Advance Praise
The Art of Convening:
Authentic Engagement in Meetings, Gatherings, and Conversations

A copy of this book should reside in every conference room and every dining room. It's gold for gatherings.

Two pages were reserved in the book to print endorsements from advance readers. The response, however, was overwhelming! We had to leave out many wonderful endorsers - many personal and humbling - and edited those printed to one sentence or less. Here we have preserved the full endorsements, in alphabetical order, for your perusal.

If you own the book, we hope this page will interest you and assist you in recommending it to your friends and colleagues (which we hope you'll do!). If you don't own the book, please consider ordering it now. We'd love to share the Art of Convening with you!
~~~
“My life has been touched profoundly by the gifts of Patricia and Craig. Their ability to help us connect with ourselves and with others is unequaled in my experience. I use their techniques in my own work with groups, resulting in more productive, joyful gatherings. Their book will bring a deeper level of joy and meaning into your conversations, your gatherings and your life.”
Dr. Mark Albion, New York Times Best Selling author,  Making a Life, Making a Living; True to Yourself; More Than Money, Former Harvard Business School professor
~~~
 “Gatherings where egos are put aside, authentic engagement occurs, and real progress is made do not happen accidentally.  It requires leaders (conveners) with commitment to a process that supports relationship and connection rather than argument and counter-argument. Patricia and Craig Neal are leading exponents of that process, and in this abundantly generous book, they unselfishly share what they know and practice.”
James A. Autry, former President of The Magazine Group, Meredith Corporation, author, The Servant Leader and Looking Around for God.
~~~
“What this book gives me in business are ‘recipes’ for how to get the most out of meetings and how to get people engaged.  Reading The Art of Convening helps me stop, reflect and realize that I can get so much more accomplished.  It makes business gatherings a lot more productive – and fun!”
Anders Axelsson, Senior Vice President, Echelon Corporation
~~~
“There are disciplines required in the Art of Convening model that will scare those looking for the easy way – just as it is with any serious practice.  Yet such fears quickly fade when the beauty and usefulness of the Neal model spring forth. I commend this work for its internal beauty and for its practical wisdom.”
Doug Baker, Sr., former Senior Vice President of HR, IDS Corporation
~~~
“As a long-time ‘meeting hater,’ I found the Neals’ book a mind-opener. They show how people can be energized in gatherings when they are authentically engaged. Read this book and be rewarded in business as well as life itself.”
Peter Barnes, Co-founder, Working Assets, author, Capitalism 3.0
~~~
“Simple and yet profound, a book that gets to the heart of what it means to be an authentic leader.”
Richard Barrett, author, Building a Values-Driven Organization
~~~
“The Art of Convening reads like an intimate conversation with Craig, Patricia and Cynthia. I appreciate the way my own challenges like ‘Blackberry distractions’ are presented as the symptoms other leaders and conveners have faced and overcome. I wish I had read this book 25 years ago!”
Carl Blanz, General Manager  Oak Ridge Conference Hotel
~~~
“Few people have refined the process of bringing people together as gracefully and elegantly as Craig and Patricia Neal. This book presents what they have learned with depth and intelligence. How we convene is much more than simple technique or facilitation; it is an expression of who we are and what kind of world we want to create. If their thinking and methodology were to become common practice, there would be more peace and connectedness and good will all around. This is a really good book and I hope you will not only read it, but take it to heart.”
Peter Block, Author & Troublemaker
~~~
“The Art of Convening is truly about the art of creating the space and spaciousness for people to be fully human together. The principles and practices of convening are foundational to creating gatherings, meetings, and even one-to-one conversations that matter and that make a difference. The world will be a better place because of this thoughtfully conceived art.”
Minx Boren, MCC, poet, author, speaker
~~~
“The Art of Convening brings out the best of what we know about convening groups, revealing a deep understanding of the human need to connect, contribute, and feel valued. The book represents a peak application regarding our knowledge of meeting effectiveness and illuminates a particular meaning associated with the word courage, which is the maturation of the human heart.  You will find your own courage in these pages. This book is timely, practical, and filled with wisdom.”
Alan Briskin, author The Stirring of Soul in the Workplace and co-author, The  Power of Collective Wisdom and Daily Miracles.
~~~
“Martin Buber, the theologian and philosopher said that ‘all real living is meeting.’  In this wise and thoughtful book, Craig and Patricia Neal help readers understand what’s needed to create the kind of authentic ‘meeting’ where true collective wisdom can emerge in group settings. They remind us that convening is an ancient art, one that can be critical to our capacity to survive and thrive in today’s challenged world.”
Juanita Brown and David Isaacs, Co-Originators, The World Café
~~~
“A Blackfeet Elder once said that everything under the sky has a voice to speak with and knowledge to share.  The Art of Convening describes how to evoke and orchestrate that knowledge in each human being into a beautiful tapestry of wholeness that celebrates and honors the differences among us, seeing those differences as strengths to be built upon rather than weaknesses to be ignored or silenced.”
Pele Rouge Chadima and FireHawk Hulin
~~~
“The Art of Convening is astoundingly useful as a handbook for hospitality. More industries and organizations would do well to incorporate the principles and practices of this book in a world where happiness can be a measurable indicator of smart business and good living.”
Chip Conley, Executive Chairman & Chief Creative Officer, Joie de Vivre
~~~
“For anyone whose job is to accomplish things by leading people in organizations, The Art of Convening offers us an indispensable tool, like a flashlight or Swiss Army knife on a camping trip, to take everywhere.  It builds, with the skill and wisdom that the authors have acquired through decades of practice, on a simple foundation -- the power of our shared humanity.”
Aryae Coopersmith, Founder & CEO HR Forums
~~~
“Craig and Patricia Neal deeply understand the need for hope, unity, collaboration and connection in our organizations and have written an inspiring and practical book to show us the way. Please read thoughtfully, but more importantly, practice and implement these principles.”
Bruce Cryer, CEO, HeartMath, author, From Chaos to Coherence: The Power to Change Performance
~~~
“The Art of Convening gives us a practical roadmap so we can have more meaningful connections with our fellow human beings. The Neals show us the importance of the heart, the inner preparation of the convener, which is essential to achieving genuine engagement. They ask us to slow down, to reflect, to start with ourselves when we want to create change for the good of all. In a world so much oriented toward speed, theirs is vital advice!”
Margot Fraser, Founder of Birkenstock USA
~~~
“This book has a clarity and simplicity that is inspiring and empowering.  It introduces the Convening Wheel as a way to consistently create space for genuine human connection and build relationships that lead to the best possible outcomes.  Its pages are filled with wisdom drawn from years of experience and shared through personal stories that speak to one’s heart while engaging one’s intellect.”
Claudia Eisinger, AoC Convening Leader and Advance Graduate, Colchester Vermont
~~~
“The Neals have brought their big hearts, their design for meaningful and effective conversations into this new book.  Those of us who come to their Thought Leader Gatherings to refuel and learn, now have a guide for bringing authentic engagement to our own meetings.”
Pablo Gaito, Vice President, Cargill Learning & Development
~~~
“So little of business today is about making real connections person to person. It is wonderful when an exceptional book comes along that tells us how to do just that. Craig and Patricia Neal’s The Art of Convening is an extraordinary work that encourages sincerity, clarity, and commitment to the formation of relationships both at work and at home. This is a must-read for anyone looking for authenticity in their engagements!”
Marshall Goldsmith is the New York Times and million copy best-selling author of MOJO and What Got You Here Won't Get You There.
~~~
“The Art of Convening is the only handbook I know of for those who want to serve in precisely the way that's needed today, for the evolutionary moment calls for everyone's participation.  And fittingly, this book was conceived in community and diligently midwifed by the most talented conveners I know - Craig & Patricia Neal.”
Neal Gorenflo, Publisher, shareable.net
~~~
"In their clear, authentic voices, Craig and Patricia Neal express the essence of hosting conversations that matter.  Well organized, beautifully presented, filled with stories, The Art of Convening captures the heart of meaningful human interactions.  This book is for all who wish to engage in the magical and compelling work of connecting and transforming themselves, their relationships, their organizations, and their communities."
Peggy Holman, author of Engaging Emergence: Turning Upheaval into Opportunity and co-author of The Change Handbook
~~~
“The Art of Convening is an elegant yet very practical guide on how to create and hold space for people in a manner that ignites deep engagement and exploration.  Patricia and Craig Neal have created a valuable resource that is much more than a “how-to” book on holding meetings or gatherings.  At the heart, it a book about self-discovery.  The content is as relevant in a classroom as in a board room or community gathering.  In today’s world, the art of convening is an essential leadership skill.”
Mary Jo Kreitzer PhD, RN, FAAN, Founder and Director, Center for Spirituality and Healing, University of Minnesota
~~~
“You hold in your hands a powerful and transformational guide to the art of facilitating gatherings that affirms and encourages the expression of our highest human faculties.  Craig and Patricia Neal have devoted their lives to refining and articulating the fine Art of Convening, and you will discover a wealth of profoundly practical inspiration in this book to guide and source our collective wisdom as we work together through these times of great change and transformation.”
(Dr.) Joel & Michelle Levey, Founders, WisdomAtWork.com,  Authors, Living in Balance: Luminous Mind and Wisdom at Work
~~~
“If you want to learn how to lead successful gatherings, skim The Art of Convening. If you want to learn how to lead transformational gatherings, read it from cover to cover. It's the best resource I know for people who want to connect and collaborate in more authentic, insightful and inclusive ways.”
Deb Nelson, Executive Director, Social Venture Network
~~~
"All real living is meeting," said Martin Buber. Craig and Patricia Neal share that conviction and have spent years helping people turn "meetings" of the sort we complain about into the live and engaging encounters that real living requires. This book reaches into every kind of gathering, from a board or staff meeting to a family gathering. Here is wisdom not only for doing business but for being fully alive with one another.”
Parker J. Palmer, author of A Hidden Wholeness and Let Your Life Speak
~~~
“The Art of Convening elegantly lays out the structure and insights needed both to be a great convener and to understand why some meetings work and others don’t. We have been convening for years; now we will do it far better. The Art of Convening is a beautifully written and profound book.”
Gifford and Libba Pinchot, Co-founders of Bainbridge Graduate Institute
~~~
“The Neals create magic. They bring groups, even contentious ones, to deep truths and positive commitment in relatively short times. This engaging book tells us how and shows us that we too can create the same kind of magic.”
Michael Ray, Professor of Creativity and Innovation, Emeritus, Stanford Business School, author, The Highest Goal
~~~
“I have been a long time participant in the authors’ events and witnessed firsthand the artistry and grace with which they infuse their gatherings. They are masters of the art. If you are interested in improving the quality, depth and authenticity of your engagements with others, buy this book.”
John Renesch, global futurist, author, Getting to the Better Future and other books; founder of The Presidio Dialogues
~~~
“In The Art of Convening, the Neals create not just a model, but the actual experience of coming together in essential conversation – and coming away enriched. This book is essential for everyone committed to making a difference when gathering with others, from the simplest of family occasions to the greatest of convocations.”
Betsy Sanders, Principal, Sanders Partnership- former President Nordstoms
~~~
“Craig and Patricia Neal have been performing alchemical magic for years, turning the heaviness of meetings into a pure gold of creative engagement, meaningful dialogue, and community building. As a delighted participant in many circles with them, I can attest that they have gotten to the ‘heart of the matter’ and codified their artistry. Use this book and transform every meeting you are called to facilitate.”
Paul R. Scheele, Founding Partner of Learning Strategies Corporation, author of Drop Into Genius, PhotoReading, and Natural Brilliance
~~~
“The nuggets of wisdom from the Art of Convening will stay with you for a long time as you practice their art form in creating meaningful and profound conversations. It will enhance all of your relationships.”
Ann Schrader Chief Operating Officer, HealthEast Care System
~~~
“If you lead, facilitate, consult or participate in groups, this book will become a treasured resource.  Craig and Patricia offer an inspiring yet practical guide to bring people into community to create authentic engagement that will shift the usual meeting resistance.  The outcome is meaningful connection, inspiration and commitment to action.  Convening is truly an art that begins within, with the heart.”
Bev Scott, principal, Bev Scott Consulting, partner, The 3rd Act
~~~
“This book is a trustworthy guide for anyone who wishes to serve powerful gatherings and the emergence of true community. It doesn’t shy away from a central truth, that who we are as humans, and what we do from the inside out matters as much as what we do with special venues. And they anchor it all in inspiring, real-life stories.”
David Sibbet, Founder, The Grove Consultants International
~~~
“I’ve never seen a more succinct and compelling system of communication practices and principles for entrepreneurial teams to embrace than those set forth in The Art of Convening. This book lays out a simple, yet powerful template for creating an energized environment conducive to collaborative innovation; where the collective talent and creativity of the team exceeds the sum of the unique and diverse assets of its individual members.”
Gary P. Smaby, Managing Partner, Innovation by Design Ventures, LP & Senior Fellow, Technological Leadership Institute, University of Minnesota
~~~
“The Art of Convening should be required reading for anyone aspiring to public office or organizational leadership. Implementing all nine aspects of the convening wheel with attention and intention could create a communications tsunami.”
Paul Strickland, Retired Human Resources Executive, Target Corporation
~~~
“Craig and Patricia Neal are the masters of the Art of Convening – how to have authentic, powerful and effective meetings. This book will help and guide you to greater success in business as well as in all your interpersonal relationships. Keep it with you as a reference guide to grow, prosper and gain inner peace.”
Marilyn Tam, Author, Speaker, former CEO of Aveda and President of Reebok Apparel & Retail Group
~~~
“This book takes you straight to the heart of what matters in every organization & community. What if we could all bring our brightest light to every meeting? Craig and Patricia show us the way.”
Mark Thompson, New York Times bestselling author of Now, Build a Great Business and Success Built to Last
~~~
“The clear, compassionate articulation of the “technology of relationships” in The Art of Convening opens the door for authentic engagement in any encounter—personal or professional. It contributes a potent, holistic process for each conversation to be truly transformative. I stand with the authors in knowing that “this is a good time to be alive.” Their new book enriches life for us all.”
Lynne Twist, author, The Soul of Money and President, Soul of Money Institute
~~~
“I brought Heartland in to help create cohesion amongst a diverse leadership team. We achieved that and so much more. We found a new way to communicate, listen, and trust each other through our work together. This new book, The Art of Convening, outlines, in detail, the principles and practical application of convening we used on our road to success.”
David Wagner, Owner/Daymaker, Juut Salonspa, Best selling author of Life as a Daymaker
~~~
“These days we spend so much time working together in groups, doesn't it make sense to learn how to do it better, smarter, deeper, and more authentically? If your answer, like mine, is "yes," then like me you'll love this book! It is both wise and worthwhile, profound and practical.”
Alan M. Webber, co-founder, Fast Company magazine, author, Rules of Thumb: 52 Truths for Winning at Business Without LosingYour Self
~~~
“Seldom have I encountered such depth of wisdom and clarity of process presented with such a gentle, inviting spirit.   I’m grateful we now have this wise, generous companion for the journey as we rediscover the joy of truly engaging with one another.”
Margaret J. Wheatley, author of Leadership and the New Science and Walk Out Walk On
~~~
“The authors have done for convening what Julia Child did for the art of French cooking--they have created the definitive and authoritative guide for mastering the art of convening. Bravo! Bon Appetite!”
Eric Utne, Founder, Utne Reader
~~~
“Craig and Patricia Neal are masterful conveners who truly walk their talk. This book is a treasure trove of wisdom, principles, stories and practical tools.  Itoffers clear, comprehensive, potent and imminently actionable guidance in support of authentic engagement.  Whether you are an experienced convener or a beginner, convening online or in person — The Art of Convening will serve you well.”
Marilyn and Bill Veltrop, Co-founders, PathFinders

ORDER The Art of Convening from Amazon.com


 

bottom bar
Heartland Circle©, Thought Leader Gatherings©, and Art of Convening© are all trademarks of Heartland Inc.
3600 Zenith Ave. S, #101, Minneapolis, MN 55410 * Tel: (612) 920-3039 * Fax: (612) 920-3086 * email: info@heartlandcircle.com