The Riviera has always attracted people at moments of transition or creative awakening. Writers, artists, philosophers, designers, cultural figures… They came to the Côte d’Azur not just to rest, but to gain clarity through distance from the noise and immersion in extraordinary beauty. It’s a landscape that encourages expansive thinking. Our sessions at Engage!26 French Riviera truly reflected that spirit. This was learning designed to sharpen discernment; to see differently, be differently.
Set against sweeping Mediterranean views at The Maybourne Riviera, the focus was on meaningful exchange. Smaller circles, deeper dialogue, and honest conversations about longevity, taste, leadership, and the realities of building globally respected brands. Through a thoughtful blend of keynote conversations, panels, and curated groups, attendees were invited not only to absorb ideas, but to interrogate them. The goal was to leave with sharper perspectives, stronger connections, and renewed clarity about the future.
The Setting
Our session space was designed as though it had always belonged to the landscape itself. Hosted in the breathtaking Riviera Restaurant, we were surrounded by uninterrupted views of the sea and sky. Talk about the best view on the Riviera! The design language mirrored the venue’s understated sophistication. A round central stage anchored the room, framed by three branded panels. Curved furnishings encouraged openness and conversation rather than formality. Surrounding the stage, low wicker ‘waves’ filled with delphinium, prunus, and baby’s breath added an organic touch. It echoed the movement of the coastline beyond the glass. Bathed in Mediterranean light from morning through afternoon, the space encouraged attendees to slow down, listen closely, and engage with ideas and each other.
The Program
Day One Sessions
Our first afternoon together opened with conversations centered around identity, taste, and the evolution of modern luxury. Gathered around the central stage, attendees heard from an extraordinary lineup. This included Mathilde Maitre of Maybourne, Fabrizio Garcia (Managing Director of The Maybourne Riviera), Engage! co-founders Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce, Emma Gold of GSP Events Ltd, and Anant Sharma of Matter of Form, whose expertise in brand strategy and digital innovation brought a wider luxury perspective into the room.
The morning culminated in a panel that quickly became one of the defining conversations of the week. Moderated by Anja Winikka of the Freeda Network, Marcy Blum, Lynn Easton, Emma Gold, and Greg Finck explored what truly defines taste, builds trust, and creates longevity within a luxury business.
The discussion was candid, nuanced, and personal. Marcy Blum spoke about the importance of evolving without losing the consistency that defines a brand. Lynn Easton reflected on the value of developing a strong point of view early and remaining committed to it over time. Emma Gold emphasized the courage required to say no and protect the integrity of one’s vision, while Greg Finck shared how deeply his taste has been shaped by architecture, culture, and travel, and his refusal to compromise on it. Together, the session underscored a recurring theme throughout the Riviera experience: true luxury is not trend-driven. It is carefully refined and built over time.
Engage! x Freeda Group Sessions
Following the opening sessions, attendees moved into smaller, category-specific groups spread throughout the property. Facilitated in partnership with Freeda, these sessions have brought a new level of intentionality to the Engage! experience since we introduced them in 2025.
Freeda’s model is built around carefully curated small groups designed to foster strategic, behind-closed-doors conversations. That same philosophy shaped the Riviera sessions. Rather than passive learning, attendees were encouraged to participate actively: sharing challenges, unpacking business realities, and exchanging perspectives with others navigating similar levels of complexity and growth. Because the groups were smaller and intentionally curated, discussions could move beyond surface-level insight into something far more practical and nuanced, grounded in lived experience. They created space for trust, vulnerability, and genuine professional connection.
Day Two Highlights
Day Two centered on a question that continues to shape the future of luxury events. What do luxury clients actually value today? The morning began with Jack Ezon of Embark Events, who widened the lens to position events within a much broader luxury ecosystem. His perspective challenged attendees to think beyond individual celebrations and instead consider how luxury is about feeling understood. As he said: “It’s not just about the flowers. It’s about the feelings.”
From there, a panel featuring Sonal J. Shah, Matthew and Luis of Robbins Otoya, and Alejandra Poupel explored the realities of designing across cultures. The discussion examined the balance between scale, tradition, and increasingly global expectations. Additional insights from Carrie Goldberg of CLG Creative and designer Rime Arodaky continued the conversation around evolving luxury priorities.
The afternoon shifted back into smaller collaborative groups, where conversations became even more practical and solutions-focused. Attendees discussed the precision, communication, and adaptability required to produce complex international events, reinforcing that behind every effortless luxury experience lies extraordinary planning and expertise.
Day Three Highlights
The final day began gently, with breakfast and a morning core and mobility session. Then attendees returned for one final series of conversations, once again expertly facilitated by Anja Winikka. The opening panel focused on the realities of producing events in France, featuring Bastien Blanc-Tailleur, Florian of Deco-Flamme, and Tamara of Inspiration Live Music. Together, they unpacked the gap between expectation and reality when working within the French market, offering practical insight into local culture, production standards, and the nuances required for successful execution.
A Q&A with Kunbi of Legally Set followed, exploring how creative businesses can protect themselves across borders through stronger contracts, clearer client communication, and thoughtful risk management. Finally, attendees returned to their small groups to reflect on what they would carry forward into their businesses and creative lives.
Like the coastline that surrounded us, sessions at Engage!26 French Riviera balanced beauty with substance, reminding us that growth happens most meaningfully when we create space to listen, reflect, and evolve.
Visit our full gallery to revisit all the sessions, speakers, and unforgettable moments!
