Speakers

• Owner & Creative Director, Collins Korman Events
• collinskormanevents.com

Nicki Korman is the owner of Collins Korman Events. With over 20 years of event experience, she is known for creating unforgettable destination wedding weekends for clients that value her family first, fun focused approach. As the mother of two young boys, Joey, 8 and Collins, 6, she finds joy in serving families, reflecting the deep love of her own. She fell in love with the hospitality industry when she worked at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island during the summers in college, where she met her husband, Jon. After working for a catering and design company in Atlanta for 6 years, Nicki moved back to Amelia Island and enjoys raising her family at the beach. While planning weddings is the focus of Collins Korman Events, her favorite events are the school parties she plans for her children. She plays tennis and enjoys baking in her free time. Never taking herself too seriously, she has built a business that allows her freedom and flexibility while pursuing her passion for celebrating and making life fun!

• Founder | CEO, ABC Resolutions
• alexcarterasks.com

Alexandra Carter is the Everett B. Birch Innovative Teaching Clinical Professor of Law and the Director of the Mediation Clinic at Columbia Law School. In 2019, Professor Carter was awarded the Columbia University Presidential Award for Outstanding Teaching, Columbia’s highest teaching honor.  Her first book, Ask for More: Ten Questions to Negotiate Anything, was published by Simon & Schuster in May 2020 and became an instant Wall Street Journal Business bestseller, the first negotiation book solo-authored by a woman to make that list.

Over the last twenty years, Professor Carter has trained hundreds of thousands of people how to negotiate high-stakes deals with confidence. She is a world-renowned negotiation trainer for the United Nations, where she has spent the last decade teaching diplomats from more than 80 nations, as well as many Fortune 500 companies and top law firms. She received her Juris Doctor degree in 2003 from Columbia Law School, where she earned James Kent and Harlan Fiske Stone academic honors. Prior to law school, Professor Carter was a Fulbright Scholar in Taiwan.

Professor Carter is a frequent media commentator on negotiation and pay equity for women, with appearances on MSNBC’s Morning Joe and MSNBC Live, Hardball with Chris Matthews, the CBS Early Show and NPR Marketplace. She is a contributor for NBC News’ Know Your Value, a news site devoted to helping women grow in their careers and reach their full potential.

Professor Carter’s TEDx talk, entitled “How to ask for more – and get it,” was released in July 2024, designated as a national Editor’s Pick by TEDx, and then promoted to TED.com, where it has been viewed by more than half a million people worldwide.

• Lead Facilitator and Director of Training, Ask for More Group
• alexcarterasks.com

Anne Marie Nest is a highly sought-after Executive Communications Coach. She works with professionals using the tools of high-level performance training to assist clients in embodying executive presence and becoming more effective and persuasive speakers. For over a decade, Anne Marie was a Professor of Voice & Speech at Research 1 institutions and top conservatories teaching both graduates and undergraduates a wide range of topics centering around public speaking, voice, and performance. Most recently, she completed mediation training through Columbia University and certified as an Ask for More presenter – expanding her expertise into the areas of negotiation and mediation. Professor Nest-Pinero has delivered keynotes and workshops for the Fortune 500, AMLaw 200, and Research 1 Institutions

Professor Nest-Pinero’s extensive experience as a professional performer informs and enhances all her coaching and speaking. As a member of SAG/AFTRA and Actors Equity, she has performed in the best regional and off-Broadway theatres, as well as in many television shows and independent films.

Professor Nest-Pinero received her Master of Fine Arts with a concentration in voice studies from the National Theatre Conservatory, and a BA summa cum laude in Communications from Chapman University. She is also a certified Co-Active Coach, Associate Teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework and a trained mediator through Columbia University.

• Chief Creative Officer, David Stark Design and Production
• davidstarkdesign.com

David Stark is a renowned New York-based event producer, designer, author, as well as Founder and Chief Creative Officer of David Stark Design and Production, a full-service event design and planning firm. Starting out as a painter, before moving into floral design, David Stark has since been a leader and innovator in the event industry for over 25 years.

David Stark Design and Production is celebrated for the inventive, imaginative events it creates for a wide range of high-wattage celebrity clients and events such as Glenn Close, Brad Pitt, Mariska Hargitay, and SNL’s 40th Anniversary, major corporations such as Target, Hermès and HBO, as well as high-visibility events and fund-raising galas for the nation’s most elite not-for-profit organizations including The Robin Hood Foundation, The Whitney Museum of American Art and The Metropolitan Opera.

Stark, a six-time author, has released his newest book in collaboration with designer and Culture Lab Detroit founder, Jane Schulak entitled At the Artisan’s Table (Vendome Press, 2022). In 2013, he released David Stark: The Art of the Party (Monacelli Press). David Stark: The Art of the Party is a visually stunning monograph that documents David Stark Design and Production’s design philosophies, conceptual process, and breadth of work put forth since the company’s inception in 2005. His previous books include David Stark Design (Monacelli Press, 2010), Napkins with a Twist (Artisan, 2006), To Have & to Hold: Magical Wedding Bouquets (Artisan, 2005), and Wild Flowers: Projects and Inspirations (Clarkson Potter, 2003).

David Stark’s product collaborations and creations have included several collections for West Elm, a “store ambush” of Haus Interior in NYC for his WOOD SHOP collection, and Paper Tales, a limited-edition collection of one-of-a-kind art pieces produced exclusively for Bergdorf Goodman. In 2015, David collaborated with Detroit ceramicist, Victoria Ashley Shaheen to create a line of limited-edition flower rests and vases for Culture Lab Detroit’s first ever pop-up shop, Culture Lab Design.

“E! News,” “Access Hollywood,” “The Today Show,” and “The View” are several television shows that have called upon David to serve as a guest expert on décor, party planning, and holiday decorating projects. David and his work are often featured in publications including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, ELLE DECOR, Vogue.com, Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, Glamour, Interior Design, InStyle, House Beautiful, Better Homes and Gardens, and Town & Country, as well as on a number of design-focused blogs. In the fall of 2016, he was inducted into the BizBash Hall of Fame. David is also an active member of the not-for-profit and design communities, sitting on the Board of Trustees for God’s Love We Deliver and the Board of Advisors for the Brooklyn Museum of Art.

• Chief Content Officer, YPulse

As YPulse’s Chief Content Officer, MaryLeigh oversees the syndicated products that decode the next generation for some of the world’s biggest brands. She manages the expert team of Gen Z and Millennials who create the research, newsletters, articles, and over 100 reports annually that help clients understand and reach young consumers in the U.S. and Western Europe. Her role also involves acting as a culture and youth insights expert, consulting with brands to identify trends and actionable insights, and layer generational and youth knowledge over data findings.

MaryLeigh has worked with many Fortune 500 brands and has been quoted as a youth insights authority by publications including The New York Times, Digiday, Business Insider, and Adweek. She has appeared as a Gen Z and Millennial expert on Bloomberg News, Fortune, and NPR Marketplace, and been a speaker at many off-sites and conferences. MaryLeigh’s interest in youth culture originated from her love of YA literature and pop culture anthropology, and she is continuing her passion for decoding and demystifying the next generations of consumers at YPulse.

• Marcy Blum Events
• marcyblum.com

Marcy Blum has been planning and producing weddings and other events for almost 38 years. Her sense of humor has been integral in her making it this long and her genuine fondness for most people has contributed to her success in a very competitive field. Marcy is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and she has worked in many restaurants in various capacities. Consequently, focused attention on service, food and hospitality are pillars of her approach to celebrations. Marcy Blum Associates Events is made up of a team of passionate, creative, and innovative humans who care deeply about the guest experience in addition to the clients’ experience.

• Co-Founder and Creative Director, Easton Porter Group
• eastonevents.com

As the creative force and co-founder of Easton Porter Group (EPG), a luxury hospitality company, Lynn Easton provides strategic vision and a well-honed stylistic eye on all elements of design and presentation for its highly acclaimed properties, including the celebrated Easton Events. The EPG portfolio is most recognized for Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, Zero George Hotel and Cannon Green; and its exponential growth landed it a spot on the 2015 Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies in America.

Whether orchestrating elegant destination weddings for Easton Events or layering texture and patina in the boutique hotels, restaurants, wineries and event venues run by Easton Porter Group, Lynn is an inspired innovator and detail-driven design expert. Her background in television production in New York City lends itself well to event production across the globe, as every Lynn Easton project, property or marquee occasion showcases her intuitive sense of stage setting and classic but fresh design.

Lynn’s reputation for “high-touch” events and impeccable attention to detail is why Easton Events is regularly found on “best of” top planner lists by Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Martha Stewart Weddings. Easton Events’ discreet client list includes individuals listed on Forbes 100, Grammy winners, Oscar winners and an array of lifestyle influencers.

Lynn divides her time between her residences in Charlottesville, VA and Charleston, SC.

• Attorney & Founder, Legally Set
• legallyset.com

Kunbi Odubogun is an industry leading Business Attorney, Speaker and Digital Media Expert with over 12 years of experience in the Legal and Events industries. With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to her clients’ success, Kunbi has built a reputation as a trusted legal advisor to startups, small businesses, and creative professionals.

She is the creator of Legally Set– an online shop offering legally sound, attorney-drafted contracts for entrepreneurs, event pros and creative business owners; and Founder of Perfête- a luxury celebrations publication with over one million monthly impressions across platforms.

A frequent Engage! speaker, Kunbi has shared her unique knowledge of Events and Law across several prominent platforms including The Knot, Wharton, CNN, Cosmopolitan, Bridal Guide, Bella Naija and more.

She continues to empower entrepreneurs with easy to digest legal and business knowledge to ensure they are legally set to succeed.

When she is not Lawyering or Publishing, she’s juggling life as an over-caffeinated mother of two.

• Founder | President, JZ Events
• jzevents.com

Named best of the best by Harper’s Bazaar and VOGUE, Jennifer Zabinski didn’t always know she wanted to be a wedding planner.

Her journey began at Cornell’s prestigious School of Hotel Administration, where she fell in love with the art of hospitality. After graduation, Jennifer headed west to California and swiftly rose through the ranks at iconic luxury hospitality brands The Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons. After becoming one of the youngest senior staff members to lead events—she knew she had found her passion.

Knowing that a career change was in order, Jennifer headed back to NYC where she co-founded the boutique planning company, The Wedding Library, and led their events division for a decade.

Combining her passion for hospitality and events, she launched JZ Events in 2011. Methodical about the planning process, she approaches each event as a creative collaboration between clients and vendors ensuring their vision comes to life with flawless execution.  JZ Events marries Jennifer’s love for design, fashion, and travel with her solid business acumen and exquisite taste. JZ Events has planned hundreds of events in some of the most gorgeous and romantic destinations around the world, from Aspen and Amalfi to Cancun and Cap Ferret.

Jennifer brings over two decades’ worth of tight-knit vendor relationships, including award-winning caterers, floral designers and photographers. Whether you’re throwing an intimate gathering for 10 or a grand celebration for 500, Jennifer knows precisely who to tap to carry out your exact vision.

Jennifer’s work has graced the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Martha Stewart Weddings, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Brides, Glamour and The Knot. She is best known for executing events for high-profile clientele, including Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian’s New Orleans nuptials. Jennifer lives in New York City with her husband, two children and dogs Gunner and Abbey.

• Senior Weddings Editor, PEOPLE

Emily Strohm has more than a decade of experience in print and digital news, with a focus on entertainment, pop culture and Weddings. She joined the PEOPLE team in New York City in 2012 and currently serves as the Senior Weddings Editor.

During her tenure with PEOPLE, she has held various writing and editing roles in lifestyle and entertainment, and has authored 40 cover stories for the magazine. In Oct. 2022, she launched PEOPLE’s Wedding initiative and currently leads the vertical’s print and digital coverage, which includes high-profile celebrity weddings, industry trends and viral content.

• Owner, EKS Events
• eksevents.com

Elizabeth Slossberg is the esteemed owner of EKS Events. A renowned event firm based in Aspen, Colorado, boasting over 20 years of experience in curating exceptional events worldwide. Her illustrious career in the events industry commenced as the Food and Beverage Director at the prestigious Hotel Jerome, where she cultivated her expertise in hospitality. Evolving over time into event planning, Elizabeth wholeheartedly pursued her passion for orchestrating unforgettable experiences for her clients.

While she is known for her infectious smile and jovial demeanor, Elizabeth is also celebrated for her innovative events in Aspen, CO, as well as her remarkable event productions spanning the globe. As a mother of 9 children and 3 German Shepherds, Elizabeth’s treats each day as its own special life event. With her belief that every day is a reason to celebrate, she founded EKS Events with unwavering drive and dedication to bring to life a diverse array of events. From lavish weddings and intimate dinners to wilderness excursions and snow-covered ceremonies, she works hard to make everyone’s dreams into realities. However, her business would not be complete without her special touch on philanthropic galas dear to her heart. Her mantra ringing true for each event she creates, “Whatever it takes, no matter what it takes,” underscores her commitment to excellence.

Elizabeth takes pride in infusing each client’s unique personality into every aspect of their special day, ensuring that each event reflects their individuality. She approaches every meeting with warmth and a smile, often forging lasting relationships that extend far beyond the event itself. Her emphasis on fostering genuine connections with clients, treating them as family, is a cornerstone of her approach.

A firm believer in collaboration, teamwork, and assembling the best possible team for each event, Elizabeth draws creativity from her scenic Aspen surroundings, Greek heritage, love for travel, and supportive family. As adynamic and proactive individual, she is always on the move and ever prepared for the next event, earning her reputation as a “do-er” and a “go-getter.”

• Founder and Creative Director, Calder Clark Designs
• calderclark.com

Calder Clark has garnered a loyal and widespread following for her curatorial eye and hyper-tailored take on entertaining. Offering a signature residential flair and editorial twist on impeccable affairs around the globe, Clark spreads the mantra that weddings are inherently about the art of storytelling; they must be individualistic, expressive, layered, authentic, and incredibly compelling all at once. Aiming to reduce the overwhelm for each and every client, the Calder Clark team thrives on concepting novel design and masterminding logistics as part of a decidedly thoughtful and un-stuffy approach to the modern wedding experience.

Named a top planner by Vogue, Over the Moon, Harper’s Bazaar, BRIDES, and Martha Stewart Weddings, Calder Clark’s portfolio spans 25 years and has been featured in Veranda, Town & Country, Southern Living, Coastal Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, The New York Times, and other notable publications. Calder lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband Chauncey, children Campbell and Walton, and Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Cookie.

• Founder, Tara Fay Events
• tarafay.ie

Founder of the first-ever event company in Ireland specializing in weddings, corporate, and social events, Tara Fay has been a trailblazer in the business of celebrations for almost three decades. Named by Harper’s Bazaar as one of the top wedding planners in the world, her client list is a who’s who across Europe, including Laura Whitmore, Tyrone Wood and Faye Harris, Andrea Corr (The Corrs), Miss World Rosanna Davison, and more. With a background working and studying abroad, Tara infuses her zest for new cultures, experiences, and beautiful things into the memories she creates for clients. And those events have graced the pages of Fortune, Hello!, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, to name a few. You may also know Tara from her co-starring role on RTE Ireland’s popular reality show, “My Big Day: Home or Away.”

In addition to her global events business, Tara has become the unofficial face of destination weddings for her home country. Giving back and lifting up her industry is infused in everything she does. In collaboration with both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland the National Tourism Boards, Tara has spent the past 15 years establishing the country as one of the top luxury destination wedding locations. Tara was the founding president of the Irish chapter of WIPA and a past member of the Luxury Travel Working Group in Ireland.

Tara has produced two Engage Experiences in Ireland in 2018 and 2022.

Look for Tara on any given weekend producing large-scale events throughout Europe and Ireland. But her most important destination is Dublin, where she calls home with her husband and three children.

• Founder, Bruce Russell Events
• brucerussellevents.com

Bruce Russell is an internationally acclaimed wedding and event planner based in both the UK and the US. With offices in the Hamptons, New York, San Francisco, California, and London, he has been designing the inspired unimaginable for clients and couples around the globe for over a decade.

Named one of the “Top Wedding Planners in the World” by Harper’s Bazaar US, he also co-starred on primetime wedding reality show, My Big Day Home or Away, on Ireland’s RTE2 Network.

Canadian born, UK and US-based, both French and English-speaking, Bruce understands the unique sensibilities required to honor traditions from cultures around the world.

His background as the first wedding consultancy for hotels prior to launching his event planning career means he has an invaluable perspective from both client and company. That experience, paired with his delicate charm welcomes guests to multi-day destination celebrations fit for royalty from any country. His professionalism, strategic counsel and unparalleled access ensure that Bruce Russell delivers six-star, unforgettable experiences every single time.

On a more personal side, he has a passion for entertaining at home, traveling the globe, and reading a gripping crime novel on a Cornish beach.

• Founder and CEO, Luxe Fête
• luxefete.com

Nathalie Cadet-James is the founder and principal of Luxe Fête, a full-service boutique event production agency that masters the art of extraordinary gatherings. Luxe Fête is the go-to partner for global brands, corporations, nonprofits, and private clients looking to create unforgettable experiences. From multi-day celebrations to meticulously designed moments, Luxe Fête delivers award-winning services, taking events from concept to completion with unmatched creativity and precision.

A former attorney, Nathalie has a proven track record of leading high-impact, story-driven events for iconic luxury brands worldwide. Known for her ability to bring innovative concepts to life, she expertly manages multimillion-dollar budgets, high-profile locations, and complex logistics—all while delivering experiences that leave lasting impressions and spark genuine joy.

• Style Director, Over The Moon
• overthemoon.com

Drawing upon her extensive experience in the fashion industry as a Vogue editor and assistant to celebrity stylist Petra Flannery, Over The Moon Style Director Grace Givens has unparalleled access to established and up-and-coming designers’ collections. Whether you are searching for a storied archival ceremony dress or bespoke designs for bridesmaids, Givens creates an editorial vision that elevates your look while speaking to the aesthetic of your wedding and staying true to your personal style.

• Editorial & Social Media Manager, Over The Moon
• overthemoon.com

One of the earliest team members at Over The Moon, Shayna Seid has been covering weddings for more than four years with more than 900 features published and has seen the blog through a complete redesign as well as been involved in the expansion to include the ecommerce platform and registries. During her studies at The New School, where she obtained a major in Journalism + Design and a minor in Fashion Communication from Parsons, she cold-emailed her way into an internship with Vogue.com Contributing Editor and OTM Founder Alexandra Macon and became an integral part of the company. In addition to running the real weddings section, Shayna also manages OTM’s fast-growing Instagram account.

• Head of Partnerships, Over The Moon
• overthemoon.com

Savannah Rockwin, based in New York City, brings seven years of experience in digital marketing and brand partnerships in the luxury weddings and events industry. Currently, Savannah serves as the Head of Brand Partnerships at Over The Moon, contributes editorial insights, manages influencer relationships, and assists with social media initiatives. In this role, she works closely with OTM Founder and Vogue.com Contributing Editor Alexandra Macon to amplify Over The Moon’s global reach and promote their curated collection of over 350 designers and brands.

Savannah also works alongside Samantha Roberts supporting social media, marketing, and content strategies for a handful of leading event and lifestyle brands. Known for her expertise in content creation, Savannah has captured viral content resulting in millions of views and collaborated with top photographers and videographers including Jose Villa, Allan Zepeda, Corbin Gurkin, Le Reve Films, and Peyton Frank, among many others.

Savannah’s career began at Kleinfeld Bridal, where she served as their Social Media Director for five years. She led strategy for an audience of 3 million and worked on brand partnerships like Disney, Make-A-Wish, Dennis Gross, Sakara, and more. She collaborated with TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress, launched designer collections both in-store and online, and supported brand activations including runway shows, charity events, and editorial campaigns. At Kleinfeld, Savannah also launched their TikTok account, which organically reached over 20 million views each year.

• Global Luxury Wedding Planner & Designer, Kesh Events
• keshevents.com

Akeshi Akinseye is a globally renowned luxury wedding planner, designer, and entrepreneur, recognized for her impeccable taste, attention to detail, and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences. As the founder and CEO of Kesh Events, a globally recognized luxury planning and design firm, Akeshi brings over a decade of expertise to the world of luxury events. Additionally, as the creative force behind The Art of Celebrating, Akeshi has established herself as a prominent figure in the realm of lifestyle and celebrations.

With a passion for crafting extraordinary celebrations, Akeshi has curated some of the most breathtaking weddings and events around the globe. Her innovative designs, coupled with her dedication to excellence, have earned her a stellar reputation among clients and industry peers alike.

Akeshi’s creative vision and impeccable execution have been featured in prestigious publications such as People Magazine, Architectural Digest, Essence Magazine, ELLE Decor, and Brides, among others. Her work has also been showcased on television and in numerous esteemed blogs and platforms.

Driven by her commitment to excellence and her desire to exceed client expectations, Akeshi continues to set the standard for luxury event planning and design. With a keen eye for aesthetics, a flair for innovation, and a dedication to unparalleled service, Akeshi Akinseye is truly a trailblazer in the world of luxury weddings and events.

• Founder and Creative Director, Alison Events
• alisonevents.com

Alison Hotchkiss is the founder of Alison Events, a globally recognized luxury event production and design company. Since 2003, Alison and her team have created unforgettable celebrations and travel experiences—from hyper-local to far-flung—in over 75 cities across four continents.

Alison is also a three-time author, with her latest book, Gorgeous Gatherings: Designing Unforgettable Weddings and Luxurious Celebrations, released on October 22, 2024.

Alison and her team have mastered the art of storytelling—creating magic for their clients by blending exquisite vision with meticulous execution.

Alison is design-savvy, and travel-obsessed. She works hard, and her client list shows it. Alison Events has orchestrated weddings for the likes of Seth Rogen, Jesse Biongiovi, Sophia Bush, Evan Williams, Chad Hurley, NBA player Brook Lopez, and numerous tech and finance icons.

When she’s not working, Alison is designing interiors (mostly her own), surfing in Mexico, chasing powder in Colorado, hiking in Marin, or dancing in her living room with her 9.5-year-old daughter, Vivi.

• Owner, Genevieve de Manio Photography
• demaniophotography.com

For more than twenty-five years, acclaimed wedding photographer and author, Genevieve “Gigi” de Manio has worked in the world’s finest venues, photographing events in New York, Boston, the Southeastern United States, and Europe.

In September 2024, Goff Books/ORO Editions published SILVER: Moments into Memories, a twenty-five year retrospective of Gigi’s wedding photographs. The coffee table-styled book is 240 pages and features immersive color and black & white images. SILVER includes a foreword by noted art historian Theodore E. Stebbins, Jr. and Gigi’s own story—an intimate recounting of her journey to become a leading wedding photographer. Named in recognition of her 25th year as a photographer, this silver anniversary is a visual celebration of a notable career filled with moments all can enjoy. Readers will find celebrity weddings, touching stories, and a close up view into life’s most romantic milestone.

Gigi’s work has appeared in People, Us, Martha Stewart Weddings, Boston Weddings, Modern Bride and Grace Ormond’s Wedding Style. Her photographs have been published in Grace Ormonde Weddings, The Art of Celebration, and Vera Wang On Weddings. Her work has taken her to bucket list destinations, photographing weddings of notable stars and heads of state for the past 25 years including Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky, Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, among others. Celebrities and private couples alike are drawn to her ability to capture genuine, tender moments, transforming them into timeless memories with every click of her camera. When not photographing weddings, Gigi resides in Carlisle, Massachusetts and is a wife and mother of three grown children.

• “Radical Mentor", Consultant, Speaker, Author, Executive Coach, and Managing Partner of Master Connection Associates
• masterconnection.com

They call her the ‘Radical Mentor’ for a reason. She never stops, she says it like it is and throughout all the ups and downs of the crazy hospitality and events business, she was a light of positivity who helped many people not only survive but thrive.

As the founder of Master Connection Associates, Cindy Novotny is an icon in the hospitality and travel industry. Her specialties are leadership, sales, and customer service excellence. She is ‘a force to be reckoned with’ and brings a stage alive with energy and passion.

Her exposure is vast including luxury hotels, events, automotive and real estate.

Energy, passion, and drive guarantee Cindy’s message will captivate each person in her audience. Her targeted message and popularity have no boundaries as she addresses groups across the world. Her charisma and humor combined with in-depth knowledge leaves the audience with reality-based skills and actionable items.

Having traveled 10 million miles, the term ‘road warrior’ may have been coined about Cindy. She has worked with executives all over the world helping them adjust their focus, improve their teams, and enhance service delivery and sales. Having logged those 10 million miles Cindy loves the smell of jet fuel in the morning, with her case packed she’s ready to embark on her next journey!

• Co-Founder, H Three Events
• hthreeevents.com
• hughhowser.com

Hugh was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee and has now established himself as the city’s premier event designer and lifestyle expert. With his distinctive eye for detail and boundless creative energy, Hugh takes his clients’ wildest dreams from imagination to reality while laughing the entire time.

While firmly established as Nashville’s go-to expert for events and weddings for A-list celebrities that include actress Nicole Kidman, and country superstars Brooks and Dunn, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Lee Ann Womack, Little Big Town, Wynonna Judd, Kenny Rogers, and Kings of Leon Rocker Nathan Followill. Hugh has been featured across the country on CBS, CMT, ABC TV, PEOPLE MAGAZINE, INSTYLE MAGAZINE, USA TODAY, VOGUE, HARPER’S BAZAAR and BRIDES offering his unique, fun approach as a Lifestyle Expert with his trademark style & sense of humor distinctively branded “Hughlarious”!

After graduating Belmont University, he initially worked at WTVF-TV NewsChannel 5 in Nashville on their daytime talk show “Talk of the Town”, and then eventually partnered with music industry power broker Anita Hogin to form H Three Events in 2007.

H Three Events is now composed of himself and Kate Steele. Hugh’s witty attention to design, and Kate’s logistic expertise, enable them to produce events and weddings world-wide with glowing reviews. “She pays the bills, and I decorate…. It’s a marriage to me!” – Hugh

When he’s not in a ballroom or a destination, you can always catch Hugh in a comedy club, podcast, or speaking engagement. He has teamed up with comedian Leanne Morgan, Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine…he’ll have you in the floor. Follow him @HughHowser on Instagram, you’ll see!

• Founder & Creative Director, Twah Dougherty Photography
• twahdougherty.com

Known for her highly personalized approach and background in Fashion Design, Twah Dougherty is an internationally recognized wedding photographer based in New York and California.

Her highly curated client experience has attracted the likes of high-net worth CEO’s to lifestyle taste makers. Specializing in private estate weddings on a global scale, Twah approaches photography through the lens of an art director. She believes in unscripted moments, while producing editorial imageries that tell a captivating story.

Her images are timelessly chic yet current.

Her work has been seen in publications like Vogue, Over The Moon, Huffington Post, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, Inside Wedding and many more. Twah is recognized as one of the Top Wedding Photographers by Over the Moon & WedVibes.

In addition to wedding photography, Twah is also an educator, speaker & business coach who helps entrepreneurs up-level their business to serve in the high-net worth space.

• Founder and Creative Director, CLG Creative
• carrielgoldberg.com

Carrie Goldberg is the founder and creative director of CLG Creative, a fashion styling and creative consultancy serving personal, bridal, and corporate clients worldwide. With Carrie at the helm, CLG Creative’s body of work is further elevated by a top-tier team of stylists whose expertise spans the worlds of fashion, fine jewelry, e-commerce, travel, PR &Marketing, and more.

Throughout her work, Carrie channels her background in editing and art direction from her six-year tenure as the Weddings & Travel Director at Harper’s BAZAAR and prior to that as the Senior Fashion Editor at Martha Stewart Weddings. In collaboration with fashion and weddings’ best, CLG Creative strives to consistently elevate the look and feel of event fashion, creating looks that are print-worthy, refined, and tastemaking.

• Creative Director and Co-Founder, Oda Creative
• odacreative.com

Ndidi Ayoola is a creative visionary and co-founder of Oda Creative, where she leads with a rare talent for conceptualizing and crafting impact-driven designs.

Armed with an MBA and two decades of experience, Ndidi has redefined how both brands and social events use the art of design to tell their stories with power and purpose.

Her unique approach lies in translating complex ideas into visually compelling narratives that leave lasting impressions. Whether it’s branding for businesses or creating out of the box luxury invitations and immersive visual experiences for events, Ndidi’s work is characterized by her meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to creativity. She brings together design and strategy in ways that engage audiences and achieve meaningful impact, setting her clients apart in competitive markets.

As a speaker and business mentor to up and coming designers, Ndidi inspires others to explore the limitless possibilities of design. She shares insights from her own journey, offering perspectives on pushing boundaries, nurturing creative courage, and building designs that captivate and convert.

• Brand Strategist, Business Growth Expert and Co-Founder, Oda Creative
• odacreative.com

Folasayo Ayoola is a powerhouse in brand strategy and business growth, co-founding Oda Creative to help brands make a lasting impact through thoughtful strategy and standout design. With a unique approach that merges storytelling, data, and high-end design, Folasayo has a talent for transforming brands into market leaders, engaging premium audiences, and driving sustainable growth.

Known for his UPSCALE framework, he teaches business owners to leverage branding as a strategic asset that fuels engagement, loyalty, and profitability. His insights go beyond theory, equipping entrepreneurs with actionable strategies to make branding a revenue-driving force. Through his talks, workshops, and coaching, Folasayo inspires a new wave of business leaders to embrace branding as a fundamental tool for success, positioning him as an authority in luxury branding and beyond.

• Founder | CEO, Partytrick
• partytrick.com

Virginia Frischkorn is dedicated to transforming the experiences with innovative technology and smart design. Her passion for authentic human connection and meaningful experiences makes her one of the most compelling voices in the field today.

Having founded and led the award-winning event production company Bluebird Productions for 15 years, Virginia recently launched the software platform Partytrick to revolutionize the way events and experiences are planned and executed. This digital platform is the operating system powering experiences with systematic approach that maximizes both impact and efficiency and is powered by data-driven insights.

Virginia’s pioneering approach to events has earned her recent recognition as one of the top 10 Event Tech Industry Innovators and secured her place among Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. Previous accolades from her Bluebird days include placement on top 50 planner lists by Martha Stewart Weddings, Vogue, Over the Moon, Brides and More.  And now, Partytrick continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible. The platform’s evolution from a consumer application to a robust business solution demonstrates her keen understanding of industry needs and future trends. She is on a mission to revive the art of entertaining and to make it fun and accessible for all!

• Founder and Lead Planner, TOAST Events
• toast-events.com

With over two decades of experience in Atlanta’s hospitality industry, Lindsay and her company, TOAST Events, have become synonymous with refined Southern weddings. Since establishing TOAST in 2008, Lindsay has earned a distinguished reputation for her impeccable design aesthetic, flawless event execution, and unparalleled service, securing her position among the leading wedding planners in the South, across the U.S., and internationally, as recognized by Southern Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, and VOGUE.

A respected leader in her field, Lindsay is a member of the Catering Advisory Group for Loews Hotels and a former president of the Wedding Industry Professionals Association (WIPA). She and her team have garnered numerous prestigious awards, including the title of Wedding Planner of the Year by Atlantan Brides and multiple Allie Awards for exceptional event production.

Lindsay and her team have orchestrated weddings for esteemed clients, including professional athletes, television personalities, and influencers. Recognized as an expert in her field, Lindsay has made appearances on E! TV and The Weather Channel, further solidifying her status as an industry authority. Since attending her first Engage! conference in 2010, this is Lindsay’s tenth Engage and she is honored to return this year as a featured speaker.

• CEO, Ideaction Consulting & To the Nines Collective
• ideactionconsulting.com
• totheninescollective.com

Sam Jacobson is a business strategist and sales coach who helps wedding professionals fill their calendars with ideal clients at high prices.

He’s spent 18+ years obsessing over how to persuade couples to say “yes” – and pay more – with practical approaches using buyer psychology.

In 2016, Sam started Ideaction Consulting to help wedding pros grow their businesses. Now they offer sales coaching/training, website copywriting and design, and a mastermind for rising stars.

Earlier this year, Sam partnered with Abby Jiu to open To the Nines Collective, a sales agency for photographers and videographers who want personalized strategy and done-for-you sales services to level up in the luxury market.

This month, Sam and Abby opened their second collaboration, Duet Social Media.

Check out his podcast, Own Your Business, to hear how you can use the science of sales to reach your full potential.

If you see him around the summit, ask him to tell you the story of how he and Katy first met on the beach at Engage!14 Grand Cayman. #becauseofengage

• Founder & CEO, Freeda Network
• joinfreeda.com

For nearly two decades, Anja has had her pulse on both the consumer and small business sides of the wedding industry. She pioneered the online wedding world for a decade from 2006-2016 as TheKnot.com editor, marketing to millions of engaged couples. Later, Anja turned toward wedding businesses to build out education and workshop events on behalf of the company. In 2019, AdWeek named Anja “The Knot’s Chief Innovator” for helping connect thousands of local businesses to a social-savvy audience.

Anja started her own entrepreneurial journey in 2021 when she co-founded Maroo, a Y Combinator-backed payments platform for the wedding world. Within its first year of launch, she had onboarded more than 7,000 small wedding businesses.

In January 2024, Anja launched the Freeda Network, a private, invite-only business network designed for established wedding brands and business owners with a growth mindset. Members are matched to small groups that meet privately in a facilitated call every month on the platform. Members also benefit from online business and money classes from experts outside of the weddings industry and from in-person gatherings and breakfast events around the country.

Anja lives in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, with her husband Ben, a high school English teacher and musician; their curious and fierce third grader, Ada; and their old, dopey hound dog, Charlie.

• Owner, Tobey Events
• tobeyevents.com

Jana Tobey is the visionary founder and driving force behind Tobey Events, an ultra-luxury event planning and design firm renowned for creating bespoke, unforgettable experiences. With over a decade of expertise in the hospitality and events industry, Jana’s career began at the Ritz-Carlton, where she honed her commitment to service excellence and innovative design. She holds an MBA with a focus in design, which complements her natural ability to create personalized, elevated events. After leading brand and customer experience for a Fortune 500 company, she launched Tobey Events, inspired by her passion for turning life’s most meaningful moments into breathtaking celebrations.

Known for her keen eye for detail and ability to unveil hidden gems in every locale, Jana specializes in curating one-of-a-kind events tailored to her clients’ personal styles. Whether orchestrating an intimate elopement in Utah or a wedding weekend in Hawaii, she seamlessly blends luxury with authenticity, ensuring that every event is a reflection of the couple’s story.

Jana is also a recognized expert in integrating AI into event design, frequently sharing her insights with industry leaders. Tobey Events operates on core values of inclusivity, premier service, and personalized design, serving clients both domestically and internationally. Based in Florida, Jana continues to expand the brand’s reach to clients around the world.

• Founder & Chief Experience Officer, Chris Weinberg Events
• chrisweinbergevents.com

Chris Weinberg, founder and chief experience officer of Chris Weinberg Events, believes that every wedding should be a personal and authentic reflection of the couple’s love story. With over 20 years of experience producing luxury weddings, Chris is passionate about transforming her clients’ visions into unforgettable celebrations.

Guided by the principles of working with amazing couples, exceeding expectations, and embracing creativity, Chris combines thoughtful planning, innovative design, and flawless execution to ensure every detail is seamlessly managed. Her strong relationships with top industry partners and expertise in event technologies allow her to craft weddings that are elegant, immersive, and meaningful. She believes a successful wedding goes beyond aesthetics—it creates experiences that are deeply personal and engaging for everyone involved. She works closely with each couple to understand their style, preferences, and story, ensuring every celebration is as unique as the love it honors.

Specializing in multi-day, high-touch weddings, Chris and her team deliver highly personalized, fun and memorable celebrations that leave lasting impressions while focusing on a seamless process and client experience that is professional and enjoyable while exceeding expectations at every step.

As a longtime Engage attendee, Chris has successfully scaled her business and looks forward to paying it forward by sharing her expertise and insights with others in the industry.

• Coach | Speaker | Photographer, Banga Studios
• gbanga.ca

Gurminder Banga, better known as Banga, is an award-winning photographer deeply committed to choosing a focused life in a noisy world. Banga’s daily routine has created a sustainable balance between entrepreneurship, self-improvement, and relationships. He believes that quick fixes and life hacks might prompt healthy new habits temporarily but cannot create lasting change. Banga has led keynotes and workshops on productivity, habit creation, and mindfulness for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and organizations. The results speak for themselves: more grounding, less anxiety; more love, less fear; and more conscious choices, fewer impulsive decisions.

• Associate Editorial Director, Brides | Dot Dash Meredith
• brides.com

Sarah Schreiber is the associate editorial director at Brides, where she helms the brand’s real wedding vertical and oversees daily content operations. She has been in the wedding industry for seven years—she previously worked at Martha Stewart Weddings—and considers networking with legacy and up-and-coming vendors alike a particularly rewarding part of her job. Sarah has also appeared on several national news outlets, including Good Morning America and CBS Mornings, to discuss all things wedding planning, trends, etiquette, and more. She lives in a sunny apartment in Montclair, New Jersey, with her husband, Zach.

• Senior Weddings Editor, The Knot Worldwide
• theknot.com

Hannah Nowack is a Senior Editor, Weddings at The Knot where she oversees the Weddings Vertical, leading coverage of wedding planning, fashion, beauty, style and inspiration content, and notably the annual list of The Knot Ones to Watch. Hannah also directs real wedding submissions, writing and editing couples’ stories for The Knot Magazine and TheKnot.com. Hannah started her career as a wedding planner before pivoting to journalism—which gave her a couple-focused foundation and perspective. After various freelance stints and managing the social media presence of Martha Stewart Weddings, Hannah landed the Real Weddings Editor position at The Knot, and has since become Senior Editor, Weddings. Hannah is a trusted industry expert, frequently appearing on wedding industry podcasts and blogs, and has been quoted in The New York Times, Associated Press and The Zoe Report, among other top publications. Hannah holds a B.S. in Business in Hospitality and Tourism Management with honors from Virginia Tech.

• Co-Owner, Wed Vibes Media
• wedvibes.media

Daria is a proven wedding professional with over nine years of experience in luxury wedding planning. Driven by a mission to make wedding professionals shine and be seen, she founded WedVibes Media and has helped hundreds of industry experts gain recognition. Daria has created brand campaigns for prestigious names like Tiffany & Co., Jo Malone, and Revolve. She seamlessly blends art, fashion, and digital trends into the WedVibes aesthetic, admired by thousands of couples and professionals. A UCLA Marketing graduate, Daria also empowers wedding pros with smart marketing tools to elevate their business.

• Owner, Perfete
• Perfete

Elizabeth Austin is a seasoned wedding industry professional whose journey began as a wedding photographer, recognized globally by prestigious publications like Harper’s BAZAAR, Brides, and Over the Moon. With nearly a decade of experience capturing timeless moments for couples around the world, she has now embarked on an exciting new chapter—acquiring and rebranding Perfete, a beloved wedding publication that has been a staple in the industry since 2012.

Drawing from her marketing background and years as a wedding vendor, Elizabeth is leading Perfete into its next era, blending her artistic insight with a strategic vision for the future. Her mission is to expand Perfete‘s reach, celebrating love in all its forms and guiding couples through every step of the wedding journey. With a commitment to inclusivity, style, and heartfelt storytelling, Elizabeth is set to make Perfete an even more inspiring, accessible, and invaluable resource for modern couples and wedding professionals alike.

• Founder, Editor and Floral Designer, Equally Wed | Kiraflora
• kirstenpalladino.com

Kirsten Palladino is a multi-award-winning entrepreneurial educator, sought-after international speaker, floral designer and published author with more than 15 years in the wedding industry and more than 20 years in the media. She is the cofounder and editorial director of Equally Wed, the world’s leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine, as well as the creator of Equally Wed Pro, an educational resource and community for inclusive-minded wedding and event professionals, and the founder of Kiraflora, a floral design studio serving Atlanta and destination.

As one of the foremost experts in LGBTQ+ weddings and LGBTQ+ inclusivity since 2010, Kirsten has written for, been interviewed by and featured in myriad luminary publications including Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, New York magazine, Time magazine, Épica, the official magazine of IADWP,  Glamour magazine, The Knot magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, Zola and Aisle Planner. Kirsten is the author of Equally Wed: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your LGBTQ+ Wedding.

She is a recurring in-studio guest on major news networks, such as CNN, NPR and CBS, and multiple podcasts, as well as a frequent speaker on webinars and stages of wedding and event conferences around the globe, including Engage! Luxury Wedding Summits.

Kirsten serves on the board of directors of WIPA – Atlanta, a mentor for National Society of Black Wedding and Event Pros, an advisor for Fellowship for Change (a program by WeddingPro, a product of The Knot Worldwide) and is an official WeddingPro educator.

• CEO, Pretty Pear Bride | Aisle Society
• aislesociety.com

Shafonne Myers is a personal brand and sales strategist as well as a media mogul who created the world’s only site for plus size brides, Pretty Pear Bride. She is also the CEO and founder of Aisle Society, a top wedding media company, digital marketing and PR agency with over 8 publications of which she owns all of them. Some of the publications are Elizabeth Anne Designs, Brooklyn Bride, Pretty Pear Bride and Mountain Side Bride. Her mission for the wedding industry is to redefine the way the wedding industry sees beauty, by helping wedding and event professionals understand that it’s not just a one size fits all industry anymore, everyBODY deserves to feel beautiful on their wedding day.

She’s also extremely knowledgeable in online marketing, personal branding and sales and has helped with multi-million dollar launches for her clients and business partners. She has closed over $22 million in revenue and knew her experience needed to be shared with others. So, through Aisle Society and her consulting agency she empowers entrepreneurs, CEOs and founders to create, monetize and amplify their personal brands so they become sought after authorities and thought leaders in their industry through her trademarked framework Human Connection Marketing™_.

• CEO, Maharani Weddings
• maharaniweddings.com

It’s an honor to share my passion for weddings with you at this luxury wedding conference. My journey in the wedding industry began with my own love story, which ignited my fascination with South Asian ceremonies and the vibrant celebrations that accompany them.

As the Editorial Director of Maharani Weddings, I lead a talented team dedicated to curating inspiring content that guides couples through their wedding journeys. We publish original articles, insights from industry professionals, and creative ideas, all while showcasing the artistry and cultural richness of South Asian weddings. Our platform reaches millions of brides and wedding enthusiasts monthly, with daily features that highlight trends and real weddings.

In addition to my editorial work, I serve as a Corporate Sales Trainer for prestigious hotels and venues, including Disney, Marriott, Loews, Westin, Hyatt, and Hilton. I conduct training sessions all over the world, including North America, Latin America, and Europe. This role has allowed me to deepen my understanding of the hospitality industry and foster strong relationships with key players in the wedding and event space, empowering teams to create exceptional experiences.

I am also a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the corporate events sector. I’ve had the privilege of speaking at Engage! Summits about the importance of representation in event planning. These discussions are essential for fostering a more inclusive approach across all corporate events, ensuring that every voice is heard and celebrated.

My mission is to inspire brides with innovative ideas while celebrating the deep bonds that characterize South Asian weddings.

• Event Planner, ellyB Events and The B Collective Magazine
• ellybevents.com

Eliana Baucicault is a force to be reckoned with in the world of creativity. Her visionary mindset continuously sparks new ideas, and she is always striving for perfection in every detail. She has an unwavering passion for bringing dreams to life, not just her own, but also the dreams of her clients and those around her. Although she hails from New York, Eliana has made Georgia her home after relocating there several years ago. She holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Business from Long Island University, which has equipped her with a solid foundation in her field. With her unique blend of creativity and business acumen, Eliana has established herself as a master in the realm of weddings and events.

In 2017, Eliana launched The B Collective Magazine to address the need for greater representation of minorities in the wedding and events industry. This print publication has gained widespread recognition and has released four volumes to date. Building on the success of the magazine, Eliana introduced the B Collective Awards in 2018. These awards aim to honor and celebrate the industry’s top talents of color, filling a significant gap in the industry.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Eliana finds immense joy in being a mother. Her son, Xavier, is currently a student at Georgia Southern University. While inspiration can be found in all aspects of her life, it is the time spent with her son that truly fuels her creativity and passion.

The ellyB brand will continue to grow and thrive, with its primary mission being to lead the industry and create opportunities for everyone to flourish. Eliana’s goal is to inspire, empower, and celebrate individuals, encouraging them to be bold, elevated, and celebrated in their own right. She considers herself blessed to be a part of this incredible journey.

• Founder, The Bridal Bar
• bridalbar.com

Harmony Walton is the founder of The Bridal Bar, a creative marketing and public relations agency for luxury event professionals and a concierge service for couples to connect with those companies. With over 19 years of marketing and editorial experience in the wedding industry, Harmony’s passion is connecting couples with brands and brands with opportunities to increase their market share. She has helped launch dozens of successful wedding businesses, re-positioned older companies within the changing market and supported countless wedding industry clients both online and offline across the globe. Her company has been recognized around the world and featured in 100+ media outlets, including The Associated Press, The New Yorker, The New York Times, Entertainment Tonight, People Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings and many more.

In addition, Harmony is the host of Bridal Bar Radio on iHeartRadio and the editor of Jet Fete by Bridal Bar, a destination weddings and honeymoons blogsite. Harmony also writes for and contributes to several wedding media outlets throughout the year and works with many celebrities for coverage on their weddings.

• Owner | Publisher | Editor in Chief, Destination I Do
• destinationido.com

When Jennifer and her business partner began Destination Media 20 years ago, it was with the intent to report on all things destination wedding, honeymoon and romance travel related and to fill a gap in the wedding industry. One that would show real couples around the world celebrating their destination weddings. Jennifer’s love of the beautiful cultures and colors around the world has been central in everything printed and shared through DestinationIDo.com. Her goal has been to bring readers helpful information to plan their weddings wherever it is in the world with whomever it is with – regardless of race or gender.

Since then, the media outlet has grown from a small, glossy publication sold around the U.S. to a sought-after brand, known for serving the destination wedding reader wherever they are – from the airwaves to Pinterest and everything in between.

Connected to readers and industry experts on all fronts, Destination I Do creates helpful daily content through their growing website and social media network. Destination I Do is also finishing season three of their podcast with Jennifer as the host.

With more than 25 years of business and publishing experience, Jennifer has seen her international business thrive and grow. She was recognized as one of the “Top 35 Entrepreneurs Under 35” and is a chosen speaker at several prestigious industry conferences and business summits. With a substantial client list, talented contributors and a growing following –Destination I Do is an icon in both the wedding and travel industries.

• Owner, Garter Girl Creative
• gartergirlcreative.com

Julianne Smith is a multi-passionate entrepreneur as the owner of Garter Girl Creative, an innovative media and marketing company focused on supporting all sides of the wedding and event industries. As a nationally recognized wedding accessory designer, digital media strategist and highly sought after small business educator, Julianne has over 18 years of experience in the industry.

Julianne is the owner and founder of The Garter Girl, a stylish wedding garter design company she started in 2004, after she couldn’t find a garter worthy of her best friend. The Garter Girl is known for stylish and meticulously handmade wedding heirlooms that are too pretty to toss.

Julianne owns and edits niche wedding websites, including her newest brand, Let’s Get Rehearsed, which is focused on taking the stress out of planning a rehearsal dinner. Through her namesake media and marketing agency, Julianne helps creative small businesses in the wedding and event industry. Julianne offers done-for-you services, online courses, digital products and speaking engagements centered on controlling content, and brand positioning online.

Julianne is a 6-time speaker at the wedding industry’s premier conference, Engage! Summits. She has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, People, Huff Post, Lifetime, The Knot, Martha Stewart, Brides, and Glamour as well as many top magazines, podcasts, conferences, and blogs.

Before starting Garter Girl Creative, Julianne was a political communications strategist, spokeswoman, and media specialist. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband and three kids.

• Engage! Co-Founder
• engagesummits.com

Rebecca Grinnals is widely regarded as one of the foremost experts on the business of weddings & honeymoons. She is the Founder and President of wedding and honeymoon industry consulting firm, Engaging Concepts and Co-Founder of Engage! Luxury Wedding Business Summits.

Engaging Concepts is known for successfully-positioning global brands in the wedding and destination wedding industry. The company boasts a lifetime client list that includes The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Hilton Worldwide, Sandals & Beaches Resorts, InterContinental Hotels Asia-Pacific, Loews Hotels & Resorts, Palace Resorts, Harley-Davidson, the Kessler Collection, Disneyland Resort, various developers, venture capital firms, and many leading luxury wedding and event professionals.

Through Rebecca’s tenure at Engaging Concepts, Engage! Summits was born to bring together the wedding and event industry’s key influencers, thought leaders and tastemakers from around the globe to exchange ideas, innovate, and take the wedding industry to the next level. Named by Fortune as “the wedding industry’s most exclusive conference,” all 40 summits, experiences and retreats have been sellouts with guests coming from 45 states and 35 countries, generating an unprecedented 50 million social media impressions and counting.

Named as a BIZBASH Event Innovator: Most Innovative People in Events & Meetings, Rebecca is also a sought-after speaker, trainer, and business trend expert. She has been a featured guest on CBS’ “The Early Show,” CNN, Entertainment Tonight, CNBC and hundreds of other national and international television and radio programs. She’s been quoted in The New York Times, USA Today, Forbes, Brides, and many more. And she has produced wedding events and remotes for, among others, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “The TODAY Show” and “Good Morning America.”

Prior to creating Engaging Concepts, Rebecca Co-Founded Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons for The Walt Disney Company, and spent ten years developing the concept into an unprecedented success. She directed the complete branding strategy, development and implementation of the program, building it into almost a $100 million per year business for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and the Disney Cruise Line. These efforts resulted in over 20,000 weddings and the coveted status for Disney as the # 1 Domestic Honeymoon Destination.

With a home base in Central Florida, today the Engage! family is exactly that. Fifteen years into Engage!, Rebecca’s two daughters have grown up with the company and the legacy of these wedding initiatives is now multi-generational.

• Engage! Co-Founder
• engagesummits.com

Kathryn Arce brings over 30 years of innovation and flawless event execution to her roles as Co-Founder of Engage! Luxury Wedding Business Summits and Managing Director of Engaging Concepts.

Through her work with Engaging Concepts, Kathryn has successfully developed campaigns and global initiatives in the luxury wedding and honeymoon space for brand names such as The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Hilton Worldwide, Sandals & Beaches Resorts, InterContinental Hotels Asia-Pacific, Loews Hotels & Resorts, Palace Resorts, Harley-Davidson, the Kessler Collection, Disneyland Resort, various developers, venture capital firms, and many leading luxury wedding and event professionals.
In 2008, she became the Co-Founder of Engage!, which came to life to better serve the global luxury wedding and event community through unmatched summits, experiences, and retreats. Named by Fortune as “the wedding industry’s most exclusive conference,” these events bring together the wedding and event industry’s key influencers, thought leaders and tastemakers from around the globe to exchange ideas, innovate and be inspired to take their successful businesses and, in turn, the wedding industry to the next level. Since inception, all 40 events have been sellouts with guests coming from 45 states and 30 countries, generating an unprecedented 45 million social media impressions and counting.

Kathryn began her career as a Wedding Event Manager for Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, where she personally planned and executed hundreds of weddings and related events. With an unyielding penchant for phenomenal customer service, Kathryn was instrumental in developing the early high standards of service Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings is known for today. She then stepped away from the wonderful world of weddings and was the Manager of Guest Services for the flagship Disney Store on Fifth Avenue in New York City where she facilitated all VIP Programs & Events. While living in NYC, Kathryn also worked with renowned wedding and special event planner Marcy Blum on the highest-profile weddings and events of the era, including Billy Joel & Katie Lee, Donald & Melania Trump, basketball legend Horace Grant, famed novelist, Tom Clancy, and more.

Kathryn has penned numerous articles on destination weddings and honeymoons which have been published in travel magazines throughout the US and Caribbean. She has produced events and live remotes for The TODAY Show, CBS’s The Early Show and “LIVE with Regis & Kathie Lee.” She was also named a BIZBASH Event Innovator Most Innovative People in Events and Meetings.

Known as a logistical maverick, Kathryn’s second-to-none grace of leadership and extensive guest service training paired with vast real-world wedding and event planning experience make her an invaluable resource for clients looking to “raise the bar” of their wedding programs.

She resides in Florida where her husband and two daughters have become respected members of Team Engage!