The sparkle still hasn’t worn off from the truly magical experience that was Engage!24 Nemacolin! Our summit in June was nothing short of spellbinding. Engage! Summits are always about inspiration, education, community, networking, and fun, and this year’s event at the enchanting Nemacolin Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania, was no exception. It was also a homecoming for one of our founders, Rebecca Grinnals, who went to high school in the area with Maggie Hardy, the owner of Nemacolin. This added an extra personal touch to our 45th event.
Engage!24 Nemacolin brought together 350 of the finest luxury event professionals from around the world. Our goal at Engage! is to make the wedding and event industry smaller and more connected, ultimately celebrating love and creating meaningful connections. The event was a perfect blend of old friends reuniting and new relationships blossoming, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Laurel Highlands.
Nemacolin Resort, a five-star paradise nestled on more than 2,200 acres, was the ideal setting for this year’s summit. With its sweeping hills, lush landscapes, and luxurious amenities, Nemacolin offered a unique experience every day. From European-inspired elegance to outdoor adventures, attendees never had to leave the property to discover something new. Each event unveiled a different part of the resort, providing a sense of continuous discovery and wonder. Creative director, Ed Libby, worked his magic to transform the resort into a vibrant, living dream. Ed’s vision was to use Nemacolin’s expansive grounds and world-class facilities as a canvas for creativity and inspiration. Welcome to a world where real-life magic exists!
The Brand and Paper Details
The branding and paper materials for Engage!24 Nemacolin, created by our long-standing creative partners at TPD Design House, were spectacular. Inspired by the enchanting woodland grounds of Nemacolin, the hallmark E icon featured a wildflower motif, capturing the resort’s natural beauty. Using crisp, clean lines and a timeless charm, the Engage! icon set the scene for a whimsical journey. Throughout the three days, our paper goods showcased florals and botanical details in an elegant muted palette of greens, blues, peaches, and golds. Cutouts added texture, with flowers blooming and butterflies rising from cards and menus, all perfectly curated to match the stunning florals at each event.
The Gifting Lounge
The gifting lounge is always a highlight of Engage!24, but the swag at Nemacolin was just beyond! Offering a blend of practical, luxurious, and memorable items that attendees could enjoy during the event and afterward, TPD Design House once again delivered an incredible collection that left everyone feeling pampered and appreciated.
The theme of the lounge paid homage to the wildflowers adorning the Laurel Highlands. A highlight for everyone was the denim jacket bar, where attendees could customize this must-have outdoors accessory with Nemacolin-inspired patches. Letter writing sets provided a charming way to send handwritten notes to new friends and clients while detoxifying enzyme masks and essential oil rollers were also a hit. Practical items like water bottle slings ensured hydration and noise-canceling earplugs were thoughtful additions for the on-resort experiences and flight home.
The Sessions
Engage!24 Nemacolin’s sessions and workshops were a garden of knowledge and inspiration, designed to nurture personal development, professional growth, and wellness. The general session tent was a visual delight, with ombre linens that mirrored a field of flowers. Giant, oversized blooms marked the entrance and stage, while rattan shades overflowed with budding blooms, creating a floral wonderland. Even the podium was designed to look like a flower pot! Attendees themselves dressed in summery attire, which added to the vibrant scene resembling wildflowers scattered across the hillside.
Over the three days, key speakers like Todd Fiscus, Ed Libby, Marcy Blum, Maggie Hardy, Priya Parker, and DryBar founder, Alli Webb, shared their insights, while breakout sessions covered topics from luxury pricing to AI in the wedding industry. The speeches were an enriching experience, providing valuable insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories that attendees could take back to their businesses and lives.
The Welcome Party
The woodland welcome party at The Peak was an enchanting kick-off to Engage!24 Nemacolin. The venue was transformed into a haute wilderness, capturing the essence of the Laurel Highlands. The decor featured lifesize floral cranes, abalone fish sculptures, and a fly fisherman casting his line, creating a whimsical marsh-like atmosphere. Guests enjoyed an array of gourmet food stations and specialty cocktails before hitting the dance floor with friends new and old. But the highlight of the evening was a surprise performance by Kesha. A drone show announced her entrance, and as the countdown concluded, Kesha took the stage. Her high-energy performance had everyone dancing and singing along, setting an unforgettable tone for the rest of the event.
The Dessert Party
The flights of fancy dessert party at Engage!24 Nemacolin was a fabulously whimsical affair set against the backdrop of a private runway clad with vintage airplanes. Decor elements like flower-decked hot air balloons, bird cages, and feathers enhanced the event’s playful theme, with models dressed as air hostesses guiding guests along the ‘runway’. The dessert offerings were a sweet delight, featuring creations that tantalized taste buds alongside delicious cocktails from The Cup Bearer. Entertainment by Elan Artists kept the mood lively, with attendees in feathers and ruffles enjoying the enchanting atmosphere before heading to the after-party at Circle Bar.
The Experiences
Engage!24 Nemacolin offered an array of curated group experiences that highlighted the diverse activities available at Nemacolin Resort. From fly fishing and pasta making to watercolor classes, there was something for everyone. Attendees seeking relaxation indulged in a sound bath and acupuncture or chair massages at the Woodlands Spa, while the adventurous tackled the ropes course or axe throwing. Despite a bit of rain, Nemacolin’s vast indoor and outdoor options ensured non-stop enjoyment, including cosmic bowling, pickleball, and a delightful putting and Prosecco session. This diverse range of activities provided endless inspiration for destination wedding groups at Nemacolin.
The Themed Breaks
The themed breaks at Engage!24 Nemacolin were a delightful highlight, enhancing the overall experience with unique treats, drinks, and activities. On day one, guests enjoyed cocktails, caviar, and canapés at Lone Tree, the property’s highest point. Another break featured a tea party inspired by Anna Weatherley’s China, complete with tea, pastries, and a giant teapot ‘fountain’. Finally, attendees were treated to a special demo lounge, offering live 360° property tours using Feeel VR. Our breaks are always a highlight, providing refreshing pauses and memorable, Instagram-worthy moments.
The Gala
The marquee gala at Engage!24 Nemacolin was a breathtaking finale set in ‘Mother Nature’s Cathedral’. Guests were led into the enchanted forest setting by the stirring sound of bagpipes, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. The decor featured a glass tent adorned with nearly 200 mature trees and 800 plants, creating a truly magical atmosphere. The tent, built in the woods for our event, was in itself, something to marvel at. Once inside, to match the gothic design, each setting featured a heavenly stained-glass-inspired menu and a serving of caviar. The musical entertainment was extraordinary, starting with a performance of Hozier’s ‘Take Me To Church’, and featuring bands, singers, and a gospel choir. The night culminated in a surprise performance by none other than Miss Diana Ross, leaving everyone in awe and dancing away into the early hours.
A very heartfelt thank you to all attendees, sponsors, and hosts for making Engage!24 Nemacolin a remarkable success. Your participation and support created an unforgettable experience for us all. We look forward to many more to come!
