A Wild Week of Contrasts: Engage!09: The Encore Recap I

This was my third time attending one of the fabulous Engage events visioned and designed by the super smart and kind Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce.  I am a BIG fan on these two gals, to say the least.  Razor sharp insight into the wedding industry, down to earth personalities and a passion like none I have seen before are just some of the qualities that make these two women so very praiseworthy.   Engage is a haven for the luxury wedding professional; a breeding ground for big ideas and forward thinking.  While each Engage event has differed from it’s predecessor, I can honestly say my business and my perspective on the wedding industry and my place within it has been completely transformed.  Now listen, I am not saying that attending an Engage is a magic pill to fix any business, BUT I will say if you listen hard and engage mindfully, your attendance WILL be a trans formative experience.

Held at the lush Encore Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Engage! 09: The Encore boasted a speaker list built by demand.  Rebecca Grinnals, Kathryn Arce,  Simon T. Bailey, Marcy Blum, Sean Low among others stood before an intimate yet talent packed room of attendees,  captivating us with every word.   I must mention also Tracey Kumer-Moore, from Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge, who was instrumental in making Engage come to life in what she called “her city”.  I had the pleasure of spending some time with Tracey and was so grateful for her insights and fabulous recommendations for thoroughly enjoying Las Vegas!

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From left to right, Rebecca and Kathryn, Tracey, and Simon!

I am quite the visual gal, big surprise, right?  The color palette for this event can be seen throughout from napkins and linens, to chairs and personal style statements (check out Simon’s cuff links!)  No detail was left to chance.
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From left to right:
Impeccable style and  infectious humor are just two of  Marcy Blum‘s enviable qualities.  I find myself wanting to hear more from her each time she speaks.  Thanks Marcy for yet another dose of honest wedding industry advice!     Sean Low has fast become one of my favorites in the industry for his dedication to the creative business owner.   JT wines, experts in custom wine production offered each attendee an exclusive label Engage! 09: The Encore Wine – how fun!   Last but not least was our time with Todd-Avery Lenahan designer of the Wynn and Encore Hotels in Las Vegas.  I was especially moved to hear details about the Encore Spa design.   I spent some time each day walking slowly through the Wynn and Encore spaces – snapping photographs and sketching.  Check back soon as I share my favorite details!

Remember my sketches from the last Engage in Grand Cayman? Well, I was still sketching in Vegas so check back soon for more!