Biggest Takeaways from #Engage22
I am just returning from a week-long adventure in New Orleans for my 8th Engage Summits. Engage is one of the most desirable, luxury wedding conferences around the world. They bring in some of the biggest names in celebrity and luxury events both as attendees and as speakers to share their expertise. The days are long starting at 8 AM and partying until the wee hours of the morning at the most outrageous parties. This event was creatively directed by Valerie Gernhauser of Sapphire Events. It is a bucket list conference for those wanting to scale their business and work with luxury event professional clientele.
To be in the same room with fellow educators and leaders like negotiation expert Alexandra Carter, marketing guru Aleya Harris, event producers like Andrew Roby, Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli Events, Cheree Berry, Cindy Novotny, photographer Corbin Gurkin, planner & designer Fallon Carter, Harmony Walton, Hugh Howser of H3 Events, Jennifer Stein from Destination I Do, Jill Meiser, Jose Rolon of Event Planner and NYC Gay Dad, Julie Bunkley of Invision Events, Julie Novack of Party Slate, Kasey Denton of Carats & Cake, Kirsten and Maria Palladino of Equally Wed, Lawyer Kunbi Odubogun, the indescribable Marcy Blum, Say Yes to the Dress’ Randy Fanoli and so many more creates a sense of belonging after a chaotic couple of years as an event-based business owner!
One of the things that I have learned attending this conference through the years, is relationships are a long game, and each relationship weaves a story to perhaps someone you would have never had the opportunity to meet. Our lives and careers are a raft in the rapids and dedicating time to take a break is the leverage you need to reach your goals. We can’t do it without community and refilling our cups.
The founders Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce have curated a family. I have met some of my closest friends at this conference or through the connections I’ve made at this conference. Being off the grid for several days with other people like you is indescribably one of the best things that you can do for your business. I’m going to share some of my biggest takeaways and things I’m thinking about from having my auto responder on and immersing myself in the experience yet again.
I spent some time thinking about resilience. Ms. Gayle Benson of the New Orleans Saints Spoke to watch the first day and discussed what it meant to have resilience as a business owner and community leader. Bryan Rafanelli also spoke this day and discussed how every time he talks to his mom she ends with “I love you, and run like hell.” — essentially keep moving forward. You can evolve, you can change your mind, just keep moving forward.
A word that kept coming up through my week was the word legacy. Thinking of what my career legacy is and choosing to make actionable steps for impact above monetary gain. We have the ability to change the course of everyone we meet. On a daily basis, I would like to put more thought into how I am chipping away at my legacy.
Negotiation. Hearing Alex Carter talk about negotiation was so eye-opening, about her approach to identifying our values and what we want before we go into setting up “terms” with our clients. She quoted “ when you were teaching someone to value you, you were teaching them to value everyone else.” — incredibly powerful.
Never start a question with the word “why”. The best way to get information from a client is to start with the questions that begin with “tell me”.
In the powerful words of Cindy Novotny, “you’ve got to slow down to speed up!”
It went by so fast and I am so honored to have been an ambassador to welcome the 225+ new attendees and nurture them throughout the week. I experienced my first “second line” on Canal and Bourbon streets, dined on some local cuisine, and danced til my knees hurt with incredible DJs like DJ Scooter, DJ Brian B, Jason Jani — and Neyo surprised us at the Gala with a musical set. All while surrounded by creativity, fun themes and outfits, and impeccable experiences.
Special thanks to all of the photographers who donated their time, energy, and resources to capture the experiences we had throughout the week!
@allentsaiphoto
@ashleyludaescherphoto
@benfinch
@paulmorseweddings
@corbingurkin
@bangabooth
@charlastorey
@kelbertmcfarland
@phillipvnweddings
@theomilophoto
If you’ve ever considered going to Engage and have questions - feel free to email me anytime and we can chat about the pros/cons and what to expect with the investment! hello@kaleighwiese.com