David Bailey, famed photographer and London native, once said: “If you’re curious, London’s an amazing place.” That was exactly the spirit we brought to the speaker sessions at Engage!25 The London Experience, with 275 curious creative professionals from around the world gathered to embrace new ideas and perspectives. Across three inspiring days, attendees learned from the best in the business: trailblazing planners, creative directors, brand leaders, and hospitality icons. These talks were designed as catalysts for clarity, confidence, and transformation in their listeners. Through panels, breakouts, and keynote moments, attendees were invited not just to sit and listen, but to reflect, stretch, grow, and reimagine what’s possible in their work and their lives.
The Setting
Our general sessions unfolded in the iconic Claridge’s Ballroom. It is a space that has hosted society weddings, state banquets, and now, a global summit of creative minds. Attendees were welcomed in style, stepping through a welcoming walkway of roses, delphiniums, and hydrangeas into one of the most elegant venues in all of London. Inside, the ballroom’s quiet grandeur allowed the content to shine. It was a space that held both history and possibility, perfectly suited for big ideas.
The General Sessions
Day One Highlights
Sessions at Engage!25 The London Experience kicked off with a warm welcome from founders Kathryn and Rebecca, followed by a powerful opening lineup. Mathilde Maitre, Roland Fasel, and Simon Scoot of the House of Maybourne offered insights into London hospitality at the highest level. Bryan Rafanelli delivered a keynote on AI and its sweeping impact on the events world, describing it as “the most consequential shift in modern history.” Ashton Jean-Pierre offered a moving perspective on inclusion, opening our eyes to how accessibility and authenticity can be brand-defining.
Later, a panel moderated by Tara Fay brought together Julian of Banana Split Events, Lelian Chew, Milan Thakrar, and Neill Strain for a global conversation about luxury, tradition, and cultural nuance. And finally, Alex Le Roux of ALR Music explored the power of music in memory-making, before introducing a surprise gospel choir performance that had us all on our feet.
An Icon Takes the Stage
There was one moment on the first day that no one expected. Bridal legend Vera Wang, a guest of the Maybourne Group for the unveiling of her portrait by David Downton in Claridge’s Black and White Gallery, made a thrilling surprise appearance on the Engage! stage. Her impact on the fashion and wedding worlds is immeasurable, and her presence at Engage! was a moment we’ll never forget. With her signature wit and warmth, she shared reflections on where weddings are headed. “This is quite an event,” she said, smiling. “The exchange of information, and the fact that weddings have gone to another nuclear level. I think it must be great for our industry and the fact that there are way more goals you can achieve, way more weddings you can create.” Her presence felt like both a blessing and a baton pass to the next generation of designers and dreamers.
Day Two Highlights
The second day of sessions at Engage!25 The London Experience delivered insight after insight. Our London Creative Director Bruce Russell pulled back the curtain on his incredible creative vision. Antonin Ficatier of YPulse gave us a crash course in Gen Z mindsets and trends. Amanda Le Roux of Estée Lauder shared career-defining lessons on leadership from her journey as a woman in business. David Stark offered wisdom on running a business at the crossroads of social, corporate, and nonprofit events, while Rebecca Burdess and Carrie Goldberg dissected the guest experience and the art of customer service. Marcy Blum and Lynn Easton closed the morning with sharp insights and honest stories on the planner-client relationship.
After lunch, the stage welcomed a trio of standout voices. Rishi Patel spoke candidly about creative leadership and emotional endurance in the face of high-stakes events: “We’re at the forefront of delivering something on time, on budget, beautifully, perfectly — even when our personal lives are still going on and sometimes even hanging by a thread.” Michelle Rago gave a masterclass in sales psychology, and then Cindy Novotny lit up the stage with her signature truth-telling energy. As she reminded us: ” It is all about being authentic. It is all about the people. It is all about your heart. And it is about shining on.”
Day Three: Breakout Sessions
The third day of Engage!25 London featured a series of more intimate breakout sessions, offering the chance for closer dialogue and sharper focus across a range of timely topics. In Session 1, Ed Libby spoke about branding beyond the bride; Magi Fisher broke down legal essentials for event pros; and Elizabeth Solaru offered a masterclass in luxury client psychology. Session 2 saw Dawson Mitchell explore the future of legacy businesses, Larry Walshe dive into international design, and Milan Thakrar offer strategies for global venue positioning. In Session 3, Natalie Denyse spoke about scaling premium brands, Richard Eagleton explained why lunch is an underrated leadership tool, and Victoria and Amanda Dubin offered an honest behind-the-scenes look at planners planning their own events. It was the kind of morning that sparked not just ideas but real shifts in thinking.
Themed Breaks
Of course, it wouldn’t be Engage! without a little indulgence between sessions! Each break offered a moment to rest, refuel, and reconnect, whether over a classic British ‘pick ‘n mix’ candy station, a refreshing cool drink, or artisan coffee. Our favorite was a quintessential mini high tea service that paid homage to London’s timeless charm. Looking around, we found attendees deep in conversation, scribbling notes, or simply soaking it all in, one cup of Earl Grey at a time.
Because of Engage!
As the sessions came to a close, the impact of the education at Engage!25 The London Experience could be felt by all. Attendees left not just with notebooks full of takeaways, but with hearts full of renewed purpose and connection.
One of our favorite tributes came from Tally of Pinky Studio, who summed up the Engage! experience with this poetic reflection:
“Engage! brings hundreds of names and faces all together,
To share wisdom and wonder, to make friendships forever.
It’s inclusive, it’s warm, it’s a summit that’s got heart,
It’s the knowledge that’s shared that sets it apart.
You’ll come in perhaps not knowing quite what you’ll get,
And leave with memories and stories you’ll never forget.
Rebecca & Kathryn know every detail, the passion is clear,
They radiate positivity, Engage! will help your career.
It’s extraordinary, the speakers, the music, the vibe too,
A feast for the senses created especially for you.
‘Because of Engage!’ is something you’ll hear people say,
The most incredible experience in every possible way.”
You can see more from the sessions at Engage!25 The London Experience in our gallery.
