We’re thrilled to share the highlights of our time at the Engage Summit! For years, this incredible event has been on our radar, and this year we finally had the opportunity to attend. As luxury event planners, we’re committed to learning, growing, and connecting within our industry—and the Engage Summit was the perfect platform for doing just that. Set against the stunning backdrop of The Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island, the 2024 summit exceeded every expectation. Today, we are sharing a look at what made this experience so extraordinary and why it continues to inspire us.
But before we get started! If you’re looking for event planners who bring this level of dedication to your event, contact us today to start planning your dream wedding!
A Coastal Retreat: Amelia Island
Nestled on Florida’s northeastern coast, Amelia Island offered the perfect blend of natural beauty and relaxed luxury. With its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery, the island felt like a little piece of paradise. Beyond its beauty, the island’s rich history and warm community vibe created an inspiring and serene atmosphere for the summit. Whether we were taking peaceful walks along the oceanfront or enjoying the fresh sea breeze, Amelia Island was the ideal setting for such a transformative event.
The Ritz-Carlton: An Unforgettable Venue at The Engage Summit
The Ritz-Carlton was every bit as exceptional as the summit itself. From the moment we arrived, we immediately noticed the resort’s focus on luxury and comfort. Every corner of the property felt thoughtfully designed, from the breathtaking ocean views to the top-notch amenities. The staff’s warm hospitality and attention to detail made every guest feel truly cared for—it was the kind of service you don’t forget! The conference spaces were just as impressive. Whether we were mingling over breakfast on the lawn or attending an elegant evening gala in the ballroom, the Ritz-Carlton made every moment feel special and effortless. It was the perfect setting for an event like the Engage Summit.
The Engage Summit Experience
Day 1: A Warm Welcome
The summit began with a vibrant registration and gifting session—a fantastic way to mingle and soak in the excitement. The opening session set the tone with inspiring speakers like Marcy Blum and Engage’s founders, Rebecca and Kathryn. The day ended with a dazzling welcome party on the oceanfront lawn, themed “Pastel Sparkles.” Dressing up for the occasion and connecting with fellow attendees under the stars made for an incredible start to the summit.
Day 2: Learning, Networking, and Entertainment at the Engage Summit
Day 2 was all about education and connection. Breakfast provided the perfect setting for casual networking, while general sessions featured powerhouse speakers like David Stark and Lynn Easton. Their talks on creativity and confidence resonated deeply, sparking new ideas for our business. Lunch on the lawn offered a chance to build connections over delicious cuisine, and the day concluded with the Lowcountry Dine Around. With a “Campfire Chic” theme and a performance by Joey Fatone, the evening was both relaxed and exhilarating.
Day 3: Breakout Sessions and the Grand Finale
On the final day, we dove into smaller, more intimate breakout sessions led by inspiring speakers like Nathalie Cadet-James and Chris Weinberg. These sessions provided practical, actionable insights that we’re excited to implement in our business. The summit ended with a spectacular gala, themed “Rainbow Revelry.” Natasha Bedingfield’s performance was the perfect send-off, and late-night conversations at the lobby bar made for a bittersweet farewell.
Lessons and Takeaways
The Engage Summit reminded us why we’re so passionate about this industry. It challenged us to think differently, embrace innovation, and continuously strive for excellence.
It’s hard to condense the experience down, but here are some of our key takeaways:
- Inspiration from Leaders: We really value continued education. Sessions with speakers like David Stark and Lynn Easton provided fresh perspectives on staying creative and confident.
- Building Meaningful Connections: Engage emphasized the power of genuine relationships, and the conference really pushed us to step out of our comfort zones and connect on a deeper level.
- Attention to Detail: From Pinterest boards offering outfit inspiration to thoughtfully designed events, every aspect of the summit demonstrated the value of intentionality.
This highlight film created by Josh Gooden and Serena Jae of Gooden Films with support from Matt Rouse.
Why We Attended the Engage Summit
Attending Engage Summit had been a long-term goal of ours. Though the pandemic delayed our initial plans, 2024 felt like the perfect year to finally make it happen. Over the years, we’ve heard glowing reviews from business coaches and past attendees, and the summit’s reputation for inspiration and excitement lived up to every expectation. This experience has been invaluable for our growth, allowing us to connect with top-tier vendors and gain insights that will elevate our business.
Would We Recommend Engage! ?
Absolutely! Engage Summit is ideal for event professionals looking to expand their network and elevate their business, especially in the luxury and ultra-luxury markets. For entry-level professionals, we’d recommend waiting until your business is ready to fully benefit from this level of investment. But for those ready to take the leap, Engage offers an unmatched opportunity for growth and connection.
What’s Next for Us—and for You
We’re excited to bring everything we learned at the Engage Summit back to our clients. From new industry connections to fresh ideas, this experience has inspired us to continue creating extraordinary events. If you’re looking for a team that’s inspired, connected, and dedicated to making your dream wedding or event a reality, let’s talk! Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable experience.
Vendor Credits
Host Property: @ritzcarltonameliaisland | Creative Direction & Planning: @collinskormanevents | Art Direction, Branding, Design & Signage: @tpddesginhouse
Production & Floral Design: @jacksonhurhamevents | Lighting, AV, Tech, Sound & Video Mapping:@technicalevent | Entertainment: @jordankahnorchestra
Tabletop: @casadeperrin | Gala Rentals: @nuagedesignsinc | Linens & Drapery: @partytables_linensanddrapery
Special Effects & Confetti: @fyerflyproductions | Dance Floor Wraps: @gotoshout | Candles: @lova_candles
Banga Booth: @bangabooth | Photo Team: @alexwphotography, @limacaroline, @paulmorseweddings, @chichiarilove, @amyanaizphoto, @rickyrodriguezphoto, @scottclarkphoto, @willettphoto, @bangastudios, @carterrose, @jacquicole
Day 2 – LowCountry Boil Event:
Location: @ameliarivereventvenue | F&B: @ritzcarltonameliaisland | Floral & Production: @apw_events
Oyster Bar: @deanoysterbar | Dinner Chairs: @eventworksrentals | Transportation: @echoeastcoast
Day 3 – Gala Event:
Weather Reports: @ironicreports | Transportation: Barr Transportation | Cotton Candy: @cloud_crunch
