The 2025 season of Engage! events is quickly approaching! But first, let’s take some time to reflect on the unforgettable experiences that defined Engage!24 Amelia Island. Held at the stunning Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, this exclusive Engage! Summit brought together 400+ of the world’s leading luxury event professionals. Representing over 15 countries and 38 U.S. states, these trailblazers gathered on the shores of this serene ocean paradise to connect, inspire, and weave lifelong memories.
Curated by Creative Director, Nicki Korman, Engage!24 was infused with a sense of playful elegance. Every detail, from the vibrant decor to the curated experiences and inspirational sessions was crafted to ignite joy and connection. The result was an event that was not only transformative professionally, but also indelible on a personal level.
Our host property for the event was The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Nestled on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, this beautiful resort provided a spectacular backdrop. It combines coastal luxury with a rich history that dates back to the island’s storied past. From the moment guests crossed the bridge onto the island, they were treated to the warmest southern hospitality.
The Brand and Paper Details
The branding and paper details for Engage!24 Amelia Island were brought to life by the talented team at TPD Design House. Their thoughtful design perfectly captured the essence of our dreamy coastal location. Inspired by the natural beauty and history of Amelia Island, the visual branding combined relaxed coastal vibes with elevated luxury, in shades of blue, green, soft pink, and taupe. The official “E” icon, adorned with nautical rope, evoked the island’s maritime heritage. Meanwhile, delicate illustrations of sand dunes, sea grass, shells, and flying seabirds reflected the serene landscape of the property. Amelia Island is also known as the Island of 8 Flags. So of course, the design incorporated flags! Clever details, such as the vintage advent calendar-style session agenda, added a playful yet refined seasonal element.
The Gifting & Registration Experience
From the moment attendees arrived, the surprises started! The registration and gifting experience always sets the tone for what is to come. It also gives attendees a chance to greet old friends and make new ones. For Engage!24 Amelia Island, we created a vintage surf shop-inspired gifting lounge which matched the ‘surf’s up’ dress code for day one. Driftwood accents, surf-inspired pastels, and beachy motifs created an inviting, fun atmosphere where guests could mingle, explore, and collect their one-of-a-kind swag.
Gifts were thoughtfully curated to reflect both the spirit of the destination and the needs of a luxury event professional. Attendees received rolltop backpacks, perfect for filling up with beach glass soap, gourmet treats from local artisans, conversation cards, and stylish drinkware. From cashmere pashminas to plush beach towels and Florida-friendly self-care items, every gift was handpicked to spoil and delight. Attendees also collected a bottle of Lallier champagne, a nod to the celebratory spirit of Engage!
The Sessions
Engage!24 Amelia Island provided attendees with an unforgettable array of sessions. The carefully curated lineup of thought leaders covered a wide range of topics, from Gen Z insights to negotiation tactics.
The general session space, designed with the coastal colors of sand, ocean, and driftwood, set the scene for knowledge to flow. One of the standout sessions of day one was by Maryleigh Bliss, a Gen Z expert. She highlighted how this new generation is reshaping the world of branding and social media. “Gen Z is so good at branding anything,” she said, pointing out that social media now drives their word-of-mouth recommendations. Bliss also explained that while Gen Z is less risky, they live in the ‘Joy Economy,’ with 92% willing to spend more on experiences that bring them happiness.
Day two kept the momentum going with Alexandra Carter and Anne Marie Nest leading a session on “Executive Presence in Negotiation.” Their insightful discussion about clarity, confidence, and command left the audience feeling empowered to elevate their leadership skills. As well as these speakers and more, attendees were able to engage more closely in small breakout groups on day three. Each of these sessions by the best of the best in the industry and beyond offered attendees new perspectives and tools to apply in their own businesses.
The Welcome Party
The welcome party at Engage!24 Amelia Island was a dazzling and unforgettable evening that perfectly captured the essence of the destination. Inspired by the island’s fascinating history as the Isle of Eight Flags, where pirates once ruled the waters, the theme was ‘Island Treasures’. It felt like a glamorous, elegant tiki lounge, with elevated coastal details and textures. Guests enjoyed custom cocktails and a tequila bar, which definitely got the party started!
But the real jewels in this pirate’s horde were the guests themselves. They shimmered in pastel sequins, shared glittering insights amidst sparkling conversation, and unearthed gems of connection and collaboration. By the time the sky lit up with a very special drone show, it was as if even new connections had been forged over years and not hours.
The Lunches
The lunches at Engage!24 Amelia Island were a feast for the senses, perfectly blending the season’s spirit with Florida’s vibrant charm. The first of these lunches was set on the Oceanfront Lawn, beneath a festive tent with incredible sea views. Attendees – dressed in zesty shades of lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit pink – were able to ‘squeeze the day’ with a citrus-inspired sit-down meal. The theme paid tribute, of course, to Florida’s status as one of the world’s leading citrus producers. We loved all the details, but the interactive orange menus by TPD Design House were a standout! Guests peeled them back to reveal a tantalising lineup of fresh, fruity dishes.
Our second lunch of the week paid tribute to an island tradition, the Dickens on Centre Festival. Each year, this market transforms Fernandina Beach into Victorian London. Engage! attendees enjoyed a touch of these traditions, including a huge tree, festive-flavored cotton candy, and boxes of holiday cookies alongside salads and sandwiches.
Themed Breaks
As always, the themed breaks at Engage!24 Amelia Island were designed to surprise and delight. These opportunities for rest and rejuvenation aren’t just about a refuel—they are immersive experiences in their own right. One standout was the salt break, which paid homage to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island’s signature restaurant. Attendees were treated to a curated selection of salts alongside delicious artisan bread and butter, offering a unique sensory moment.
Guests were also able to experience our wellness pantry, the perfect place to recharge and reset. They could test out an array of wellness technology and gadgets while snacking on healthy goodies.
Night Two Party: A Low Country Boil
Engage!24’s second night on Amelia Island was one to remember! A traditional lowcountry boil was the perfect mix of luxury, fun, and laid-back coastal charm. It was hosted at the stunning Amelia River Event Venue, the very first event in this gorgeous new space. It was transformed with hanging florals (including the most delicate pale pink orchids), driftwood and raffia details, and an oyster shell-encrusted bar.
Guests started off by enjoying epic sunset river views, citrus cocktails and honey-infused local beers in hand. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the evening came alive with laughter and chatter.
The lowcountry boil showcased the best of Southern hospitality, with a family-style meal. Each bite was a taste of old Florida, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting, just like the meal itself. After dinner, fireworks lit up the sky and surprise headliner, Joey Fatone, took to the stage, as we wished bye bye bye to day two of the summit. Needless to say, there were more than a few squeels with this surprise!
The Group Experiences
Beyond the traditional conference sessions, Engage!24 Amelia Island curated a series of unforgettable group experiences that encouraged attendees to connect, recharge, and give back to the local community. Inspired by the island’s tranquil beauty and the spirit of the season, experiences ranged from a meditative beach walk to a cold plunge ice bath, each designed to offer a mix of wellness, adventure, and reflection. For those looking for a more energetic experience, there was kayaking along Amelia Island’s serene waterways, as well as painting, or simply relaxing by the pool.
At each of our events, the Engage! Foundation strives to leave a positive local footprint and support non-profit work being done by event professionals. Attendees could also participate in a special volunteer opportunity with the Barnabas Center, wrapping gifts for local families in need.
The Good Luck Gala
As event professionals, we know the one thing we can’t control is the weather. The final evening of Engage!24 brought the idea of a good luck wedding rain shower to life in spectacular fashion. As guests were leaving cocktail hour, a surprise indoor rain shower rolled in. Together, we walked through the ‘storm’ into a misty, magical ballroom decked with dark florals and moody décor. It was a perfect blend of creativity, luxury, and a touch of fun—proof that no storm could rain on this parade.
Later, a surprise performance by Natasha Bedingfield truly made it a night to remember! Guests, decked in their rainbow finest (because there’s always a rainbow after the storm!), packed the dance floor. It was a celebration of community, camaraderie, and the shared memories we’d made over the past few days.
Engage!24 Amelia Island was a celebration of more than just professional growth—it was about immersing ourselves in an environment that fostered deep connections and creative exploration. With every session, break, and event, attendees were not only educated but inspired by one another, sparking ideas that will shape the industry for years to come. A heartfelt thank you to our partners, vendors, attendees, and the incredible Engage! team for making Engage!24 Amelia Island truly unforgettable. We can’t wait to gather again soon for another extraordinary event!
You can see more from Engage!24 Amelia Island in our galleries.
