There’s nothing quite like London in the summertime. Strawberries and cream at Wimbledon, Pimm’s in the park, and sunshine that lingers until late. From Royal Ascot to festivals, concerts and open-air cinemas, the city comes alive. And this year, it sparkled even brighter as Engage! returned for our very own jubilee celebration! From July 21–24, 2025, we welcomed 275 industry leaders from around the globe back to one of our favorite cities for four inspiring days of purpose, pomp, and polish at Engage!25 The London Experience.
At the center of it all was the vision of Creative Director, Bruce Russell, whose love of London brought depth and heart to every detail. “Whether bathed in sunshine or kissed by a bit of rain,” Bruce shared, “London hums with culture and celebration. That spirit of vibrancy and sophistication is exactly what I envisioned in curating Engage!25 London.”
Engage!25 The London Experience wasn’t just about professional development. It was also a chance to soak up the magic of a city in full bloom. And where better to do it than the heart of Mayfair, in partnership with the Maybourne Hotel Group?! Set across their four iconic London properties – Claridge’s, The Connaught, The Berkeley, and The Emory – each hotel offered a distinct lens into British luxury, from heritage glamor to sleek modern elegance. “We didn’t seek to transform these beloved spaces,” Bruce explained. “We sought to elevate them – to weave the signature spirit of Engage! into their already spectacular settings.” And that’s exactly what we did.
The Brand & Paper Details
From the moment guests arrived, the visual identity of Engage!25 London set the tone. And like our surroundings, it was also refined, romantic, and unmistakably Mayfair. Dreamed up by our long-standing partners, the creative geniuses at TPD Design House, the branding and paper goods wove together a soft pastel palette with subtle tributes to the interiors of our elegant host properties. The official icon transformed the signature Engage! ‘E’ into a delicate architectural mark, echoing a butterfly in flight.
The daily agendas especially took inspiration from Claridge’s. Day one’s agenda mirrored the hotel’s floral displays and signature art deco lines. Day two was a paper ‘passageway’ complete with mint green hues and blind debossing that echoed its iconic archways. At each party, the paper goods stood out, ending on a high note with a ruby red suite that reflected the drama and grandeur of the gala dinner setting.
The Gifting & Registration Experience
You never forget your first time at Claridge’s, and for Engage!25 London, attendees arrived in style. A fleet of traditional black cabs, elegantly wrapped in our bespoke branding, swept us through the streets of the British capital and up to the hotel’s iconic entrance. It was an arrival that felt straight out of a scene from The Crown. Quintessentially British, but with a distinctly Engage! twist.
Inside, Claridge’s masterful floral team had created a welcoming walkway with arches of luxurious summer blooms such as roses, hydrangeas, and delphiniums. Guests in their tea time best made their way to the Drawing Room and French Salon, which served as a gifting lounge that rivaled the chic boutiques of Knightsbridge, Marylebone, and Mayfair. As tradition dictates, Engage!-ers received their signature nametagalopes before exploring a curated edit of British delights and luxe local treasures.
Among the swag: Harrods totes, Liberty scarves, Diptyque scents, Fortnum & Mason tea strainers and cheese sables, Claridge’s cups and tea, Paul Smith notebooks, Neill Strain candles, Original Duckhead ‘brollies’ (umbrellas), and sweet treats from Oh My Gum, as well as whimsical custom biscuits from Biscuiteers. This was Engage!’s take on British retail therapy, served with tea and delicious nibbles. Pinkies up!
The Sessions
From the start, the sessions made it clear that Engage!25 London was all about bold ideas and meaningful growth. Held inside Claridge’s storied ballroom, the general session space captured the quiet grandeur of the city itself, letting the content take center stage. Across three days, attendees heard from a global slate of speakers whose expertise spanned fashion, finance, design, tech, psychology, and hospitality. The opening session also included a rousing performance by a local gospel choir.
And just when the energy couldn’t climb any higher, the incomparable Vera Wang made a surprise appearance. “This is quite an event,” she said. “There are way more goals you can achieve, way more weddings you can create… and how individualistic they’ve become… is something we’ve always tried to encourage as designers.”
Day two brought more incredible insights, delivered with honesty and humor. Amanda Le Roux Global SVP of Aveda International shared lessons in resilience and leadership. David Stark explored the intersection of purpose and profit. Rishi Patel delivered a powerful message about emotional balance in a demanding industry. Whether it was Michelle Rago’s declaration that “we’re selling transformation, we’re selling fantasy, we’re selling experiences, bragging rights and social standing for the client” or Cindy Novotny’s call to “shine on” with authenticity and heart, each voice left its mark.
On day three, breakout sessions offered more intimate, interactive conversations. Topics ranged from legal risks to luxury psychology, global design, scaling legacy brands, as well as client empathy. Each group was able to share in meaningful conversations, forging bonds and exchanging ideas.
The Welcome Party
Night one of Engage!25 The London Experience took us straight to the top – literally! Engage!Fest transformed the Sky Garden into a high-altitude homage to British summer festivals, complete with panoramic views, a meadow’s-worth of wildflowers, and flowing cocktails. Guests arrived by red Routemasters through a rain-kissed London in their glammest ’fits, interpreting the dress code in sequins, florals, neons, and everything in between.
Of course, the entertainment was next level. Ministry of Brass brought the house down, while party people chatted, danced, and snacked their way through gourmet food stalls. Bursting with atmosphere and energy, Engage!Fest set the tone for the week ahead: vibrant, visionary, and (as the Brits would say) absolutely bloody brilliant.
The Lunches
For the first of the London lunches, participants gathered across Claridge’s Drawing Room, Restaurant, and French Salon for a celebration that paid homage to summer’s most nostalgic flower, the hydrangea, as well as the transformative spirit of Engage! Menus, in the shape of delicate pink and green butterflies, offered a quiet nod to the butterfly effect: proof that the smallest details and actions can make all the difference. Rain may have drizzled outside, but inside, it was pure sunshine, made even brighter by the roaming sounds of ALR Music’s Juke Joints. It was a luncheon that fluttered between whimsy and elegance, and landed right in the sweet spot.
The following day, the sun made a timely appearance just as attendees stepped into Mount Street Gardens. This hidden gem behind The Connaught was the location for our second luncheon. Under a canopy of London plane trees, picnic tables with lemon-yellow linens and gingham blankets awaited. Picnic baskets featured on Connaught-prepared sandwiches, strawberries and cream, and lay back on soft pastel pillows. The setting offered a blissful pause in the middle of the city pulse. This was British summertime at its most poetic.
Dine-Arounds & Dessert Party
Night two was a love letter to London’s culinary scene, told through the lens of the Maybourne Hotel Group. Participants were divided into intimate groups and whisked away to six of Mayfair’s most exclusive dining rooms, from the Chef’s Table at L’Epicerie to Jean-Georges at The Connaught, abc kitchens at The Emory, and more. The focus was on storytelling through service, flavor, and connection.
After an evening of spirited conversation and unforgettable plates, everyone reunited for a sugar-dusted spectacle that redefined dessert. Three master pâtissiers from across the Maybourne properties performed live a dessert plating while the crowd sampled, snapped, and got in on the action! The night’s sweet crescendo was a surprise synchronized swimming performance at The Berkeley’s chic rooftop pool that had the whole terrace buzzing. With a black-tie dress code dubbed Sweet Soirée, our guests impressed with sleek silhouettes and black tie fashion moments. It was a night of indulgence, artistry, and a little bit of magic.
A Visit by the Royal Household Cavalry
Only at Engage! could breakout sessions be preceded by a visit from the Royal Household Cavalry. Mounted on gleaming black Irish Draughts, members of the King’s personal bodyguard trotted by Claridge’s for an unforgettable morning meet-and-greet. Attendees fed the horses carrots and apples and enjoyed a photo opportunity with the steeds and their riders.
The Fashion Crawl
For a stylish select few, Wednesday afternoon was all about fashion with a capital F. Led by The Stylish Bride, Julie Sabatino, the group enjoyed private viewings at the London flagships of some of the most iconic names in bridal fashion: Elie Saab, Vivienne Westwood, Monique Lhuillier, and Oscar de la Renta. Part private salon show, part dream afternoon in Mayfair. Champagne and couture – what could be better? There were surprises around every corner, including floral iced matcha lattes at Monique Lhuillier that mirrored their signature floral motifs. It was a rare opportunity to see the artistry ‘behind the seams’.
The Supper Club Gala
For our final night, Engage!25 London pulled back the velvet curtain and stepped into full theatrical sparkle at KOKO London, the legendary Camden Town venue. Home to legendary moments from artists including Madonna, Prince, The Clash, and Amy Winehouse, KOKO’s dramatic red-draped balconies and dance floor set the perfect scene for our Supper Club Gala, a tribute to London’s music and theater scene. Guests arrived to cascading florals, candlelit tables, and cabaret-chic touches that turned the space into something between a beautiful fever dream and a West End opening night. The energy was joyful, the fashion dramatic, and the spirit, unmistakably Engage!
Dinner came with a side of jaw-dropping talent, courtesy of ALR Music. They delivered a live show that included an eight-piece string ensemble, a full gospel choir, dancers, as well as a powerhouse vocalist who brought the room to tears. With every note, the energy built until The Fellas took the stage and the dance floor filled beneath the largest disco ball you’ve ever seen. It was a grand finale in every sense, joyful and unforgettable. The kind of night that made you look around and whisper, “Is this real life?” In our world, it is.
To our world-class speakers, creative partners, and brilliant attendees: thank you. Engage!25 The London Experience was a celebration of creativity, connection, and community, made possible by each of you. A special heartfelt thank you to the Maybourne Group, whose iconic properties welcomed us with warmth and elevated every moment with quiet elegance and intention. Their hospitality reminded us that true luxury isn’t loud; it’s thoughtful, intuitive, and leaves a lasting impression. We left London inspired, recharged, and ready for what’s next – our 50th event in Peru this September. See you there!
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