Ryan Wilson is a visionary entrepreneur and co-founder and CEO of The Gathering Spot, a next-generation private membership club that serves as a hub for collaboration, connections, and experiences. Ryan and his business partner opened the first Gathering Spot in Atlanta in 2016, and since then have expanded nationally. In 2022, The Gathering Spot was acquired by Greenwood, Inc, creating the largest fintech and community platform for Blacks and minorities with a combined community of over 1 million people. This partnership represents a historic move as one of the few black-on-black M&A transactions at scale and was recognized as one of the most influential Deals of Year in 2022 by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

The Gathering Spot is an innovative, private, members-only business and social club that brings together a motivated and diverse community of professionals, creators, and entrepreneurs. Members benefit from a 24/7 alternative work and social environment, complete with engaging events, an on-site full-service restaurant and bar, concierge services, and integrated technology. The Gathering Spot is more than just a space to work and socialize; it’s a community of like-minded individuals who share a common goal of creating a world where opportunity is the byproduct of community and collaboration.

Ryan Wilson is not only the CEO of The Gathering Spot but also the Chief Community Officer of Greenwood, a digital banking services platform. He is also a principal at A3C Conference and Festival. A native of Atlanta, Ryan is an active board member of several Atlanta civic and community organizations. He has been named Small Business Person of the Year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, one of Goldman Sach’s Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs, one of the country’s most influential African-Americans in The Root 100 and the Ebony Power 100, one of Atlanta’s 500 most powerful by Atlanta Magazine and Georgia Trend, and has received Atlanta’s highest honor, The Phoenix Award.

Ryan’s work and vision for The Gathering Spot have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Forbes, Inc, The New York Times, Revolt, Black Enterprise, Bloomberg Businessweek, The Huffington Post, and USA Today among others. He is a trusted speaker and regularly moderates conversations with thought leaders, giving many keynote presentations to notable corporations, conferences, and universities.

The Gathering Spot has locations in Atlanta, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles, with plans to expand to other cities. The Gathering Spot Presents Connected Cities, curated communities that serve as hubs for collaboration, connections, and experiences in cities where they anticipate building a future club. As a Connected Cities member, individuals receive invitations to members-only experiences in their city, access to existing TGS clubs, and exclusive digital fireside chats and workshops.

In addition to The Gathering Spot, Ryan is actively involved in several Atlanta civic and community organizations, including serving on the Board of Regents at Georgetown University Law Center, where he received his law degree. He resides happily in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife and two children.

Ryan Wilson and The Gathering Spot have created a new model for building and sustaining a community of like-minded professionals, entrepreneurs, and creators. Their focus on collaboration, connection, and community has created a hub for innovation, creativity, and growth. As The Gathering Spot continues to expand, it will undoubtedly become a cornerstone of the next generation of private membership clubs.