A room, a podium, and chairs grant the host quiet power.

observation — attributed to Steven Clemons

Clemons's early realization at the Japan America Society in Los Angeles is structural. If you have a room, a podium, and chairs, people will walk into that room and follow the rules set by the host. The realization changes what the host can do. Suddenly the executive director of a small nonprofit has the power to introduce the unknown student to the CEO and to make the dynamic interaction happen. The room is the lever. Hosts who do not recognize what their position grants them under-use it. Hosts who do can produce connections that the participants alone could not have manufactured.

For nonprofit leaders, association executives, and program directors with hosting platforms they may be under-using.

host-authority, room-design, convening-power, introductions