July 2026


People

connect.


Employees

engage.


Organizations

prosper.



Communities

thrive.

 

Intentionally Designing for Connection

 

People are craving human connection—and our organizations have a unique opportunity to foster it.


But connection doesn’t happen on its own. We have to design our gatherings for the kind of connections we want to create. When done INTENTIONALLY, ordinary gatherings become extraordinarily meaningful experiences. 

 

Thank you to Cleveland SHRM/ NOHRC for the opportunity to share how The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker offers a powerful framework for designing more intentional, connected experiences and how All Forward brings this to life through intentionally designed leadership and team development outdoor learning experiences.


Connect with All Forward to begin planning an intentionally designed leadership and team development experience for your team in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Learn more.

Designing with intention…

 

1. Define a Bold Purpose. Start with a clear WHY. Let purpose drive every decision.

 

2. Curate the Guest List. Invite for purpose.

 

3. Practice Generous Authority. Set expectations, create structure and hold boundaries so people feel safe & engaged.

 

4. Create a Temporary World. Design space, rituals and rules that separate the gathering from everyday life.

 

5. Design for Real Connection. Move beyond small talk. Use prompts, stories and shared experiences to deepen relationships.

 

6. Welcome Productive Tension. Purposeful discomfort can create growth and insight.

 

7. Strong Beginnings Matter. Clearly name purpose and invite presence right away. 

 

8. Close with Intentional Endings that Create Meaning. Reflect, acknowledge and send people forward with clarity.

 

9. Make It Memorable. Small, thoughtful details matter.

 

Source: The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker (2018).

All Forward Happenings

undefined

University of Akron DiamondX Women's Leadership Retreat was a powerful reminder of what happens when leaders create space to pause, reflect, and connect. Surrounded by nature at Hines Hill Conference Center, participants strengthened relationships, gained fresh perspectives, and returned re-energized. See it.

CliftonStrengths Meets Navigation in partnership with the University of Akron Executive Education, took CliftonStrengths beyond the assessment during an immersive navigation experience. Using maps, compasses, and their unique strengths, participants discovered new ways to lead, collaborate, and solve challenges in the outdoors. See it.

Stefano Dental Team stepped away from their Sandusky office to intentionally connect through shared experiences in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Their day included riding on the newly renovated car on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, a local food tasting at purplebrown store, and a hike along the historic towpath. See it.

Summer on the Cuyahoga Intern Experience was a day of discovery, connection, and exploration as we welcomed the summer interns to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. As they explored the towpath trail (many for the first time), participants felt the impact of connecting outdoors and learned more about the community we love. See it.

All Forward CONNECTIONS on the River is where meaningful conversations flowed as we paddled the Cuyahoga River, spotted great blue herons, and enjoyed local food together. The experience concluded with the inspiring story behind Paddle the River and the impact of connecting people to the river and one another. See it.

River Cleanup on Kayaks gave All Forward volunteers a chance to show how much we love our River. Thank you to Cuyahoga Valley Adventures in partnership with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the H2Ohio Healthy Rivers Livery Program for making it happen! See it.

All Forward CONNECTIONS: Try It. Rock Climbing

July 22 2:45-5:45 pm

When was the last time you did something for the first time?


Join us for climbing natural rock. Because it’s in those first-time moments that we discover more about who we are, how we show up, and what we’re capable of becoming.


New experiences spark curiosity, challenge assumptions, and create space for authentic connection. When we try something unfamiliar alongside others, connections deepen.


Come ready to try something new. Come ready to connect in a different way. Come ready to learn—not just about others, but about yourself.

Upcoming All Forward CONNECTIONS

Did you know All Forward offers All Forward CONNECTIONS for individuals? These outdoor experiences build on the best of our year-round, custom group experiences in leadership and team development.


All Forward CONNECTIONS provide unique, locally shared experiences featuring our signature custom programming that sparks conversations and ideas for connecting.

Farm & Local Food Tasting @ Oxbow Farm

Thurs, August 27 5-8 pm

Hike @ Girl Scouts' Camp Ledgewood STEM

Wed, October 21 5-8 pm

Stay connected and follow All Forward

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn