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Engage!16 Europe Borgo Egnazia Puglia, Italy

In October 2016 we took the next step in the Engage! evolution by heading to Puglia, Italy for the first Engage! Europe. Interest had been growing among the international event community, and Italy was an ideal location for the event, centrally located for attendees from Europe, North America, the Middle East and beyond.

The host for this special event was Borgo Egnazia, an award-winning resort known for its beautiful design and high-end service. To bring Engage! to life, they pulled in creative partners from all of the world. The result was an authentic, exquisitely designed three-day affair.

Attendees came from 34 countries, drawn by a world class list of speakers. On the main stage, superstars Preston Bailey, Colin Cowie and Marcy Blum were joined by the UK’s celebrity planner Sarah Haywood, Germany’s high-energy TV host Froonck!, and a panel of top luxury specialists from Italy, India, the UK, Hong Kong and Dubai, who shared cultural and planning insights on their respective regions and client bases.

Breakout sessions got into the nitty gritty of luxury events, with top talent from Canada, China, Ireland, Russia and the UK joining popular U.S. Engagees including Ed Libby, Michelle Rago, Angela Desveaux and Lisa Vorce, and surprise guests like Vogue photographer Robert Fairer and top designer Suzie Turner.

As always, the Engage! magic was completed by the details. The opening night party “Festa del Borgo” designed by the brilliant Pino Brescia was held in an open-air courtyard with fresh pasta and cheese stations, local artisans and exquisite set design highlighted by rustic farm tables, paper-wrapped bouquets, copious candlelight and a surprise fireworks show. Attendees networked during signature “Nowhere Else Experiences” like driving vintage Fiats or enjoying wine- and olive oil-tastings, and everyone joined in an epic group bike ride to the Seaside Lunch, which recalled the 1960s La Dolce Vita era with crudo bars and a retro, swim-themed dance party provided by Elan Artists, who created an immersive entertainment experience from start to finish.

At the final gala, a bevy of languages filled the room for a four-course plated dinner highlighted by masked ballerinas, operatic tenors and followed by an all-night dance party. Through it all, the mood was clear: Engage! is a worldwide community, and Engage! Europe is the first of many to come.

Hands down this is the best conference our industry has anywhere in the world. And in every way.

Sarah Haywood Sarah Haywood Events

This was my absolute favorite Engage! So intimate, so special. I made the most amazing connections with the European market - I loved it so much!

Lisa Vorce Lisa Vorce CO

An amazing experience - I'm still pinching myself to make sure that I hadn't dreamt the whole thing up! Every single moment was just absolutely fabulous!

Evelyn Mills Marriage Maestros-Hong Kong

The Engage summit is the kind of company and team you represent, one that is kind, passionate and innovative! I can honestly say that I never felt more comfortable and as blown away by all the amazing details of the summit. The amount of inspiration we got from the speakers, the guests and both of you is something that is immeasurable!

Sewar Bisharat MY Event Design-Aman, Jordan

Every person I met was excited and eager to learn and collaborate. It felt like we were at an international sleep-away camp instead of a business summit! I was so impressed by all of the people I met, as well as the honest, intentional, and seamless details that made every moment even more immersive.

Emily Campbell GoBella Events-USA

Words cannot even begin to describe what this experience meant to me - it was just a dream!

Zainab Alsalih Carousel Weddings-Dubai

Wow! I had such a magical experience and felt renewed for new adventures that lie ahead

Jack Kane Marc Hall Events-US

The most amazing experience!

Norma Cohen Norma Cohen Events-NYC

The experience was as beautiful as the place!

Michelle Rago Michelle Rago Destinations-USA

It was a risk: Would Engage! translate to a whole new audience in Europe and beyond? The answer: a resounding Si!

Susan Moynihan The Honeymoonist-USA

BEST Engage! yet!

Sarah Natasha Horowitz Photographer - US (8 time attendee)

Thank you for bringing the magic of Engage to my world! I am forever grateful!

Olivia Buckley Olivia Buckley Events-Ireland

Not only it has been a powerful and enriching experience but it also
resulted in great business contacts, moreover the whole organization was
just so perfect down to the smallest details, we LOVED it.

Chiara Magni Vincenzo Dascanio S.r.l. - Milan

I never realized networking could be so much fun, and I have come away with so many new and wonderful connections and a lot more laughter lines--such an incredible and unique experience!

Pippa Mackenzie Pippa Mackenzie Photography-London

It was wonderfully executed and everyone was very much WOW'd by both the presentations and amazing entertainment.

Nicola Price Belmond Hotels Europe

Thank you for connecting me with the world!

Vandana Mohan The Wedding Design Company-India

The positive energy, love, fun, the art of learning...Words can not express enough how much I was amazed and happy at Engage! and the most important thing is that I learned a lot.
I can not thank you enough for such a wonderful journey.

Majeda Kassir Bisharat MY Event Design-Aman, Jordan

This event was beyond beyond what I could have hoped for. I am still having trouble walking with my feet on the ground. You truly out did yourselves and I loved every second of the event.

Jenn Johnson Jenn Events-US Virgin Islands

An incredible, magical week in Italy. The knowledge I gain from the speakers is absolutely priceless, and memories of the fun had will last a lifetime! I can’t believe how many wonderful connections were made!

Kate Turner Kate & Company Events-USA

A wonderful experience. Our experience was very positive and our compliments again for this opportunity.

Eva Trevisan Chic Weddings Ltd-London I Venice I Amsterdam

I was so thrilled by the unforgettable experience you created and wish to thank you for accepting my participation and giving me the opportunity to meet great people.

Sandra Santoro Getting Married In Italy-Florence

A heartfelt thank you for such a wonderful experience at Engage! Europe. It is not a small feat to surprise and wow a group of individuals who have seen it all. Coming from the venue side of things we really attended for inspiration…mission accomplished. We are back in the states inspired and ready to raise the bar in all of our venues.
This being my first time at Engage I can say I am a believer!

Nichole Wardle LONGWOOD Venues + Destinations-US

The whole experience was absolutely incredible, so much fun and informative and the way that you both organised it all and put it together was absolutely fabulous!

Suzie Turner Suzie Turner-Coutierer

We were truly grateful to be among the most renowned and talented professionals in the luxury wedding and event business globally, broaden our company's network and benefit from the experience, knowledge and insights of your distinguished and influential speakers. A flawless production. Impeccably planned to detail, it opened new horizons, offered a great deal of invaluable inside information, new acquaintances with lovely people and devoted professionals and memories to last for a lifetime!

Michaela Theodorakakou MITHEO Events-Greece

Engage! Europe was truly above and beyond expectations, wow!! What an honor it was to be amongst the world's best in the wedding industry.
It was inspiring, informative, and definitely engaging! I have come away feeling revived and more confident than ever!!
Everything was absolutely phenomenal!

Monica Deleveaux Haute Wedding-France

What you did for me (and everyone) was beyond my wildest expectations. I've come home with so much determination, knowledge and new friends. It really was fantastic and I want to thank you and all your team for putting on such a fabulous event.

Daisy Amodio The Proposers-London