“Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on earth. Once you have been there, you will never be the same.” – Brian Jackman
The Engage! community is known for curating exceptional, immersive experiences. But from the moment we started dreaming up what ultimately became Engage!24 The Africa Experience with guest creative director Mwai Yeboah, we knew it would take things to an entirely new level. This incredible Engage! Experience, which took place in September 2024, was even more extraordinary than we could have imagined. We left enriched, ignited, elevated, changed.
With our first-ever four-day event spanning three countries (Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana), this was also Engage!’s 46th event. With a group of 175 luxury event professionals gathered from around the world, we arrived with open hearts, ready to be inspired by Africa’s breathtaking beauty and cultural depth. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity offered a unique blend of luxury, adventure, and meaningful connections. With every sunset over the Zambezi and every moment spent in the untamed beauty of Africa, the Engage!24 Africa Experience reminded us all of the magic that happens when creative minds gather in one of the world’s most extraordinary settings.
The Venue
The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara was the perfect host venue. A sanctuary of luxury and adventure nestled on the banks of the Zambezi River in Zambia, it is just a short walk from Victoria Falls. This breathtaking resort offered direct access to one of the world’s seven natural wonders, including the infamous Devil’s Pool. It felt to us as if nature itself was woven into the fabric of the resort. Wild zebras and giraffes even roamed freely through the hotel grounds! The resort’s verandas, overlooking the river, provided an ideal spot to relax and take in the views, whether it was watching the mist rise from the Zambezi at dawn or sipping a sundowner as the sun set over the savannah. It was a dream African retreat, a place where both our hearts and our creative spirits felt at home.
The Brand and Paper Details
The branding for Engage!24 The Africa Experience, crafted by our long-time creative partners, TPD Design House, was a masterful tribute to local art and culture, combined with our signature style. Inspired by the Adinkra symbols of West Africa, which represent strength, wisdom, and cultural values, the event’s iconography told a story of connection and growth within the Engage! community. Paper goods featured both the Adinkra-inspired E icon and the custom crest. This was made up of icons symbolizing some of the highlights of the event. The warm color palette evoked the richness of Africa, featuring tones like baobab, savannah, Zambezi blue, and clay. Guests found thoughtful design details at every turn. Even before they arrived, they received a pre-arrival safari kit, which beautifully set the tone for the immersive journey ahead.
As is tradition, our attendees were greeted with ‘nametagalopes’ which included our signature name tags and their itinerary. We loved seeing so many green name tags, representing those who were experiencing their very first Engage!
The Gifting
Our gifting lounge is always something Engage! attendees look forward to, but the gifting at Engage!24 The Africa Experience was about so much more than swag. It was a reflection of the heart and craftsmanship of local artisans. It was also an opportunity to leave behind a positive local footprint by directly supporting regional entrepreneurs. Attendees were welcomed into a vibrant African marketplace, where local artists showcased their skills through a rich tapestry of handmade treasures. From intricately woven baskets and wooden serving boards to woven blankets, handcrafted ceramics, and locally made skincare products, each item told a story of its own.
Through these gifts, attendees were able to connect deeply with the culture, appreciating the love, time, and skill behind each creation. Altogether, the gifting also fed over 100 communities, sent 4 children to university, and gave the Booma women a bulk order to help them make enough stock for the next 3 months. A true expression of the African phrase ‘ubuntu’ – “I am because we all are.”
The Sessions
We’re used to being inspired and invigorated at Engage! sessions, but this portion of the program truly captured our hearts as well as our minds. Attendees were not only treated to a top-notch speaker lineup, but to joyful, emotional performances by the Tongabezi School choir, Manka the Poet, and the Ndlovu Youth Choir, who brought many in the audience to tears. The creative team transformed the space at Avani Victoria Falls into an inspired savannah using pampas grass, preserved florals, and rich African fabrics. From the first moment, this unique setting made the learning experience feel deeply connected to the continent.
As the Tanzanian proverb goes, “ng’wanangwa itashilaga”—learning has no end. Attendees enjoyed talks from some of Africa’s most influential voices. This included the Honorable Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, and the General Manager of the Royal Livingstone. Speakers like Vogue cover model Thando Hopa, Chef Coco, and designer Mzukisi Mbane also inspired attendees with their stories of creativity and leadership. Alexandra Carter’s insights on negotiation were invaluable, including a hands-on workshop on day three. Each speaker’s words echoed the resilience, passion, and innovation that shape Africa, and Engage!-ers were empowered to learn, connect, and leave with a renewed sense of purpose.
The Welcome Party
The welcome party at Engage!24 The Africa Experience was an unforgettable Boma Dinner under the stars. In Africa, a boma is a traditional gathering place. It holds deep cultural significance as a space for community, storytelling, and celebration. So it was only fitting that unity and connectivity were the themes of the night. Upon entering the venue, guests were greeted by masked warriors. They were led down a lantern-lit path to a magical setting adorned with hanging baskets, native flowers, and a topiary giraffe. The evening came alive with drumming, dancing, and storytelling around the fire. There was also a specially curated menu by Chef Coco, and interactive experiences like face painting, hair braiding, and beer tasting.
Day 2: Safaris and Dinner at the Kingfisher Boma
The second day of Engage!24 The Africa Experience took attendees on an awe-inspiring safari adventure through Botswana’s Chobe National Park. With both land and water safaris, attendees witnessed Africa’s majestic wildlife up close and personal. This opportunity to connect to nature at its wildest left a lasting impression and inspired a deep sense of wonder.
After a long day of spotting the Big Five, the evening culminated in a family-style dinner at the King Fisher Boma. Guests dined on local specialties under the stars, followed by an energetic night of dancing that kept the entire community on their feet, celebrating Africa’s beauty and spirit.
The Night Three Dinner
Night 3 of Engage!24 The Africa Experience was nothing short of iconic! It featured a breathtaking fashion show by Sarah Diouf’s Tongoro Studio, set on the Knife Edge Bridge overlooking Victoria Falls. Zambian models showcased cutting-edge African designs, connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe in a powerful display of creativity.
Following the runway, guests dined at a train-inspired dinner, with one long family-style table creating an intimate, communal atmosphere. Over 400 candles illuminated the scene, setting the stage for a night of live performances and dancing, celebrating the fusion of African fashion, culture, and luxury.
The Group Experiences
On Day 4, Engage!24 The Africa Experience attendees had the opportunity to explore the surrounding area through a variety of small group experiences. From visiting Mukina Village to delivering supplies to the Tongabezi Trust School through the Engage! Foundation’s Pack with a Purpose program, these activities fostered a deeper connection with the local community. Adventurous attendees enjoyed horseback safaris, rhino walks, and fishing excursions along the Zambezi River. Thrill-seekers braved white water rafting on its famous rapids. Others opted for a relaxing cooking class with wine tasting. Later, attendees rejoined one another for a riverboat cruise on the Zambezi River.
The African Experience Gorge Dinner Party
The grand finale to Engage!24 The Africa Experience, our Gala at the Gorge, was a breathtaking culmination, set against the stunning backdrop of the Zambezi Gorge. This dramatic landscape was the perfect stage for a magical evening of gourmet dining, exclusive entertainment, and vibrant music. Created “in the middle of nowhere,” the gala celebrated the unstoppable spirit of Africa. Eight planners and 15 florists led by the dynamic mother daughter duo from YES Exclusively Flowers our of South Africa joined forces to craft a show-stopping event. Guests danced under the stars, taking in the heart and soul of Africa – her beauty, resilience, and unifying energy.
To really bring the magic of Engage!24 The Africa Experience to life, take a look at this incredible video by our friends at Le Rêve Films. Words can’t do it justice!
A heartfelt thank you from the Engage! team to all the attendees, partners, and vendors who made this experience truly extraordinary. Your passion, energy, and collaboration turned dreams into reality, creating bonds that will last a lifetime. As we reflect on the moments that shaped this event, we look forward with excitement to future Engage! experiences—continuing the tradition of innovation, creativity, and community in the world’s most extraordinary destinations.
