“Ciù sacciu, ciù pozzu.” (The more I know, the more I can.)
– Salento proverb
Puglia is a region where knowledge, craft, and traditions are passed from generation to generation and learning has always been something to share. This November, we’ll be bringing that same spirit of curiosity and exchange to Engage!26 The Puglia Experience, with an extraordinary lineup of industry leaders, innovators, creatives, and business minds joining us on stage. We’re thrilled to finally introduce the speakers joining us in Italy!
Taking the Stage at Borgo Egnazia
Our home for three unforgettable days will be Borgo Egnazia, the iconic retreat surrounded by ancient olive groves and the blue waters of the Adriatic. Built from creamy local stone and inspired by the masserie and traditional villages of Puglia, it’s a place that celebrates both the heritage and the particular magic of this corner of southern Italy. And there’s a little extra history attached to our main stage. Sessions will take place in Borgo Egnazia’s G7 Ballroom, named for the G7 Summit hosted at the property in 2024. A fitting setting, we think, for a different kind of gathering of leaders from around the world!
Our own lineup brings together some of the most respected and creative voices in the global wedding and event industry. Expect insights from legendary planners and designers including Marcy Blum, Laurie Arons, Jennifer Zabinski, Michelle Rago, Lynn Easton, Tara Guérard, Tara Fay, Lelian Chew, David Beahm, Rishi Patel, Chenai Bukutu, Lauryn Prattes, Elizabeth Slossberg, and Tory Smith; celebrated photographers Jose Villa and Joel Serrato; floral visionaries Kiana and Nathan Underwood; celebration expert and founding Martha Stewart Weddings editor Darcy Miller; fashion creative Carrie Goldberg; Gigi & Olive founder Georgie Le Roux; business and industry leaders Cindy Novotny and Anja Winikka; and many more talented voices from across the globe.
They’ll be joining Engage!26 Puglia’s Creative Director Marcella Cecere of Momentum Event Concierge and guest Creative Director Rachel Birthistle, founder of The Lake Como Wedding Planner and Rachel Birthistle Studio. Both will also take the stage, bringing their distinctive perspectives on creativity, design, and producing extraordinary destination events in Italy and around the world.
And, of course, Engage! founders Kathryn Arce and Rebecca Grinnals will be there to welcome our community, share insights drawn from decades at the forefront of the global wedding industry, and set the tone for three days devoted to learning openly, thinking bigger, and connecting with the people who understand this business best.
Because while fresh pasta, sunset spritzes, and sun-dappled countryside certainly don’t hurt, the real magic of Engage! has always been what happens when remarkable people come together ready to share what they know.
We can’t wait to see you there! You can learn more about Engage!26 Puglia here.
Our full speaker lineup includes:
Marcella Cecere, Co-Founder, Momentum Event Concierge
Rachel Birthistle, CEO, The Lake Como Wedding Planner | Rachel Birthistle Studio
Marcy Blum, Founder | Owner, Marcy Blum Associates
Jose Villa, Owner, Jose Villa Photography
Joel Serrato, Owner, Joel Serrato Photography
Kiana & Nathan Underwood, Founder and Creative Director & Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Tulipina
Lynn Easton, Co-Founder and Creative Director, Easton Porter Group
Lelian Chew, Founder, The Atelier & Co. Holdings
Jennifer Zabinski, Founder and President, Jennifer Zabinski Events
Michelle Rago, Founder, Michelle Rago Destinations
Tara Fay, Founder, Tara Fay Events
Tara Guérard, Founder, Tara Guérard Soirée
Chenai Bukutu, Founder | Lead Planner, ByChenai Events
Lauryn Prattes, Founder | Lead Event Designer, Lauryn Prattes Events
Elizabeth Slossberg, Founder, EKS Events
Tory Smith, Founder & Creative Director, smith + james
Rishi Patel, President and Chief Creative Officer, Svarin Creative
Laurie Arons, Owner, Laurie Arons Special Events
Taimar Birthistle-Cooke, Managing Director, The Lake Como Wedding Planner
David Beahm, Founder, David Beahm Experiences
Matthew Oliver & Bertie, Owner | Director & Director, Matthew Oliver Weddings
Carrie Goldberg, Founder and Creative Director, CLG Creative
Georgie Le Roux, Founder & CEO, Gigi & Olive
Darcy Miller, Founder, Darcy Miller Designs
Cindy Novotny, Managing Partner, Master Connection Associates
Anja Winikka, Founder | CEO, The Freeda Network
Kathryn Arce, Engage! Co-Founder
Rebecca Grinnals, Engage! Co-Founder
