Networking Events That Work: 7 Powerful Reasons Groove & Gather Was Unforgettable

Networking events can be more than handshakes and business cards. GHRC’s Groove & Gather blended insight, movement, and connection to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Discover 7 reasons it stood out.

Networking events are evolving, and Groove & Gather is proof.

Held on July 26 at BHIVE MG Road, Bengaluru, this one-of-a-kind event brought HR professionals, people managers, and changemakers together in a space where connection felt human, relaxed, and real.

Here’s how Groove & Gather broke the mold and delivered a truly memorable experience.

1. Tarun Agarwala, Prof. Opened Minds with “Beyond Good Intent”

The day began with a powerful and thought-provoking talk by Tarun Agarwala titled: “Beyond Good Intent – The Piece EQ Never Fixed.”

Through the lens of a compelling real-world story involving Starlink and an Amazon tribe, Tarun unpacked the blind spots in emotional intelligence, especially when it comes to empathy, collaboration, and human behaviour in today’s interconnected world.

His storytelling sparked self-reflection, challenged assumptions, and set the stage for a deeper kind of engagement.

2. GHRC Word War Got the Energy Flowing

To shift gears and ignite the room, we introduced an exciting team-based icebreaker: GHRC Word War. The rules were simple, each team had to shout answers to 9 questions per letter, starting with G, H, R, and C.

It was loud, fast, and fun and within minutes, strangers became teammates. Laughter, competitiveness, and collaboration filled the room, setting a high-energy tone for the rest of the event.

Shoutout to Team A for winning the game! 🏆

3. Preethi Rajagopalan Reframed Leadership with “The Art of Engagement”

Following the game, Preethi Rajagopalan took the stage to deliver her talk: “The Art of Engagement – Reimagining People Management through Creativity, Empathy & Movement.”

She explored how leaders today must move beyond traditional management and lean into human-centric leadership, where emotion, creativity, and presence are key. Her talk encouraged attendees to rethink how they engage with teams and with themselves.

4. Dance Movement Therapy Created Space for Emotional Openness

Then came the heart of the event: the Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) session, also led by Preethi.

This wasn’t about technique, it was about tuning in. With gentle warmups, intentional movements, and grounded energy, Preethi guided the entire room to relax their bodies and reconnect with their minds.

In a world where work often disconnects us from ourselves, DMT helped bring us back to center without saying a word.

5. Interactive DMT Games Made Networking Effortless

The magic didn’t stop there.

Preethi led a series of interactive games that blurred the lines between movement and connection. In one standout activity, participants walked around the room freely and when the music stopped, they paused in front of someone new. One person mirrored the other’s movement, creating an instant, playful bond. And then, they introduced themselves.

This simple format broke barriers, built trust, and reminded us that networking doesn’t need to start with small talk, it can start with shared energy.

6. Real Conversations Replaced Formal Introductions

Because of everything that came before Tarun’s insight, the group games, the movement, the networking that followed felt natural and human.

Attendees stayed long after the sessions, talking, laughing, and truly connecting. It wasn’t about collecting contacts. It was about building relationships.

7. It Was Designed By a Young Team with Big Vision

One of the most inspiring aspects of Groove & Gather? It was designed and executed by a young, passionate team at GHRC who believed that engagement doesn’t have to be conventional to be impactful.

Their creativity, energy, and belief in doing things differently brought the event to life.

Conclusion: The Future of Networking events is Human-Centered

Networking events don’t have to feel stiff or scripted. Groove & Gather showed that when we bring creativity, empathy, and movement into the room, we create space for people to show up as their whole selves.

This wasn’t just a fun event. It was a reset. A reminder that connection starts with comfort, and great conversations start when we feel seen.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined, moved, shared, and helped us make it truly special.

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