Engage!24 Nemacolin was all about finding magic. But beyond the visual inspiration, immersive entertainment, and luxury gifting, the true magic was in bringing together 350 industry leaders, visionaries, and innovators. The sessions at Engage!24 Nemacolin were designed to provide high-energy inspiration and industry-specific programming for our attendees that will impact the future of our industry. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, from event planning and luxury pricing to personal and professional development. Featuring best-selling authors, business leaders, and industry elites, the sessions offered invaluable insights and practical knowledge, all in a beautiful and inspiring setting. And our classroom space was anything but boring!
General Sessions
Before we dig into the sessions themselves, let’s take a moment to appreciate the amazing job Ed Libby and his creative team did with the décor! The general session tent at Engage!24 Nemacolin was nothing less than a visual masterpiece. Inspired by the Laurel Highlands hills, the tent resembled a vibrant field of flowers. Tables were set with ombre linens, while rattan shades overflowed with budding blooms. This immersive décor intentionally included the attendees themselves, symbolizing flowers in bloom in their colorful summer attire. Giant oversized blooms marked the entrance and stage, and even the podium was designed to look like a human-sized flower pot! The thoughtful design created an environment that was not only stunning to look at, but also deeply meaningful. The setting significantly impacted the overall experience, making each session feel like a part of a larger, cohesive narrative.
Day One Highlights
The first day sessions at Engage!24 Nemacolin featured an array of inspiring speakers. In the morning, our own Engage! co-founders addressed the group, along with sessions by industry leaders such as Josh Spiegel of Birch Event Design, Ed Libby, and Marcy Blum. These sessions set the tone for the rest of the summit, offering attendees a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
In the afternoon, we enjoyed a keynote address by Priya Parker. This renowned facilitator, strategic advisor, and author of ‘The Art of Gathering’ was interviewed by Tracy Taylor Ward. Parker shared insights on the importance of intentional gatherings and how to create events that resonate deeply with both clients and guests. Her approach offered a unique perspective on event planning. She challenged us to ask ourselves and the people we work with first: Why am I doing this? How is this wedding different because I was a part of it? As Parker aptly put it, “Start always with purpose instead of meaning.”
Day Two Highlights
The second day of Engage!24 Nemacolin continued to deliver exceptional content and inspiration. In the morning, after (some) attendees enjoyed sunrise yoga and a HITT class, everyone settled in for a captivating keynote by Alli Webb, author and founder of DryBar.
Webb shared her entrepreneurial journey, from starting DryBar as a small in-home service to growing it into a nationally recognized brand with over 150 locations. She emphasized the emotional value behind products and the importance of creating experiences that bring happiness and confidence to clients. “Trust your gut,” she advised. “It’s not just blowouts we’re selling, it’s the happiness and confidence that comes with a great blowout. We’re selling happiness and we’re onto something. It’s a mental and emotional shift for women.” Webb also discussed the challenges behind being a working mom and whether it’s possible for women to ‘have it all’. She stressed the importance of giving ourselves grace to “accept where we are while striving for where we want to be.”
Day two also featured sessions by prominent industry figures such as Todd Fiscus, Samantha Roberts, and Shafonne Myers. Fiscus discussed the current state of luxury pricing, while Roberts highlighted the growing frustrations of couples planning their weddings. Myers addressed the lack of size inclusivity in the luxury wedding market. Maggie Hardy, owner and CEO of Nemacolin, also took to the stage. She shared a personal insight into the property and talked about the importance of creative collaboration. Her words resonated with the audience: “If you can dream it, we can build it or we can dream it for you and build it together.”
Later, attendees also heard from Lindsay Landman, who talked about gratuity culture; Cindy Novotny, who explored how ‘clienteling’ is the new mantra; and Angela Desveaux of Wedluxe, who discussed AI in the events industry.
Day Three: Breakout Sessions
The third day of Engage!24 Nemacolin offered a series of intimate breakout sessions. This allowed attendees to dive deeper into niche topics. These smaller group discussions provided valuable insights and practical advice on a variety of subjects from experts around the world. Designed to be more industry-specific, these smaller group settings allow for more questions to be asked and interactive learning, which we so enjoy each and every Engage!
It’s fair to say that the sessions at Engage!24 Nemacolin were a resounding success! Every aspect of the event was designed to foster personal and professional growth. The impactful presentations and insightful discussions provided invaluable takeaways for all who attended. As we reflect on this remarkable experience, we look forward to future Engage! events and the continued opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with our industry peers.
