Even though a few weeks have pasted, we are reminiscing the amazing details from the official Engage! Retreat of 2023 in Montenegro! You will understand why, once you will get to see up close everything that took place in this three day magical experience. One of Engage’s proudest missions is to “build bridges” across the world and that is exactly what happened when 110 of the most talented luxury event professionals from 21 countries got together in Montenegro: 3 days filled with meaningful connections and unique luxurious experiences like none other! This immersive retreat was hosted at the incredible One & Only Portonovi: a breathtakingly beautiful and ultra luxurious resort situated on the magnificent Adriatic coastline, a resort that is considered to be the jewel of Europe’s most fashionable new riviera. Get ready to see why Engage! Retreats are one of the most anticipated events of the year as we share a closer look into this one of a kind experience for wedding professionals!
A Warm Welcome and Unique Gifting
Every Engage! event starts with a warm and meaningful welcome from the incredible founders Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce. Those first few minutes always make everyone that has traveled from all corners of the world feel greatly appreciated for attending and at the same time excited for what is about to come. It is not so much what Rebecca and Kathryn are saying during the opening session but how they are saying it that makes every single attendee feel welcome and part of this incredible community of wedding professionals.
Just like any Engage! Experience or Engage! Summits, gifting is one of the highlights. At the Engage! Retreat 2023 in Montenegro, attendees were spoiled with carefully curated swag. From the stylish Wellington Cabana Tote, the plush custom pool towel and the Hermes Jardins Travel Set, the gifting was pretty amazing to say the least!
Professional Facilitation & Meaningful Peer Led Discussions
As always at Engage! , the learning and education part is quite powerful. During the Engage! Retreat 2023 in Montenegro, elevated workshops that focused on personal development, professional growth and wellness were held by Lindsay Rogers from Raw Strategy and Gurminder Banga from Banga Studios. Everyone left the workshops feeling inspired and re-energized! Also peer led discussions with relevant business topics were held led by the talented Lynn Easton from Easton Events, Edgar Zamora from Revelry Event Designers, Bob Conti from Ed Libby Events, Corbin Gurkin, Kunbi Odubogun from Legally Set and Perfete, Vanessa Kreckel from TPD Design House, Pablo Oliveira from Nuage Designs, Antonella Merli from Belmond and Marcella Cecere from Borgo Egnazia.
Luxurious dining experience and unforgettable parties
Attendees had the pleasure to enjoy a magnificent dining experience at the One & Only Portonovi restaurants: the authentic Montenegrin cuisine at the La Veranda, the inspiring Japanese-Peruvian flavours at Tapasake and the extraordinary Italian flavors of Sabia. Every dining event was beautifully decorated with the most stylish details, gorgeous dried florals and colorful materials that created such a gorgeous setting. The entertainment was indeed incredible and the parties (just like all the Engage! parties) were downright fun!
The most amazing immersive experience
One of the highlights of the retreat was the catamaran sail along the magnificent Bay of Kotor! Attendees enjoyed a one-of-a-kind grand exploration while having fun engaging on the catamaran. Lunch took place at the Heritage Grand Perast, an elegant hotel that is housed in a restored 18th-century palace. From the breathtaking scenery of the coastline to scrumptious meal in the courtyard of the Heritage Grand Perast, this part of the retreat was definitely one for the books!
Ultimate relaxation & Restoration
At the Chenot Espace Spa at the One & Only Portonovi, attendees were treated to invigorating spa treatments in order to restore their sense of wellbeing. In this state of the art spa, attendees had access to the serene indoor pool, sauna and steam room all located in the most luxurious setting you can ever imagine!
Connecting and networking with industry thought leaders
Just like every kind of event that Engage! organizes each year since 2008, a unique environment is created that highly encourages networking, meaningful connections and long lasting friendships in the wedding industry. All created in this amazing community #becauseofengage !