Reading List

Books Every Event Producer Should read

If you work in event production, brand experiences, or hospitality, reading is one of the most underrated professional advantages. The best events are not only well-produced but deeply intentional. They are rooted in human behavior, design thinking, psychology, and long-term relationship building.

This curated reading list is designed for event producers who want to move beyond logistics and into mastery. These books offer frameworks, real-world lessons, and strategic thinking around gathering people well, designing meaningful experiences, and building influence through events.

Reading about events is not academic. It is practical. Each of these titles will sharpen your thinking about guest experience, intention-setting, flow, luxury, and the invisible details that set good events apart from unforgettable ones.

Essential Reads for Modern Event Producers

  • The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters

    Priya Parker

    Event production takeaways: A foundational text on intentional gatherings. This book challenges default formats and pushes producers to design events with clear purpose, boundaries, and emotional intelligence.

    Why it’s worth reading: It reframes events as powerful tools for connection rather than logistics exercises. You will never plan a dinner, meeting, or conference the same way again.

  • You’re Invited: The Art and Science of Cultivating Influence

    Jon Levy

    Event production takeaways: How private gatherings can drive influence, community, and business outcomes. Excellent insight into curated guest lists, social dynamics, and long-term relationship building.

    Why it’s worth reading: A behind-the-scenes look at how intimate, well-designed events can shape industries and networks.

  • Harnessing Serendipity: Collaboration, Artists, Conveners, and Connectors

    David Adler

    Event production takeaways: Explores how intentional convening creates unexpected value. Strong emphasis on collaboration, ecosystems, and the power of bringing the right people together.

    Why it’s worth reading: Ideal for producers designing salons, summits, and invite-only experiences where outcomes matter as much as atmosphere.

  • Special Events: A New Generation and the Next Frontier

    Joe Goldblatt

    Event production takeaways: A comprehensive look at the evolution of the events industry, including strategy, innovation, and future-forward thinking.

    Why it’s worth reading: A strong grounding text for producers who want both industry context and forward momentum.

  • Into the Heart of Meetings: Basic Principles of Meeting Design

    Eric de Groot and Mike van der Vijver

    Event production takeaways: Introduces structured meeting design as a discipline. Focuses on intention, flow, participation, and outcomes.

    Why it’s worth reading: Particularly valuable for corporate, leadership, and strategy-focused events where time, attention, and results are critical.

  • Pages of printed text on a wood surface, with one page reading "Judy Allen," another "CONFESSIONS," and another "of an EVENT PLANNER" while the bottom page contains smaller text about case studies and handling the unexpected.

    Confessions of an Event Planner

    Judy Allen

    Event production takeaways: Real-world lessons from decades in the industry, covering client management, production challenges, and behind-the-scenes realities.

    Why it’s worth reading: Honest, practical, and reassuring. A reminder that even seasoned producers have learned the hard way.

  • Book cover titled 'Luxury Event Planning' with a subtitle 'A step-by-step guide to hosting high-end VIP parties and exclusive experiences' by M Kaur, featuring elegant chandeliers and a classical sculpture in a luxurious interior setting.

    Luxury Event Planning

    M. Kaur

    Event production takeaways: A focused look at high-end event standards, client expectations, and luxury execution.

    Why it’s worth reading: Useful for producers working with premium brands, UHNW clients, or bespoke experiences where details and discretion matter.

  • Book cover titled 'Eventology: Lessons from 20 Years of Event Planning' by Sean Spence with illustrations of event elements like tables, chairs, plates, glasses, flowers, camera, and dining setup on a purple background.

    Eventology: Lessons from 20 Years of Event Planning

    Sean Spence

    Event production takeaways: Strategic insights drawn from long-term experience across event types and scales.

    Why it’s worth reading: A reflective, experience-based guide that balances creativity with operational discipline.

  • Book cover titled "Mastermind Dinners" by Jayson Gaignard, featuring an illustration of a blue speech bubble inside a gray plate with a fork on the left and a knife on the right. The cover includes a quote about connection and mastery, and mentions building lifelong relationships.

    Mastermind Dinners: Build Lifelong Relationships by Connecting Experts, Influencers, and Linchpins

    Jayson Gaignard

    Event production takeaways: How to design small, powerful gatherings that create trust, loyalty, and long-term community.

    Why it’s worth reading: Excellent for producers interested in private dinners, retreats, and curated leadership experiences.

  • Book cover titled "Reflections of a Successful Wallflower" by Andrea Michaels, featuring a woman with red hair, wearing jewelry and a striped top, against a colorful floral background with green, pink, and purple accents.

    Reflections of a Successful Wallflower: Lessons in Business, Lessons in Life

    Andrea Michaels

    Event production takeaways: Leadership, resilience, and long-term thinking from one of the most respected figures in luxury events.

    Why it’s worth reading: Inspiring and grounding. A reminder that success in events is built over time through relationships, integrity, and taste.