The Gathering Lab is a modern solution to an age-old need: social connection. As humans, we are wired to connect – in fact, it’s critical to our survival. Studies have shown that the #1 predictor of longevity – above regular exercise, diet, not smoking, and not drinking – is social integration, or the number of loose acquaintances and community ties we have. Strong social connections have been shown to lead to lower rates of anxiety and
depression, higher self-esteem, greater empathy, and more trusting and cooperative relationships.

Any way you look at it, we need connection to live longer, happier, healthier lives.
Yet in today’s society, the ways we used to meet and connect – including religious and community groups, workspaces, schools – are rapidly declining or moving online. Our networks are becoming more siloed and modes for connection more shallow, leaving us with unprecedented rates of division and loneliness.

At The Gathering Lab, we believe it’s time for a modern solution to connect better – just like we have gyms for physical fitness, we need more ways to intentionally and healthily tend to our social fitness. The Gathering Lab uses science-backed principles to foster belonging, trust, and connection through an awe-inspiring experience that is based in the goodness and wholeness of individuals.

Each Gathering Lab is designed to promote social fitness, so that the experience in of itself helps release social bonding chemicals that reduce stress, increase immunity, improve sleep, and enhance mental function. Beyond the immediate health benefits, The Gathering Lab helps you make new, diverse connections in a way that increases feelings of hope, belonging, and connectedness – benefits that ripple into our lives and communities
long after the experience is over. Get ready for some gathering magic!