06/03/2026
Yesterday, we had the privilege of hearing from one of our newest BNI Bakken members, Johnson, owner of & Co Collective and Venue 31.
What stood out wasn't just what Abi does, it's why she does it.
As a little girl, Abi attended a tea party with her mom and grandmother. She described walking into a beautifully curated experience and feeling like she had stepped into another world. For one afternoon, she felt like royalty. Every detail mattered. Every detail created a feeling.
That experience stayed with her.
Years later, it became the foundation for a business built around creating those same moments for others.
Today, through Gather & Co. Collective, Abi helps people bring their visions to life through intentional planning, elevated design, and unforgettable experiences. From weddings and milestone celebrations to corporate events, workshops, community gatherings, and completely custom experiences, she believes events should be more than just gatherings, they should create feelings & memories that people carry with them long after the day is over.
One thing Abi challenged us to do was think bigger.
Don't just think weddings.
Don't just think birthdays.
Don't just think luncheons.
Think experiences.
Think the event you've always wanted to host but weren't sure how to bring to life.
The more out of the box the better. Get wild with it.
What makes Abi such a great fit for BNI is her genuine love for community. Bringing people together isn't just part of her business model, it's at the heart of who she is. That passion for connection is woven throughout everything she creates.
She become our meeting host, then very quickly became a member.
And honestly, her becoming part of BNI is the perfect example of how referrals and relationships work.
A simple conversation led to a connection.
A connection led to an opportunity.
An opportunity led to collaboration.
That's BNI.
Please join us in welcoming Abi Johnson and Gather & Co. Collective to BNI Bakken!
If you're looking for someone who can take your vision and transform it into an experience people will never forget, Abi is your person.
👇 Drop a welcome in the comments and let her know what event you'd trust her to create.
