Welcome to our welcome party at Engage!24 Nemacolin! Our first Engage! Summit of 2024 took place at the storied Nemacolin Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania. The property, with its sprawling 2,200-acre estate and multiple hotels on-site, provided many unique backdrops for our evening and daytime events. No matter where we were, it was all about creating real-life magic for our guests. Right from the start, that’s exactly what creative director, Ed Libby, and his team of talents did. Our Engage! welcome parties are legendary, often feeling like a reunion where attendees can reconnect, meet new friends, and also get a sneak peek of what’s to come. The Engage!24 Nemacolin welcome party at The Peak, with its whimsical woodland theme, served as the perfect kick-off to Engage!24 Nemacolin, setting the tone for the days that followed. Attendees mingled and partied amongst the wildflowers, and were even surprised with a headline performer!
Setting the Scene: A Woodland Welcome
One of the best parts of Engage!24 Nemacolin is that it was a complete buyout experience for our guests. Throughout the three days, we were able to experience the different hotels and locations on-property. The Peak, with its breathtaking views and exquisite natural beauty, was the ideal venue for our woodland welcome party. Ed Libby, who also serves as Nemacolin’s creative director, transformed The Peak into a vibrant woodland wonderland. To do so he was inspired by the wilderness surrounding the Laurel Highlands of Farmington. From the moment guests arrived, they were transported into a marsh-inspired setting, adorned with lifesize floral cranes, abalone fish sculptures, and even a fly fisherman casting his line in the swimming pool. The venue was decorated with fabulous florals, and moss details, creating an enchanting woodsy atmosphere.
Engage!24 Nemacolin Welcome Party Food and Drink
Part of the magic of Nemacolin is in its delicious and delightful culinary options. The welcome party featured an array of food stations, each reflecting the evening’s theme. For example, guests indulged in fresh seafood served from ice sculptures, and farm-fresh vegetable stations offering unique combinations such as Asian pear salad, watermelon radish tacos, and grilled peach basil burrata with almonds. A variety of fire-roasted meats added a hearty touch to the feast.
Specialty cocktails were also a highlight, with creative concoctions like Persian Lemonade, Greenwich Mean Thyme, and White Mezcal Negroni on offer. Our favorites were the ones served in adorable little glass mushrooms!
Now the Party Don’t Start ‘til Kesha Walks In
The entertainment for the night was nothing short of spectacular, headlined by a surprise performance from Kesha. Guests were getting into a party mood under the starry sky when a drone show captivated their attention, revealing the star guest and counting down to her grand entrance. The anticipation built until, in true Kesha style, the pop star took the stage, electrifying the crowd. She performed some of her biggest hits, thrilling the audience, who sang along and danced to all their favorite songs. This was the first time in Engage! history that a headliner surprised attendees on the first night, making the welcome party truly unforgettable!
Dress Code & Attire
We do love a fashion moment. Engage! attendees are given a dress code for each event on the schedule, as well as Pinterest boards that they consult for inspiration. We love seeing how they bring these to life! For the Engage!24 Nemacolin welcome party, guests embraced the woodland theme with a variety of creative outfits. Floral prints, butterflies, greenery, and woodland-inspired embroidery were prominent, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. The mix of styles and interpretations of the theme also showcased the attendees’ unique personalities and added a vibrant touch to the evening.
The After Party: Nemacolin After Dark
After Kesha’s showstopping performance, the spectacular drone show, and a performance that had dancers taking to the crowds, the party continued with Nemacolin After Dark. Guests headed to one of the after-party venues inside (complete with a bowling alley). There they enjoyed a selection of unique entertainment options such as cosmic bowling and axe throwing. The fun and excitement carried on late into the night. Attendees had the opportunity to mingle in a relaxed, yet lively, atmosphere. It was the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable evening.
The Engage!24 Nemacolin welcome party was a resounding success, creating lasting memories for all attendees. From the breathtaking decor and exquisite food to Kesha’s surprise performance and the lively after-party, every moment was meticulously planned and executed by the creative team. Stay tuned for more of the incredible experiences we enjoyed at Engage!24 Nemacolin, along with insightful sessions, and the opportunity to connect with industry peers.
