**Engage! Summit 2024: A Luxury Wedding Industry Masterclass at Nemacolin Resort**
The luxury wedding industry recently gathered for an extraordinary celebration of creativity and collaboration at the 45th Engage! Summit, held from June 3–6, 2024, at the stunning Nemacolin Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania. Nestled amidst the picturesque Allegheny Mountains, the event offered an unforgettable blend of inspiration, innovation, and world-class networking for over 350 professionals dedicated to elevating the luxury wedding experience.
### **An Event Crafted to Inspire Excellence**
Since its founding in 2008 by Kathryn Arce and Rebecca Grinnals, Engage! Summits have become a defining platform for leaders in the luxury events space. From planners and photographers to designers and venue representatives, Engage! is where the best in the industry come together to push boundaries and refine their craft. Co-founder Kathryn Arce describes the platform’s mission succinctly: “We created Engage! to inspire and connect those in the luxury wedding industry, helping them improve their clients’ experiences and build more successful businesses.”
The 2024 edition continued this tradition at Nemacolin Resort, a stunning 2,200-acre property known for its ability to host lavish, one-of-a-kind events. Maggie Hardy, Nemacolin’s President, called it an honor to host the summit, noting that it was the perfect venue to showcase the resort’s capacity for creating “whimsical and extraordinary events.”
### **Star Power and Industry Insights**
A highlight of Engage! 2024 was the star-studded roster of attendees and speakers, offering attendees access to some of the most influential voices in the luxury wedding industry. Marcy Blum, known for orchestrating high-profile weddings for clients like LeBron James, and Todd Fiscus, whose clients include Gwen Stefani, shared insights alongside event design luminary Josh Spiegel of Birch Event Design.
The speaker lineup brought even more inspiration, featuring celebrated author Priya Parker (*The Art of Gathering*) and entrepreneur Alli Webb, founder of Drybar. Renowned creative director Ed Libby, famed for his work on the Super Bowl and Las Vegas’ iconic Bellagio, served as the summit’s Guest Creative Director, lending his visionary touch to Nemacolin’s visual landscape. Attendees also had the chance to connect with celebrated photographers like Corbin Gurkin and Kylee Yee, whose work defines elegance in top wedding publications.
### **Extraordinary Experiences and Meaningful Connections**
Engage! Summits are celebrated for crafting moments that inspire and delight, and the Nemacolin event was no exception. From the outset, attendees knew they were in for a treat, beginning with a champagne welcome and a luxurious gifting lounge curated by TPD Design House. Guests received thoughtful treasures like custom jackets, luxury body products, and chic totes, setting the tone for a week of indulgence and inspiration.
The opening “Woodlands Welcome Party” dazzled attendees with a performance by pop star Kesha and a jaw-dropping drone display by Sky Elements Drones, renowned from their appearances on *America’s Got Talent*. Each day of the summit delivered new surprises—from fine dining experiences across Nemacolin’s flagship restaurants to show-stopping themed parties like the “Flights of Fancy” soirée, complete with hot-air-balloon decor and live performances by Elan Artists.
Amid the celebrations, hands-on learning remained a cornerstone of the event, with intimate breakout sessions led by industry heavyweights like Victoria and Amanda Dubin of Victoria Dubin Events and Harmony Walton of The Bridal Bar. These sessions offered invaluable tools for pushing creativity and improving client experiences.
The grand finale was nothing short of magical. A black-tie gala held in a “cathedral in the clearing” capped off the summit, with Diana Ross herself taking the stage to perform her iconic classics. The electrifying atmosphere provided the perfect farewell to an event that reminded everyone why the luxury wedding industry continues to thrive.
### **The Universal Appeal of Engage!**
From its modest beginnings in 2008 with just 75 attendees, Engage! has grown into the industry’s premier event, regularly taking place in some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. In 2024 alone, the summit has already made stops in Paris, with upcoming events planned for Africa’s breathtaking locales—Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana—in September, and the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island, Florida, in December.
Engage! 2024 at Nemacolin was a masterclass in collaboration, community, and celebration. More than just a gathering, Engage! remains a vital platform for innovation in the luxury events space, connecting professionals of all levels for an experience that sparks growth and creativity. Whether you’re an experienced veteran or an emerging creative, Engage! is a space where inspiration meets opportunity to create unforgettable memories and meaningful progress.
Mark your calendars for upcoming Engage! events—whether in Africa, Florida, or beyond, each promises the same unparalleled blend of learning, connection, and elevated experience. The luxury wedding industry, with its limitless potential and global reach, shows no signs of slowing down, and Engage! remains at its heart, setting the stage for success in every way imaginable.
