My first time at Engage was unlike any other business summit I've ever attended. The level of a tailored experience was, to put it lightly, top notch - though I expect nothing less from our very guest-focused industry. At each turn, a new surprise, a treat, some swag, or outstanding entertainment. I want to share some brief take aways from my time at Engage. Brief, mainly because I'm still processing it all!
I've been to Mexico many times, but can confidently say Cabo is my new favorite spot. The warmth of Cabo's sun + my welcome was a great introduction to my days to come. Day one at Solaz in Cabo included a brief stroll on the beach, admiring the resort's stunning architecture + grounds. The conference was to begin the next day, but there was a fun welcome party hosted that evening by the outstanding team at Elan Artists for those who'd arrived early. Elan provided all the music + entertainment throughout the conference. The welcome party was lively, vibrant in color + true to the feel of our Mexican hosts. We sat under custom canopies, staring at the vast blue ocean, while being served wine + listening to upbeat latin music. Sound like a dream? It was!
The general sessions + breakout workshops were beneficial. We discussed important things in our industry like the new challenges with ever changing international tariff laws, staying on the cusp of creativity + brilliance with amazing speakers like Cindy Novatny, Todd Fiscus, Simon Bailey,+ Duncan Wardle to name a few. The stage design was incredible + constructed by Elena Damy to reflect local Mexican artwork. The hours that this hand-painted installation tallied are untold, but we definitely appreciated it. Each day we were welcomed with notepads, pens + out of this world (my favorite part) stationery to clue us into the day's happenings.
We enjoyed fantastic meals, unique dining presentations, amazing installations + incredible musical performances. The attention to detail was unmatched! I could write an entire post about how incredible each event was, but I’ll let the images sprinkled throughout this post speak for me.
Everything led up to the conference's final evening - the gala, which was inspired by beloved Mexican artist, Frieda Khalo. Ladies + Gents donned their best embroidered, patterned, and tasseled frocks to dine + dance under candlelight + fireworks. Truly, this sounds like a scene from The Count of Monte Cristo, but I promise you, it's not made up. My favorite part was the dinner menu at the gala. Truly, a work of art by Two Paper Dolls + I'll be keeping it forever.
I'm so grateful to have had this chance to attend this amazing business conference. I hate calling it that, because it's so much more, but I'm grateful to have made some outstanding connections + deepen those existing. I’m grateful to have been poured into by leaders + tastemakers in our small niche industry + to be inspired by the setting + brilliance of Cabo + those who worked so hard to curate this experience.
Until next time, Engage!
Photography by: Eric Kelley// Jennifer Domenick // Carla Ten Eyck // Gurminder Banga // Phillip Van Nostrand // Rebecca Ickes // Dennis Kwan // Rachel Havel