Most polyamorous events start small — a handful of people in a living room, sharing stories and snacks. But with the right vision, those casual gatherings can grow into powerful spaces that educate, connect, and transform entire communities. In this “Impactful Paths” talk, William Kehler shares the journey of how grassroots meetups can evolve into full-scale conventions and nonprofit organizations. You’ll learn what changes as events scale — from logistics and leadership to branding and inclusion. The talk highlights how every great event begins not with funding or followers, but with a clear purpose and a few passionate people. Through real-world examples and lessons from hosting successful polyamory events, William reveals the simple systems that make growth sustainable. Whether you’re dreaming of your first book club with friends or an international convention, you’ll walk away inspired to start where you are. Because every movement needs someone willing to book the room — and that someone might be you.
Hosting Events
From Living Room to Convention Hall
Saturday, May 2nd
12:15 pm
Room: Tempe
301
Key Takeaways
1.
Clarify Your Event Vision: Learn how to identify what kind of gathering best fits your goals — whether it’s a casual book club, a local meetup, an online group, a nonprofit, a large public event, or business.
2.
Define Your Purpose: Explore how aligning your event’s purpose — social, educational, or activist — creates a sense of direction that guides every decision from format to tone.
3.
Design for Growth: Understand the core systems and logistics that make events scalable, sustainable, and joyful to host as they evolve from living room meetups to convention halls.
William Kehler (he/him) is the founder of Impactful Paths Design Agency, which provides free and low-cost design and growth consulting to polyamory organizations and groups across the country. With over 20 years of experience in event design, branding, and organizational strategy, he helps small teams scale their impact with systems that make events both inclusive and sustainable. William is also the founder and chair of the Evergreen Hearts Foundation, which produces some of the largest polyamory events in the United States. Beyond that, he has founded and supported multiple nonprofits in the areas of subsidized housing and financial literacy, extending his commitment to empowerment and access. His work blends creativity, business acumen, and social impact to help communities grow with purpose. William’s approach centers on designing experiences and organizations that connect people, elevate voices, and create lasting change.