections
Events can serve as a catalyst for social movements
Small, intentional touches can make a big impact
Collaboration among all stakeholders is essential
Mindset shifts can empower individuals to challenge the status quo
Today’s Guest
Heather Mason, Founder + CEO, Caspian Agency & Impact Lounge.
“Special means more intention and actually less money.”
Episode Transcript
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Episode Highlights
Designing Events fro Impact (11:59)
Creating Meaningful Connections (24:01)
Creating Intentional Gatherings on a Budget (29:55)
The Role of Events in Social Movements (36:12)
Mindset Shifts: If It's Not Gravity, It Can Be Changed (37:58)
Heather’s One Good Thing: If it’s not gravity, it can be changed. (37:00)
Powerful Quotes
“You can create ways to put people together and allow people to discover each other if they’d like to.” - Heather Mason
“Events are a profession.”- Heather Mason
“I’m a big believer in helping the people who are right in front of you.” - Heather Mason
“The time and energy that an organization should spend is on thinking who gets there and how to connect them.” - Heather Mason
“You can create ways that you can put people together or allow them to discover each other.”- Heather Mason
“We have an obligation to invite the right people, the right mix, and then actually make that work in that crucible.” - Heather Mason
“The best events are the ones where people want to call the next day and ask, ‘How was it?’”- Heather Mason
“We don’t want to beg people. We want to build something that is so exciting.”- Heather Mason
Heather’s One Good Thing: If it’s not gravity, it can be changed. (37:00)
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