By Louisa Cohen, General Manager of The Permanent

In today’s hybrid world, the way we work has shifted. Many of us are now comfortable juggling calendars, chat threads, and meetings from behind a screen. Digital tools have stepped in to streamline tasks and take care of the grunt work—but there’s one thing they can’t replace: in-person, human connection.

There’s something irreplaceable about sharing a laugh in real time, telling a story to a room full of peers, or simply catching someone’s eye across a table. These moments create space for people to see the humanness behind all the business—even in the most formal corporate structures. And it’s that humanness that builds trust, deepens relationships, and fuels strong organizations.

At The Permanent, we witness this magic every day. Whether it’s a team offsite, an annual general meeting, or a long-awaited celebration, people walk into our space and something shifts. Conversations open up. Ideas start to flow. You can feel the energy return.

Gathering gives us a chance to connect—not just professionally, but personally. It reminds us that behind every business strategy or quarterly goal is a group of humans doing their best to build something meaningful. That connection is what we believe lies at the heart of every strong business.

If it’s been a while since your last gathering, this is your sign. Step away from the screen, even just for a day, and reconnect with your team, your clients, your community.

Let’s make space for real connection. Let’s gather.