The Gathering

…Magicians. Musicians. Technocrats. Inventors. Philosophers. Photographers. Artists. Humorists. Producers. Performers. Visionaries. Iconoclasts. Living National Treasures. Some of the most dynamic, innovative, eclectic and luminous talents in our culture are coming to EG, 2–4 December at the Getty Center in Los Angeles.

The recipe: 50+ presenters, 500 attendees, luxurious breaks with absolutely fantastic food and a setting that is out of a dream: the mountaintop Getty Center, a $1.2b campus designed by architect Richard Meier. EG is a celebration of the creativity that ignites some of the most inspired and refreshing energies in society.

EG is designed and directed by Michael Hawley (a renowned technologist, educator and pianist). It was launched and chaired in 2006 by Richard Saul Wurman (founder of TED and producer of more than 80 books). Richard continues as chairman emeritus. This isn't just another entertainment gathering. L.A. is in many ways the most dynamic and startling city in America, but the entertainment industry is just the tip of the iceberg and it has a way of supercharging talents in all fields.

EG reflects that. If you are looking for a central theme, or another star-studded bash, you can always find another business conference or Oscar party. At EG you are as likely to be butting heads with Frank Gehry about ice hockey or fishing for tips on your expeditionary plans to China from Amy Tan. How did Lincoln Center come to make a billion dollar gamble on a young architect to reconceive their landmark campus? What is Tim Kring planning for HEROES in the real world? How is Nicholas Negroponte progressing on the mission to provide portable computers for the world's children? This is where to find the answers. Pianist Leon Fleisher will share his artistry. Donald Jackson, who is Queen Elizabeth's Royal Calligrapher, will have tips on exquisite penmanship for those who now type with their thumbs. Pulitzer-winning food critic, Jonathan Gold, has collaborated with us to curate a dazzling dinner buffet featuring recipes from some of the most brilliant chefs in Los Angeles: Oaxacan, Burmese, Southern Thai, Japanese-Peruvian, and more. Partners ranging from Kodak to Harry Winston are contributing some of their latest and most dazzling creations.

EG has a unifying purpose: it is simply and unabashedly to bring together the best of the best, knowing that your most valuable idea is the one you haven't had yet. You will probably uncover more than one at EG. This conference is routinely life-changing.

Welcome to a preview of heaven.

— Michael Hawley