Speakers

• Founder, Drybar and N.Y. Times Bestselling Author
• alliwebb.com

Alli Webb is the Founder of Drybar, N.Y. Times Bestselling Author, Co-Founder Squeeze, Brightside and Becket + Quill. After spending 15 years as a professional hair stylist, Webb left the hair industry in 2005 to start a family, but after being a stay-at-home mom for 5 years, Webb decided to find a way to continue pursuing the creative side of hairstyling at a new-mom pace. She began offering affordable in-home blowout services to her mommy friends, which quickly expanded into a mobile operation by 2009. In 2010, Webb opened the first Drybar in Brentwood, CA. 10 years later and over 150+ locations across the U.S., Webb’s Drybar has exploded into a nationally recognized and highly sought-after brand.

Webb diversified the Drybar brand, creating a line of products and tools sold at popular retailers such as Nordstrom, Sephora, and Ulta, recently selling this product division to Helen of Troy for $255 million. Webb has been on the cover of Inc Magazine’s “How I Did This” issue, named the “100 Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company, featured on Fortune magazine’s “40 Under 40” list, Marie Claire’s “Most Fascinating Women” and recently Inc. magazine recognized her as one of “The 100 Women Building America’s Most Innovative and Ambitious Businesses.” Webb appeared on season 10 of ABC’s Emmy nominated hit show “Shark Tank” as a guest shark in 2019.

Staying true to her signature approach to beauty and self-care, Squeeze follows suit in the affordable luxury space as an innovative massage concept that lets you book, set personalized preference, pay, tip, rate and review all on their proprietary iPhone app. Squeeze is the latest extension of her expanding empire where she operates as an active angel investor, advisor and co-founder. Squeeze’s first location is in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Studio City and has since opened additional locations across the country with several more set to open in the next year.

Webb also joined forces with LA based jewelry designer Meredith Quill to build yet another new brand, now known as Becket + Quill. Both ladies share a passion for beautiful, affordable luxuries that don’t break the bank. By using precious metals where it matters most and complementing them with alternative materials that look gorgeous and maintain quality, Becket + Quill makes it easy to indulge and give a gift that lasts. It’s high end, not high spend.

Webb currently serves as an Advisor and Investor in The Feel-Good Company’s newest brand, Brightside – A brighter take on infrared yoga & saunas. Brightside brings the well-researched benefits of infrared yoga & saunas. Brightside combines the well-researched benefits of infrared yoga and sauna, and modernizes them with thoughtful technology in just the right places. The gorgeous custom space will teleport you to the brightside, the moment you walk through the door, and the incredible services make every interaction personal and meaningful. Brightside’s flagship location is now open in Culver City, CA.

Webb is a board member of several other companies including The Onsite Foundation, Ideal Image and The Bardot and also serves as an Advisor for Glowbar and Bumo. Glowbar being the first-to-market custom, 30-minute facial experience. And Bumo which provides affordable, accessible on-demand child care to families.

Webb recently released her second book, “The Messy Truth,” which is a USA Today bestseller, and resides in Los Angeles, CA with her two sons.

• Founder, Ed Libby & Co. Events
• edlibby.com

• Author, Facilitator & Strategic Advisor
• priyaparker.com

Priya Parker is helping us take a deeper look at how anyone can create collective meaning in modern life, one gathering at a time. She is a facilitator, strategic advisor, acclaimed author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters, and the host of the New York Times podcast, Together Apart. Parker has spent 15 years helping leaders and communities have complicated conversations about community and identity and vision at moments of transition. Trained in the field of conflict resolution, Parker has worked on race relations on American college campuses and on peace processes in the Arab world, southern Africa, and India.

Parker’s The Art of Gathering (Riverhead, 2018) has been named a Best Business Book of the year by Amazon, Esquire Magazine, NPR, the Financial Times, 1-800-CEO-READS, and Bloomberg. She has spoken on the TED Main Stage, and her TEDx talk on purpose has been viewed over 1 million times. Parker’s work has been featured in numerous outlets including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, NPR, TED.com, Forbes.com, Real Simple Magazine, Oprah.com, Bloomberg, Glamour, the Today Show, and Morning Joe. She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and two children.

• Founder & CEO, Todd Events
• toddevents.com

Todd Fiscus, head of the highly acclaimed design team at his namesake company, Todd Events, has become synonymous with extraordinary events around the globe. From exquisite weddings, to corporate affairs, to charity galas to intimate occasions, the company has been the premier source for special events for over twenty years in locales from Maine to Mexico. Known for creating contemporary “life excursions” that capture the client’s personality, Fiscus has established himself as the expert authority to ring up when you want to celebrate with style. He never fails to provide a unique and memorable experience through artful detail and ‑flawless orchestration—from concept to completion. With an impressive client roster that includes the likes of powerhouse brands such as Tom Ford, Salvatore Ferragamo, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, the Dallas Cowboys, amfAR, Audi, and Neiman Marcus – just to name a few – it’s no wonder Fiscus has received major accolades in the event industry. He has been named one of the Top 35 Event Designers (2013) and a Top Innovator (2012), by special event industry giant, Biz Bash. His work is so revered, he was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal for his creative work and as a leader in the field. He also speaks at numerous wedding and event industry events around the country each year. Fiscus’ clients also include prominent private individuals around the country, a bevy of noteworthy professional athletes, and several distinguished civic organizations. He is unquestionably the “man with the plan” when it comes to unparalleled events. Fiscus and his work have been featured in numerous publications including Elle Décor, Town & Country, Better Homes and Gardens, Wall Street Journal, Southern Living, Gourmet, Vanity Fair, The Robb Report, The London Times, InStyle Weddings, Western Interiors, Condé Nast Brides, Veranda, and Texas Monthly. He is also a member of The Knot’s Luxe List, an exclusive circle of top celebrity wedding and event designers.

• marcyblum.com

Marcy Blum is a renowned and internationally sought-after event planner and entertaining expert, boasting an impressive career spanning over 35 years. With a unique blend of creativity, innovation, and a touch of humor, she has earned a well-deserved reputation for crafting extraordinary events that leave a lasting impression.

Born with a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to her craft, Marcy has consistently pushed the boundaries of event planning, infusing each occasion with a sense of wonder and delight. Her ability to stimulate the senses and captivate guests sets her apart in the world of event planning. Her dedication to creating seamless and enjoyable experiences for her clients is a testament to her expertise.

Marcy’s journey in the world of events began at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the culinary arts. Over the years, she has masterfully blended elements of theater, cuisine, décor, and ambiance to curate events that are nothing short of spectacular. Her unique approach has earned her the title of an “eventiste,” reflecting her harmonious fusion of artistic vision and practical execution.

Recognized as a top event planner in the world by esteemed publications such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, Marcy’s work has received widespread acclaim. Her impressive portfolio has been featured in numerous publications, including People, The New York Times, Vanity Fair, and Women’s Wear Daily.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• Owner & Creative Director, Tracy Taylor Ward
• TracyTaylorWard.com

The founder and creative visionary behind the award-winning Event Planning & Design Production Firm Tracy Taylor Ward Design, Tracy is known for her discerning eye, precise attention to detail and her effortlessly elegant aesthetic.

Passionate about understated luxury, Tracy began her career 18 years ago as an interior designer, drawn not only to creating stunning spaces but also practical and comfortable environments. In addition to her residential work, Tracy was co-host of the hit HGTV design series, Freestyle, prior to founding Tracy Taylor Ward Design in 2010.

With a flagship office located in New York City, a satellite office in South Florida, and a team of destination specialists working worldwide, Tracy Taylor Ward Design offers a range of in-house services including Event Planning and Design, Floral and Décor Production, and Custom Invitations and Reception Stationery.

A Manhattan native, Tracy is based on the Upper East Side of New York City, where she resides with her husband and business partner Matt, and their sweet daughter Chloe. When she’s not working, you can find her enjoying omakase and donuts or dancing in the background wherever she goes.

• Emily Strohm
• Senior Weddings Editor, PEOPLE Magazine

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.

• Founder + Executive Producer, AJ Events
• ajwevents.com

Named by BizBash as one of the 500 Most Influential Event Professionals, AJ Williams has been a wedding and event industry leader for over 25 years. Founder of AJ Events, her Boston-based wedding and event production company has been recognized as Boston Business Journal’s “Top Meeting and Event Planning Companies” every year since 2013 and made the Boston Herald Top 10 list.

AJ‘s work is always ambitious —and often unconventional. She has raised over $81MM for nonprofits and made her fundraising and charitable event production a cornerstone of her company. AJ has executed press worthy fundraisers with celebrities John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, Anthony Anderson, Wyclef, Vanessa Williams, Danny Glover, Common, President Bill Clinton, Michael McDonald, The Eagles, Earth, Wind and Fire, Jimmy Fallon’s The Roots, and many more.

Beyond the cutting-edge productions, AJ’s reputation for luxury experiences is often called upon to create lifelong memories at New England, New York, Florida, and destination weddings. AJ’s discreet client list includes sports notables and names found on the Forbes 100. And you can find AJ mentioned in Brides, Modern Luxury, and People, to name a few.

In short, AJ simply throws a great bash.

• Founder/Creative Director, Sauvage Events
• sauvage-events.com

For over a decade and a half, Julie Savage Parekh has been at the forefront of crafting unparalleled events in destinations worldwide, establishing herself as a visionary in the event planning industry. She is passionate about the transformative power of celebration to turn everyday moments into unforgettable memories. With an extensive background in luxury hospitality and interior design, Julie brings an exceptional blend of scene setting and outstanding service to each event, earning her recognition as one of the industry’s elite planners and features in prestigious outlets such as PEOPLE, Brides, Harper’s Bazaar, Martha Stewart Weddings, GQ, WSJ and Bravo TV.

Her portfolio is a testament to her ability to produce not just events, but experiences that embody sophistication and drama. Whether orchestrating lavish destination weddings or hosting The Knot Gala for industry peers, Julie’s creations are a masterclass in storytelling, combining elements of elegance and intrigue. Her events are immersive, designed to transport attendees to a space where fantasy and reality merge, leaving them wondering if what they experienced was merely a magnificent dream.

Julie is celebrated for her attention to detail, her commitment to gracious hospitality, and her skill in creating immersive environments through masterful juxtapositions and intentional design. Clients seek out Julie and her team for their ability to weave magic into every occasion, ensuring a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. As a speaker at this conference, Julie aims to share her insights and passion, inspiring others to elevate their events to art forms.

• President and Creative Director, Lindsay Landman Events
• lindsaylandmanevents.com

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

• Chief Creative Officer, Birch Event Design
• birchevents.com

Josh Spiegel, New York-based Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Birch Event Design, revolutionized the luxury event industry with a renowned high-touch approach to bespoke decor, floral design, and production, and has gained international acclaim for transforming spaces into stunning, memorable experiences.

The BIRCH team, under Josh’s leadership, specializes in crafting moments that all other moments are measured by. Josh has been featured in leading style publications like Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, People, and Brides, cementing his status as a trailblazer in the luxury event space.

• Associate Editorial Director, Brides
• 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.

• CEO & Founder, Premini Events
• www.preminievents.com

Founder and CEO of Premini, Creative Director and Conceptual Visionary, Event Industry Trailblazer, Professional Speaker, Authentic Friend in all that she strives for, but to one and all is affectionately known as: PRIYA.

For over a decade, Priya has poured her heart and soul into building what would be the start of an innovative entrepreneurial journey. Humbly built upon the foundation of love for her family, she named her first born company “Premini”. Inspired by a combination of her brother (Prem) and sister (Padmini’s) name, translating to “a little love”, Priya uses this coveted ingredient to create emotionally connected extraordinary experiences. What started out as a local wedding planning company, has now turned into an internationally recognized luxury event and creative agency with a track record for excellence.

Priya’s fun and authentic New Yorker approach propelled the firm to new heights, delivering creative events that blended modern luxury with everyday relatability. Her work has been featured in prestigious publications like VOGUE, The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, Business Insider, BRIDES Magazine, The Times of India, Town and Country, Refinery29, TLC’s Four Weddings, and The Knot to name a few. Priya’s excellence in the field was recognized by winning the WIPA Wedding Planner of the Year Award in 2019, and serving on various international hospitality committees.

13 years later, Priya and her team continue to captivate clients with innovative design concepts combined with precision, no matter the country, size or challenge. Redefining the role of “event planner”, Priya has now been fondly recognized as an Experiential Creative Director bringing fresh trendsetting perspectives with an out-of-the-box approach.

Fast forward to today, PRIYA the brand is signed to Paradigm Talent Agency. She is currently working on a highly awaited book, traveling for public speaking engagements all while producing a variety of experiences for clients around the world. In her spare time, she spends quality time with her fiancé Angelo, enjoys late night cuddles with her fur baby Koda and mentors for a variety of women, because after all, there is always a little bit more love to go around.

• Owner, Bruce Russell Events
• brucerussellevents.com

• Deputy Editor, The Knot
• theknot.com

• Attorney & Founder, Oduberg Law & Legally Set
• legallyset.com

Kunbi Odubogun is an industry leading Business Attorney, Speaker and Digital Media Expert with over 12 years experience in the Legal and Events industries. She is a Partner at Oduberg, a boutique business law firm that provides legal services to creative entrepreneurs. 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.

In addition to her work at Oduberg, Kunbi is also the creator of Legally Set– an online shop offering legally sound, attorney-drafted contracts for entrepreneurs, event pros and creative business owners; and 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 and binging Criminal Minds, because life is about balance.

• Founder | Creative Director, Eclective Hive
• eclectichive.com

Jill Livingston is widely regarded in the luxury wedding market for her distinctive inventory collection and unique approach to her design projects.  As the Founder + Creative Director at Eclectic Hive, an event design + production management house based in Denver Colorado, she has a passion for creating moments that spark curiosity and engage the senses.

Drawing inspiration from fashion, travel, interior design, and architecture, she travels internationally to source story-telling inventory for her collection.  With a diverse background spanning event production, theatre, hotel management, restaurant + bar management, corporate planning, and incentive travel, she has a well-rounded perspective of the event landscape.  Her holistic approach to projects encompasses meticulous attention to the guest experience, personalized design, thoughtful space planning for optimal flow and function, CAD management, food and beverage styling, and custom detailing + fabrication.  Behind the scenes, she produces seamless events, leaving no detail overlooked.

Jill’s expertise has led her and her team to destination locations including Big Sky, Sun Valley, Jackson Hole, Park City, Aspen, San Diego, Santa Fe, Dallas, Chicago, Boston, and Anguilla.  Her work can be seen in publications including Elle, Town + Country, Conde Nast, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Martha Stewart, Inside Weddings, The Knot, Brides, and Green Wedding Shoes among others.

• Victoria Dubin Events
• victoriadubin.com

Victoria Dubin Events is a mother-daughter run event planning, design and production firm based out of New York. Victoria has planned high end, exquisite events for over 23 years. Her personal style, sophistication and capability is what led her to this industry that capitalizes on all her strengths.

Growing up in the events industry, Amanda decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps after graduating from Cornell University, where Victoria also matriculated. Together, they blend elegance and fun, while curating high-touch, bespoke experiences for their clients.

• Creative Director and Owner, Sarah Kay Love
• sarahkaylove.com

Sarah Kay Love is a leading digital creative agency that specializes in branding, digital marketing, and content strategy for creative professionals, wedding industry pros, and lifestyle brands. From the very first “light bulb moment” through to consultation, strategy, design, production, and implementation, Sarah Kay Love projects are crafted with…well, love! Complete with a roster of top-notch marketing, branding, and design gurus, Sarah amplifies voices and makes brands stand out.

After a rewarding career working for InStyle magazine and “America’s Next Top Model” photographer Nigel Barker, Sarah became a lover of all things weddings and spent five years at The Knot Magazine producing and curating visuals on a variety of media platforms from print to digital editorials, covers, advertising campaigns, and social media channels. She also spearheaded the real-wedding and styled shoot submission process for the national and regional magazines. As an expert and trendsetter in the industry, it was a natural next step for Sarah to found her own digital creative agency in order to craft innovative, boundary-pushing narratives, striking visual content, and authentic strategies for brands that let their imaginations run wild.

Not all full-service digital creative agencies are cut from the same mold. Sarah and her accomplished team at SKL are visionaries, creatives, and romantics, offering highly tailored, bespoke branding and marketing packages, taking your dreams from the smallest idea all the way through to the grandest reality.

• Managing Partners, Marcia Selden Catering and Naked Fig Catering
• marciaselden.com

Robin + Jeffrey Selden are the Managing Partners of Connecticut and New York City based Marcia Selden Catering and Naked Fig Catering a luxury plant-based catering company.

Celebrating their 45^rd year, with their Mother Marcia at the helm, they orchestrate over 1100 events a year to include premier parties and weddings throughout the tri-state area and beyond.

This Dynamic Sibling Duo were named TWO of the 100 Most Inspiring People in the Wedding industry by The Knot.

Jeffrey is the Past President of the International Caterers Association and sits on the National Board of the Wedding Industry Professionals Association (WIPA).

Robin is a Past President & Chef of the Year of the International Caterers Association and a National Board Ambassador for the Make a Wish Foundation.

Robin and Jeffrey strive to inspire the future generation of their industry; this year marks the 10^th year that they have taught a Catering & Special Events Class at Cornell University and a Master’s Class in Events at Boston University. They are featured speakers and emcees at the largest Catering & Events conference in the world; Catersource where for the last 15 years they’ve wowed the attendees with their can do attitude, passion for food and hospitality and outside of the box creativity.

You will find their work featured in numerous publications including Forbes, Martha Stewart, Brides, Vogue, Huffington Post, NY Magazine & BizBash.

• Head Honcho and Event Guru, In Any Event
• inanyeventny.com

Leslie Price, Head Honcho and Planning Guru at In Any Event, is renowned for her understated elegance, creativity, logistical prowess, and exceptional personalized service. Approachable and down-to-earth, Leslie inspires clients and vendors alike to embrace her company tagline and personal mantra, “cherish the journey”.

With over 28 years of industry experience, Leslie has garnered global recognition, earning her a place among Harper’s Bazaar’s top planners in the world. She holds the exclusive role of social planner for The Metropolitan Museum of Art, specializing in orchestrating events at museums, historical landmarks and logistically complex venues globally.

Prior to establishing In Any Event in 2001, Leslie honed her skills as the Director of Marketing for Marie Claire, producing a spectrum of events from lavish parties and fashion shows to leadership events across the country and abroad. Her professional journey began as an interior designer, complemented by a BA in Art History from New York University along with studies at the New York School of Interior Design and Parsons School of Design.

She currently lives by a river with her husband Robert, daughter Molly, and dog Riley. When she’s not planning events, you’ll find Leslie barefoot in her vegetable garden, cherishing the journey.

• Owner and Creative Director, Joe Mineo Creative
• joemineocreative.com

The owner and Creative Director of Joe Mineo Creative is known for having a larger than life personality and an innate passion for design. His career began with flowers and his first business, Something New Florist opened its doors in 1987.
It was Joe’s floral design innovation powered by his driving ambition that transformed his business into what it is today, a national award-winning event design in production studio. Now known as Joe Mineo Creative, Joe’s Company strives for flawless execution of stand out events representing an impressive roster of private and corporate clients such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the San Francisco 49ers, The Pittsburgh Penguins, Cleveland Clinic, University Hospital, MetroHealth, the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh foundation, ASAE, PCMA, along with, Jennifer Garner, LeBron James, and Hines Ward to name a select few.

An expert at transforming venues locally, Joe also designs for clients around the country. His destination events range from corporate product launches to lavish weddings. Joe is also a frequent guest speaker at various event industry conventions on the topics of florals and event design with his special focus being innovative and unique design elements. Known for saying “Designing events is like putting on a Broadway show.”

Joe infuses each of his designs with plot, performance, drama and timing to not only create atmospheric spaces, but to evoke emotion that leaves guest with a lasting impression.

“Nothing makes me happier than sitting down to a blank page, armed with a smooth writing pen and a fresh hot cup of coffee. I can savor those first few moments of bringing a great idea to life!”

• CEO, The B Collective Magazine
• thebcollective.co

The B Collective Magazine Collection is an anthology of weddings, birthday parties, styled shoots, and other social events that showcase the splendor of Black culture and the skill of industry leaders. The events and their hosts continue to demonstrate limitless potential in our industry through striking designs, vibrant colors, and innovative ideas. The B Collective magazine stands as evidence that no matter the challenges we face individually, the collective always emerges stronger when we unite.

• Founder and Chief Event Curator, Kate + Company
• kateandcollc.com

Kate Turner is the visionary founder and chief event curator of Kate + Company, a Midwest based event planning firm established in 2012. The Kate + Company team continues reimagining what it means to be a wedding designer in the Midwest. Their concierge meets interior design approach has landed her crew on Vogue’s and Bride’s Magazine’s lists of best wedding planners, and their work has been found everywhere from Martha Stewart to Grace Ormonde and – her personal favorite – eternally preserved in her clients albums and Instagram feeds!

Kate’s panache for perfection and commitment to authenticity drove her to co-found 23 City Blocks Hospitality Group in 2013. As the first in the Saint Louis market to bring restaurant style cuisine to private events, Kate’s strategic vision has led this renowned hospitality group to challenge the boundaries of luxury in the emerging Midwest market. She hasn’t stopped there! In April, Kate launched her education platform, Kate’s Party People, aimed to help event professionals in small-to-mid size marketplace’s redefine what luxury means in their hometown. And finally, Kate has founded one of the few female-led production companies, Marinelle Event Co., named for her Grandmother, which will be launching this summer.

Though her companies are award-winning, that’s not what Kate’s most proud of. Her biggest claim to fame is surrounding herself with the greatest people. After all, the best weddings take a village and Kate prides herself on having pretty incredible teams by her side each step of the way.

Her true passion lies in creating gorgeous events that reflect the unique style of each couple, honoring the privilege of orchestrating the day. When she’s not commanding a room flip, you’ll find her playing tourist in a new city, sitting cross-legged on the playroom floor with her exuberant kiddos and loving husband, or hunting for her next bit of inspiration!

• Photographer, Lauren Fair Photography
• laurenfairphotography.com

Lauren specializes in iconic, exquisite, joy-filled weddings around the world. Her photography focuses on joyful, editorial, stylish images full of beautiful light and natural emotion. With dreamy film tones and a relaxed approach, my team and I capture our wonderful clients’ days with an approach inspired by fashion, travel and a natural, effortlessly editorial aesthetic. I spend my free time traveling through the most beautiful corners of the world, restoring our old farmhouse, relaxing in our favorite Jersey beach town, and designing homes. I’ve been gratefully named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the Wedding Industry by the Knot and one of the 50 Top Photographers in the World by BRIDES – but I believe the best accolades come from happy clients.

• CEO and Founder, Aisle Society & Pretty Pear Bride
• 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™

• Founder / CEO, MaharaniWeddings.com
• MaharaniWeddings.com

Shawna Gohel is the Editor in Chief and Founder of Maharaniweddings.com, the largest website for South Asian brides. Shawna’s journey began in 2008 to be a source of inspiration for the South Asian community and has since published more than 10,000 articles on South Asian weddings.

Today, Maharani Weddings reaches South Asian brides and bridal enthusiasts around the globe through the Maharaniweddings.com website and social media channels. Each day, the editorial team at Maharaniweddings.com publishes 20 to 25 pieces of original content focusing on trends, South Asian wedding ideas, and real weddings. Shawna’s enthusiasm, personality, and passion for Indian culture is infused into every detail of Maharani Weddings.

Shawna lives in beautiful Los Angeles with her husband, and three wonderful children. In her free time she enjoys working out, learning new recipes, and volunteering with the local hospital.

• Founder and Creative Director, WedLuxe
• wedluxe.com

As Founder and Creative Director of WedLuxe, Angela has led the company to become a multifaceted media powerhouse and modern marketing agency with a global footprint. The brand excels in connecting millions of professionals and consumers across the global wedding industry through a dynamic blend of multimedia content marketing, events, and creative services.

In 2023, WedLuxe expanded its offerings by launching the WedLuxe Experiences division. This new venture collaborates with event professionals, luxury hotels, and tourism boards worldwide to offer the WedLuxe community exclusive access to extraordinary, bookable experiences. These include standout proposals, bachelor/bachelorette trips, “WOW-worthy” honeymoons, and more, all curated to meet the discerning tastes of its audience.

Under Angela’s direction, the WedLuxe Agency, the company’s award-winning creative services division, provides comprehensive support to luxury wedding businesses. Branding, white-labeled event branding and graphics support, web development, photoshoots, sales materials, FAM trip management and more, all solidify WedLuxe’s position as a creative ally for leading global brands.

Highlighting the agency’s success, the “Cayman Vows” project, a promotional campaign for The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, garnered widespread acclaim. It won the Impact Award for Best Content Marketing Strategy and the Gold Award for Best Integrated Content Marketing at the 2018 Adrian Awards.

Angela is also the driving force behind The WedLuxe Show, an annual event drawing thousands since 2010 and recognized by Bizbash as a finalist for “Best Consumer Tradeshow.”

Beyond her professional achievements, Angela, a Florida resident and Canadian expat (who will be receiving her American citizenship in the coming year!), regularly contributes her expertise to the broader industry. She was the guest creative director for Engage! Banff in 2018 and is a frequent guest speaker at industry events worldwide.

• President, Meister Innovative Consulting
• meisterinnovative.com

Jill Meister is the President of Meister Innovative Consulting, a comprehensive consulting firm specializing in various forms of media including Media Training, Media Strategy, and Television and Web Production.  With over twenty-five years working in the constantly evolving news and entertainment industry, Jill provides her clients with a unique perspective and wealth of knowledge on how to leverage successful outcomes from all forms of media exposure. She uses cutting edge strategies, innovative on-air preparation techniques, and a personalized approach to meet the specific needs of each client.

Jill spent most of her career working for national broadcast news, including NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw in New York City.  For eight years as a producer at CBS’ The Early Show, Jill traveled all over the country, managing both live and taped components for the popular morning program. Additionally, she worked one on one as an anchor producer both in studio and in the field. She programmed and produced hundreds of segments covering everything from breaking, international, political, health, and entertainment news to lifestyle features focusing on weddings, parenting, gardening, fitness, fashion, travel, technology, cooking, and beauty. She also coordinated and produced live concerts with some of the biggest names in the recording industry. Jill continues to offer her freelance services in production to streaming platforms and major television and cable news networks, most recently at NBC’s Today Show. In addition to television production, Jill has programmed and produced story content for Broadway, web, and print and has written and contributed to articles that have appeared in national publications. She is a regular speaker, moderator, and producer of live expert panels about the media at special events and symposiums worldwide.

• Cofounder, Equally Wed | Equally Wed Pro
• equallywed.com

Kirsten Palladino is a multi-award-winning educator, consultant, sought-after international speaker and published author. 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.

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, Go magazine, Glamour magazine, The Knot magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, Them, AARP, and A Practical Wedding.

She is a recurring in-studio guest on major news networks, such as CNN, NPR and CBS, and multiple podcasts, webinars and stages of wedding and event conferences around the globe, including Engage! Luxury Wedding Summits, WIPA, NACE, National Meeting of Wedding Planners and Ceremonialists (Lisbon, Portugal), WeddingMBA, WeddingPro events by The Knot and WeddingWire, LGBTQ+ Wedding Congress (Venice, Italy) and the White Dress Society Retreat.

Kirsten is the author of Equally Wed: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your LGBTQ+ Wedding, the first and only gender-neutral wedding planning book for LGBTQ+ couples, which was published by Seal Press, part of Hachette Book Group, which is one of the top five publishing houses in the United States, and available wherever books are sold.

Kirsten serves as the DEIB Director of WIPA – Atlanta, an advisor for Fellowship for Change (a program by WeddingPro, a product of The Knot Worldwide) and is an official WeddingPro educator.

• Editor in Chief, Publisher and Co-Owner of Destination I Do and Destination Media, LLC
• 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.

• 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.

• CEO & Co-Founder PartySlate
• partyslate.com

Julie is the CEO & Co-Founder of PartySlate, a photo-rich platform that helps leading venues, vendors, and event professionals grow their businesses by attracting new clients, driving industry referrals, and enhancing their digital presence. With over 20 years of digital marketing experience with some of the biggest brands in the world, Julie is excited to bring this expertise to the events industry. After she planned 50+ large-scale galas and corporate events, Julie became increasingly frustrated while planning a high-profile cancer research gala, spending hours online looking for ideas and venues, only to find wedding blogs, sterile vendor listing sites, and Pinterest dead-ends. Julie was inspired and set out to create a Houzz-like website to address the $143 billion events industry. Since its founding in 2015, over 15,000 of the country’s top event professionals and venues have uploaded over 1 million event photos to their beautiful profile pages.

• President, Samantha Roberts LLC
• samantharoberts.co

Based out of New York City, Samantha Roberts has a decade of experience in digital marketing, content, and partnerships. Samantha currently works with a handful of the world’s most well-known & respected hospitality, wedding & event industry brands. Her work transforming her clients’ social media has resulted in measurable ROI, where booking high-end events from Instagram was not outside the norm.

Samantha’s has secured press features for clients in VOGUE, Harper’s BAZAAR, The Knot, BRIDES, InStyle Magazine, WWD, Fortune, The Today Show, Over The Moon, and more. She’s best known for her social media coverage, content creation, and wedding release strategies for wedding weekends, which have reached upwards of 10M+ impressions.

Samantha got her start at The Knot, where she built their Instagram account to over 1M followers and was recognized in 2015 by Digiday as the Best Brand on Instagram. She also worked with Kleinfeld Bridal of Say Yes to the Dress fame, and built their social media to reach 100+ million impressions organically each year.

A competitor from birth, Samantha grew up on the golf course playing competitively, from her time on the boy’s golf team in high school to the four years she spent as an NCAA Division 1 athlete on San Diego State’s Women’s Golf team. The thousands of hours she spent on the golf course translate to her work, allowing her to use her imagination and non-traditional approaches to help her clients exceed their goals and see ROI.

• 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 with The Garter Girl, a digital media strategist with niche websites including her newest brand Let’s Get Rehearsed, and a highly sought after small business speaker and educator with her namesake media and marketing agency, Julianne has over 18 years of experience in the industry.

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!