Beyond the Gathering: Turning Connection Into Community
Most events talk about community; few actually build it. Gabrielle Herrera (HubSpot) has scaled award-winning community programs that turn customers into brand ambassadors. Taylor Harrington (Dreamers & Doers) has designed 500+ gatherings—from living-room salons to global online conferences—always with thoughtfulness and connection at the center. And, Adam Hatch (University of Sydney) has spent the last five years crafting events that foster belonging by designing experiences around specific cohorts—creating personalized, intentional gatherings that bring smaller communities together with purpose.
In this fireside-style panel, they’ll share how to define what community means for your organization, offer tangible tips for designing events that inspire attendees to connect long after the night ends, and explore ways that true community can amplify your business goals. Attendees will leave with actionable frameworks, strategies, and first steps for building meaningful, lasting community.
Taylor Harrington is a community builder and speaker based in New York City known for her magnetic energy. She’s the Head of Community at Dreamers & Doers and a board member of NYU’s Initiative on Purpose and Flourishing, led by Suzy Welch. Taylor has facilitated 500+ intentional gatherings—from virtual conferences for thousands to magical evenings for 100—and been featured on 40+ podcasts. She began her career working directly with marketing expert Seth Godin, designing online events and experiences for 25K+ leaders, and as the first hire at Groove, built a global community of entrepreneurs from the ground up.
Senior Marketing Manager for Community Growth at HubSpot, Gabrielle Herrera's award-winning work scales customer advocacy programs through authentic relationship-building. Known for capturing the passion of voices within online and offline spaces, she positions customers as industry thought leaders while amplifying emerging perspectives. Gabrielle has built scalable initiatives across B2B SaaS, cybersecurity, nonprofit education, and private medicine. Her mission-driven approach meets customers where they are, delivering trusted peer perspectives that drive meaningful business impact in today's AI-driven marketing landscape.
With a diverse background in higher education across California and Hawaii, Adam Hatch has extensive experience in admissions, recruitment, financial aid, and scholarships. Currently, as Senior Manager of Student Life at the University of Sydney, he leads initiatives focused on enhancing student engagement and fostering connections within a large, complex institution. Adam and his team oversee the University’s official Welcome Ceremony and related activities, along with a range of special projects aimed at strengthening student belonging and community.
Liz Lathan is a 20+ year corporate event marketing veteran and community builder. She engages B2B event marketers through Club Ichi, Spontaneous Think Tanks, and The Community Factory, fostering connection and loyalty. A former global events leader at Dell, she launched Dell World in 2011, bringing her passion for experiential marketing to life.