Friday, October 17, 2008

I'm Engaged!

(Me and the queen of cakes - Sylvia Weinstock!)

(some of the goodies inside our "swag bag")

(the gorgeous tote from Tulla Belles!)


(lovely centerpieces from Flowers Of Winter Park)


(Tim Neill, Jay Casiano, Aaron Vieri, Isha Foss & Amy Rubins)


(Me and Mr. "Brilliant" himself - Simon T. Bailey)


(the cute name cards)

oh - don't let the title fool you...that's not the kind of "engagement" I'm talking about:)

I had the pleasure of attending Engage 08! - the Encore this past Tuesday at the fabulous Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes Resort in Orlando, Florida. Created by Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce of Engaging Concepts - this one day, high powered, high intensity symposium was designed for those of us in the industry who wish to move our respective businesses and careers to even higher levels.

We were totally "engaged" the entire day - from relevant and concise industry information, to amazing speakers, to elegantly chic food and gift bags - Rebecca and Kathryn literally left no stone unturned in order to bring their attendees the very best. I actually got started late because my plane was delayed in leaving Baltimore, but once I hit the lobby of the hotel...I was off and running :)

Our morning keynote speaker was the charmingly brilliant Simon T. Bailey - if you don't know who he is, I guarantee you will soon! "Releasing Your Brilliance" was the topic of his presentation, and through some serious, thought-affecting words and great group exercises, he was able to show all of us, give us a peek into the glimmering gems we really are! I highly recommend his book of the same name as well as his website where I'm sure you'll be inspired!

Lunch was a glamorously elegant event, filled with delicious food, courtesy of the Ritz - incredible linens by LaTavola (who also provided all of the gorgeous tablecoverings for the entire event) and the cutest placecard settings by PlaceTile Designs.
After our sumptious networking lunch, the afternoon was spent in the company of industry giants - we had the unique opportunity of interfacing with the founders of The Knot, Carley Roney and David Liu, got great PR and press information from Jill Meister of the CBS Early Show, Wedding Bee founder Kim Bee and public relations guru Eda Kalkay. Sean T. Low, president of Preston Bailey Designs, spoke about having a direct, distinct focus for your company and brand, while the grande dame of wedding cakes, Sylvia Weinstock rounded out the afternoon with her amazing wit, humor and the story behind those trademark glasses!

We all received an AMAZING bag of goodies - I'm still going through it and discovering treasure after treasure! From scrumptious sugar cookies, embellished with the Engage 08! logo, super-stylish tote bag and journals from Tulla Belles, samples and recipes from Hypnotiq, all natural soy candles from The Grapeseed Company, a cute passport case from ISZI studios...I mean, the list literally goes on and on!

Take a look at my amateur photos (note to self or hint to others - I want a new digital camera for my birthday in December!) and you can get a small glimpse of all the "happenings". I really do want to thank Rebeccaa and Kathryn for the amazing job they did in bringing such a wonderful event to fruition. If you are in the wedding industry and are truly serious about taking your business to a more successful level - don't miss out on the next Engage!

2 comments:

sonya said...

That bag is fabulous & so is the pic of you & Sylvia! I love it. :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, I wish I could have been there! It sounds like you had a great time and received a wealth of information.