Speakers

• Founder & Director, 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.

• Global Head of Guest Experience and Services, Maybourne
• maybourne.com

• SVP, Aveda International (Estee Lauder)

Amanda joined Aveda in 2000 as the General Manager for Aveda UK. In 2005, she was promoted to VP, Aveda, Europe where she focused on opening new markets, launching in Spain, Turkey, France and Scandinavia. In 2013, she was promoted to VP, Aveda International tasked with expanding Aveda outside the North America region. She was promoted in July 2021 to SVP Aveda International with the focus on two key emerging markets of China and India.

Amanda is widely known as a relationship-builder with the ability to engage at all levels and across cultures to achieve success. With her decades of brand experience, deep understanding of local nuances, and highly collaborative leadership style, Amanda is well-suited to help Aveda achieve its ambitious international growth agenda in prestige hair care.

Before joining Aveda, Amanda spent nine years with Levi Strauss in Europe. Most recently, she served as Director of New Business Development, Licensing and Strategic Retail Alliances based in Levi’s head office in Brussels. She started at Levi’s as U.K. Retail and Franchise Manager, developing the Original Levi’s Stores and opening 14 new stores, including the flagship store in Regent Street, London. She was promoted to U.K. Marketing Director for Levi’s. Prior to joining Levi Strauss, Amanda worked in venture capital, where she was involved in raising capital and making investments in start up retail companies.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of London and has attended management courses at the London Business School, Henley Centre for Marketing and Wharton Business School.

• Founder & CEO, Banana Split
• bananasplit.com

Julian Posner is the founder of Banana Split and has planned the world’s most spectacular parties and celebrations for the past 5 decades. He has been at the helm of Banana Split for over 50 years and is a leading figure in luxury private events, ranging from intimate weddings to much grander and more opulent affairs across the globe.

He is super proud of his team of 28 party professionals, who, under his careful guidance, have orchestrated countless events in iconic destinations such as the Maldives, the French Riviera, and the Middle East, consistently delivering world-class experiences for a discerning international clientele. Banana Split’s unparalleled experience and close relationship with A-lister artist management has allowed them to secure big-name acts for their events, from Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran to Stevie Wonder and Craig David.

Julian’s meticulous and sharp attention to detail, creative vision, and ability to transform any space into something spectacular have earned him accolades throughout the industry, including awards for production and design and recognition in prestigious publications including Vogue, The Times, Tatler, The New Yorker and The Wall Street Journal. Under his leadership, Banana Split has remained at the forefront of style and creativity and continues to raise the bar, accepting nothing less than excellence for every client. Julian’s name is associated with impeccable flair and taste and an enigmatic personality! He is trusted by royalty, celebrities, and global leaders alike.

• Founder, The Atelier & Co. Holdings
• the-atelier.co

• CEO, Flowers by Maybourne

• Founder & CEO, Diversity in Luxury
• diversityinluxury.com

Elizabeth Solaru stands at the intersection of science, creativity, and luxury as a multi-award-winning business consultant, author, and internationally acclaimed cake artist. As the visionary Founder and CEO of the Diversity in Luxury Awards, she champions inclusivity in an industry traditionally defined by exclusivity.

Her unconventional journey from microbiologist and executive headhunter to luxury entrepreneur has given her a unique perspective on excellence and innovation. Her entry into the luxury world began with her extraordinary cake artistry, creating masterpieces for UHNWIs and royalty that showcased her exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

This creative foundation, combined with her business acumen, facilitated her evolution into a sought-after luxury consultant. Recently ranked among the world’s top luxury business speakers by the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, Solaru shares her insights at prestigious institutions including Sotheby’s Institute of Art and Goldsmith’s College and has graced stages at JP Morgan, Ernst & Young, The Global HR Summit and The Global Marketing Summit.

Her much acclaimed book, “The Luxpreneur: How to Start and Build a Successful Luxury Brand,” has been hailed as “the blueprint for a luxury business” and essential reading for industry aspirants. Recognised among the world’s Masterful 100 and featured across major media outlets including the BBC, Channel 4, and Sky TV, Solaru’s influence extends throughout the luxury ecosystem.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Solaru remains dedicated to mentorship, guiding emerging talent through the complexities of the luxury landscape. Through her consulting work, speaking engagements, and initiatives like the annual Diversity in Luxury Leaders List which celebrates the most influential leaders in luxury, she is redefining what leadership looks like in the luxury sector, creating an industry where excellence and inclusivity are not competing values but complementary forces driving innovation.

• Event and Wedding Planner, 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.

• 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.

• Founder & Chief Creative Office, Rafanelli Events
• rafanellievents.com

Bryan Rafanelli is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Rafanelli Events, a globally recognized leader in event planning and experiential design. With nearly 30 years of experience, he has built a reputation for creating events that are both visually stunning and deeply personal—balancing creativity with strategic precision.

Under his leadership, Rafanelli Events has produced some of the most high-profile celebrations in the world, from weddings and brand launches to state dinners at the White House and major sporting events. Whether crafting an intimate destination wedding or an immersive hospitality experience, Bryan and his team are known for delivering seamless, detail-driven events that leave a lasting impression.

His work has been featured in VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, and he is widely regarded as one of the top event planners in the world. Clients turn to him not just for exceptional execution, but for the sense of meaning that he brings to each event.

Beyond production, Bryan is a respected entrepreneur and thought leader. He has grown Rafanelli Events into a firm that merges bold design with business intelligence, helping clients strengthen their brands, engage their audiences, and amplify their impact. His holistic approach—rooted in collaboration, intention, and innovation—continues to shape the future of experiential design.

• 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.

• Wedding Photographer, Ashton Jean-Pierre Photography
• ashtonjean-pierre.com

I have been photographing weddings since 2011. Born and raised in West Yorkshire, England until I found and married the love of my life in the Caribbean before starting a new chapter together in Melbourne, Australia. Becoming a father is the best thing in my life, it transforms me. Our daughter teaches us to see the beauty in the small things. Being Black Deaf and a signer are a blessing, it guided me to break so many barriers, stigma, and stereotypes. Showing the world what Deaf people can do.

My work is known for uplifted client experience, my authentic and elegant style with fashion flair & my sense of emotional depth. The emotional depth in photography is important. It goes beyond just images; it’s about capturing feelings.

Named one of the top wedding photographers in the world by Harper’s Bazaar and Over The Moon’s 59 Black Bridal Professionals and Wedding Vendors You Need to Know.

• Founder, Michelle Rago Destinations
• michelleragodestinations.com

Michelle Lord Rago is an international planner, producer and designer. Her company is based in New York City but her experience and approach are global.

Michelle has worked in the field of entertaining and hospitality since graduating from the New York Restaurant School in 1988. In 2007 Michelle published a book, Signature Weddings: Creating a Day Uniquely Your Own.

Michelle’s greatest strength lies in interpreting the client’s preferences, assessing the possibilities and translating them into a well-planned and well-designed affair. Her years of hands on experience as a producer, design and planner have served her well for the complicated landscape of creating events worldwide.

Her recent projects in the Beckham Peltz wedding in Palm Beach, Sean McVay’s, coach of the Los Angeles RAMS to Veronika Khomyn as well as sound proofing a wine warehouse in Napa!

She and her team operate in many languages and cultures, although it is said Michelle’s native tongue is the Language of Determination.

• Founder & Creative Director, Ed Libby & Co.
• edlibby.com

• 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.

• CEO/Chief Creative Officer, HMR Designs
• hmrdesigns.co

Named one of the top Wedding and Event Designers in the world by Harper’s Bazaar, VOGUE, Brides and Martha Stewart Weddings, along with being recognized as Top 40 under 40, Rishi remains one of the most highly coveted event designers among discerning clientele and notable figures alike. An advocate for fully transformative design, he specializes in celebrations of all kinds – all while adhering to the firm belief that service and guest experience are the cornerstone to great events and the definition of true luxury. From galas, to weddings, to milestone celebrations, any event is in his wheelhouse. 

As much of a creative visionary as an astute business leader, Rishi’s insistence on unconventionality has continuously transformed the landscape of event design while granting him the honor of designing events for some of the most notable figures, families and organizations in the world.  

A loyal Chicago native and avid traveler, Rishi regularly seeks inspiration from whatever cultural landscape he can find himself in. The destination event and wedding world has allowed Rishi and the HMR team to embrace so many incredible regions and pockets of the world to create spectacular events. Regardless of the marvelous adventures in design that await him, Rishi will always consider himself an artist at heart.   

• Founder & CEO, ALR Music
• alrmusic.co.uk

Alex Le Roux is the founder and CEO of ALR Music, the leading name in luxury entertainment. Celebrated for musical expertise, a network of exclusive talent, creativity, and exceptional service, the company operates on an international scale with offices in London and New York.

Alex and his team of specialists provide the entertainment for over 600 high-profile private events around the world each year, including locations across America, Italy, France, Morocco, the Caribbean, and Asia. They act as music consultants for an illustrious roster of clients including the British Royal Family, The United States Ambassador to the UK, Cartier, Gucci and a selection of the world’s top wedding planners and event designers.

They are also the powerhouse behind the music programming of iconic hotels and members clubs such as the Aman Hotel Group, The Arts Club, Annabel’s, The Peninsula London, Claridge’s, The Ritz, Zero Bond, Gleneagles, JNCQuoi and Estelle Manor.

ALR Music uniquely creates, develops, and manages its roster in-house, comprising of artists from specialist backgrounds, including elite session musicians (who perform with artists such as Adele, Paul McCartney, and Kylie Minogue), the West End and award-winning DJs. Since founding ALR Music, Alex has stayed true to his original vision: to deliver an unrivalled level of service and grow a roster of acts who are elegant, energetic, effortlessly cool, and exceptionally talented.

• Founder & Creative Director, Neill Strain Floral Couture
• neillstrain.com

Celebrated for his artistry in luxury floral and event design, Neill Strain is the creative force behind Neill Strain Floral Couture, one of London’s most exclusive floral ateliers. With boutiques in Mayfair, Belgravia, and Harrods, Neill has become a recognised name among those seeking the finest in luxury floral experiences, trusted by Arabian royalty, Hollywood celebrities, American billionaires, and distinguished clients around the world — from London residences and country estates to superyachts and private islands.

Since founding his brand in 2008, Neill has built a reputation for curating events of rare beauty, authenticity, and understated grandeur — each crafted with rare blooms, couture-level craftsmanship, and a meticulous dedication to artistry and excellence. Much of his most extraordinary work remains private by nature, but his influence is quietly shaping some of the most exquisite celebrations across Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S.

With roots in Irish charm and London sophistication, Neill’s designs marry bold imagination with refined taste, elevating every space they touch. Today, he joins Engage! with one clear purpose: to connect with fellow creatives who share his passion for world-class weddings and unforgettable celebrations — and to continue writing the next chapter of a floral journey defined by artistry, excellence, and beauty.

• Founder, Larry Walshe Studios
• larrywalshe.com

Larry Walshe is one of the UK’s most celebrated floral and event designers, known for creating extraordinary experiences that merge opulence with artistry. As the founder of Larry Walshe Studios, he leads a team that designs luxurious events worldwide; with branches in London, Lake Como, Cannes and New York.

His signature style; bold, imaginative, and meticulously detailed, has attracted an impressive roster of private clients, celebrities, royalty, and luxury brands alike.

Originally trained in interior design, Larry’s entry into floristry was born out of a desire to elevate the design service offered within the events industry. Starting from his dining table in South-West London, he combined his design knowledge with a newfound passion for flowers, quickly establishing himself as a visionary talent. His fresh perspective challenged traditional notions of floral art, positioning flowers as powerful storytelling elements in event design.

Larry’s commitment to innovation extends beyond aesthetics. His brand Bloom, the UK’s first 100% plastic-free online florist, showcases his focus on sustainable luxury; proving that beautiful design and ethical responsibility can go hand-in-hand.

With a career spanning over a decade, Larry Walshe has become synonymous with unforgettable event experiences, where flowers, set design, scent, and atmosphere are seamlessly orchestrated. His work continually draws on inspirations from fashion, art, and nature, resulting in deeply personalised creations that captivate the senses and spark emotional connections.

Through passion, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Larry Walshe has not only shaped the future of floral design but continues to set new benchmarks in the luxury events industry.

• Executive Director, Easton Events
• eastonevents.com

As Executive Director of the acclaimed Easton Events, Dawson Mitchell is known for her exceptional eye for detail and masterful ability to craft bespoke celebrations for an exclusive clientele all around the globe.

Dawson is also the driving force behind eventPerch, Easton’s groundbreaking event software designed to transform the planning experience for both professionals and clients alike.

With a passion for excellence and an unwavering commitment to the highest standards, Dawson is regarded as a rising leader in the world of luxury events. Yet what truly sets her apart is her blend of ambition and authenticity, pairing sharp professionalism with a warm, gracious spirit and an ever-present smile.

• Owner + Director, In Good Company PR
• ingoodcompanypr.com

As Founder and Director of In Good Company PR, Natalie Denyse has established a reputation for excellence in premiere event and hospitality marketing. For over a decade, her boutique firm has been the secret weapon of the world’s most celebrated event creatives, influential hospitality brands, and distinguished private properties.

Known for her strategic insight and authentic approach, Natalie leads a long tenured team that doesn’t just publicize brands—they elevate them, crafting bespoke PR and marketing strategies that drive visibility and sustainable growth. With this team at the helm, clients unlock tailored programming, trusted business counsel and deep technical expertise in digital marketing and contemporary PR strategy.

What sets Natalie apart is her unique philosophy that exceptional marketing isn’t about manufacturing hype—it’s about illuminating excellence and building brand longevity. This perspective has made her a valued strategic business partner to creative visionaries and luxury brands seeking both immediate impact and long-term relevance.

Beyond driving client success, Natalie is passionate about elevating the entire celebration and hospitality industry, and believes that extraordinary experiences have the power to create meaningful human connections and lasting positive impact in the world.

• Founder, Work With Milan Events Consultancy
• workwithmilan.com

• President & CEO | Planner & Producer, Victoria Dubin Events
• victoriadubin.com

Victoria Dubin Events is an event planning, design, and production firm led by mother-daughter duo Victoria Dubin and Amanda Dubin. Based in New York and South Florida, the duo specializes in producing high-touch, highly personalized celebrations that blend elegance with fun. With decades of experience and an eye for thoughtful detail, the Dubins craft events that are as logistically seamless as they are visually striking. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large-scale wedding weekend, they are known for creating immersive experiences that reflect the heart and style of each client.

• 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.

• Photographer & Lawyer, Magi Fisher
• magifisher.com

Magi Fisher is a multi-hyphenate creative force—photographer, lawyer, and founder—at the intersection of artistry and entrepreneurship. From photographing professional surfers to earning her Juris Doctorate from Rutgers Law, Magi has built a career that blends the worlds of art and law. She leads a successful photography studio, runs a law firm supporting top artists and entrepreneurs, and offers digital resources to creatives.

With over a decade of experience, Magi simplifies complex business and legal topics into actionable insights. A sought-after speaker, she’s passionate about elevating the wedding and event industry’s standards.When she’s not working, Magi enjoys spending time with her family, renovating their beachside home in New Jersey, or exploring Costa Rica—their second home—where they surf, box, and adventure with their daughter, Scottie.

• Editorial Director Western Europe, YPulse
• ypulse.com

Anto is the Editorial Director of Western Europe at YPulse, where he leads the creation of engaging and informative research on Gen Z trends and behaviors. With over a decade of experience working closely with youth in the US, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom, Anto brings a unique global perspective to his work and understanding of the next generation. Originally from France, Anto now resides in south London with his wife Jess and their two sons. In 2020, Anto was granted the Cumberland Lodge Fellowship for his research on young people and social media.

• vowforgirls.org

Mabel van Oranje is a serial entrepreneur for social change working globally to advance equality, freedom, and justice. During the last decade, she played a catalytic role in the global movement to end child marriage, including the creation and growth of three entities central to efforts to support girls’ futures: Girls Not Brides, the Girls First Fund, and VOW for Girls. Mabel is currently a board member of Fondation Chanel and the Sigrid Rausing Trust. She is also an advisor to Apolitical Academy Global, Co-Impact’s Gender Fund, Global Witness, and The Elders. Mabel is a global champion of Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage, and a co-founder and chair emeritus of the European Council on Foreign Relations.

• “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!

Her second book “My Secret to Stamina” is in the final stages.

• 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, Graceland, Harley-Davidson, 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 49 summits, experiences and retreats have been sellouts with guests coming from 48 states and 50 countries, generating an unprecedented 100 million social media impressions and counting.

Named to the BIZBASH Event Innovator Hall of Fame: 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 featured in The New York Times, ENTREPRENEUR, Fast Company, 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. Seventeen 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!