Top Takeaways From Engage!22

I was thrilled to attend Engage! for the fourth time this past June at the Four Seasons in New Orleans. Engage! brings together top professionals in the luxury events industry for four days of inspiration, innovation and collaboration. This summit included an incredible list of world-renowned speakers, a carefully curated program, unique designs and delectable culinary creations. For me, the best thing about the conference is being surrounded by so many talented people.

Connecting, sharing our immense knowledge and the collaboration that happens because of this event leads to incredible projects that wow our clients. I truly cherish the relationships I have built because of Engage and look forward to continuing to grow and develop alongside some of the best and brightest in the business. In the spirit of sharing, here are my top takeaways from Engage!22.

It's either a hell yes or a hard no. This applies to all areas of life. If people aren't over the moon excited to work together, it might as well be a no. Not everyone will be the right fit and that's okay. This was a common theme among many speakers.

When you teach someone to value you, you're teaching them to value others as well. In an industry where everyone is trying to undercut another vendor's quote to secure business, it becomes a race to the bottom. Nobody wins in that case. Credit to Alexandra Carter who shared this nugget of wisdom on negotiating.

We need to stop running around with our heads cut off like we how we have been for the past two years. Now is the time to get yourself together, get organized and on a pace you want your business to be on. The wise words of Cindy Novotny.

It might sound like an old cliche but showing up is half the battle. You have to be in the room and be part of the conversations. This one I learned firsthand and continues to be demonstrated throughout my life and business.