Manny Martinez’s Unforgettable Experience at the Engage Summit in Nemacolin

Attending the Engage Summit at Nemacolin in Farmington, PA was an unforgettable experience, especially for those of us deeply embedded in the event industry. As an event consultant based in Florida, I’m always on the lookout for fresh inspiration and innovative ideas to bring back to my clients. The Engage Summit delivered on all fronts and then some.

With more than 2000 acres of beautiful grounds, Nemacolin is a one-of-a-kind resort nestled in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania.  This spectacular venue was the perfect destination for the Engage Summit to gather, as their main mission is to "unite the luxury global wedding and event industry."  More than 350 wedding and event leaders, innovators, and top names in professional development joined my colleague Suzanne Chandler, from Event Source, and I in a truly spectacular engagement.  To top it all off, the conference commenced with a once-in-lifetime performance by the iconic Diana Ross!

From the moment we arrived, it was clear the quality of this conference was on another level compared to others I've attended. The attention to detail in every aspect of the event was superb. Every element was designed to impress and inspire, whether it was the stunning décor, meticulously curated dinners, or seamless organization.

The dinners and party rentals were nothing short of spectacular. Suzanne and I couldn’t help but flip chairs to see who the rental company was, touch and feel every texture, and snap countless photos. The creativity and quality were mind-blowing. It was a fantastic way to pump creative juices into us and gather ideas and inspiration. From a rental company standpoint, we were constantly in awe of the innovative designs and impeccable execution.

1. Scottish Pipe Players and Dinner in the Cathedral: On the third night, dinner was announced by a band of Scottish Pipe Players. Walking into the Cathedral to the sound of the band playing Hozier’s "Amen" was a magical experience that set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

2. Night of Flights and Fancy Desserts: Being taken to the Secret Blue Room for a night of flights and fancy desserts was like stepping into another world. The creativity and presentation were beyond anything I had seen before.

3. Cindy Novotny’s Road to Success Workshop: Cindy's workshop on sales was a highlight for me. Her emphasis on building relationships rather than transactions and making it easier to do business with you resonated deeply. It’s a philosophy I plan to integrate more fully into my own practices.

4. Josh Spiegel’s Session: Josh Spiegel, the Founder and Chief Creative Director of Birch Event Design in New York gave insights on partnerships were invaluable. He stressed that finding a good partner starts with asking yourself how you can be a great partner, a perspective that can transform business relationships.

5. Gala Announcement: The gala was a grand finale to an incredible summit. Maggie and PJ, the owners of Nemacolin, announced Diana Ross as the headliner. The energy and excitement in the room were palpable, making it a night to remember.

The next Engage Summit will occur in December at the Ritz Carlton in Amelia Island. It promises to be another fantastic opportunity to get in front of industry leaders and showcase our products and services. I believe it will be the perfect platform to connect with creative partners who produce events at the scale we strive to achieve more of.

Attending the Engage Summit at Nemacolin was more than just a professional development opportunity; it was a source of immense inspiration and motivation. The quality of the event, the creativity on display, and the valuable insights gained have left a lasting impression. I am eager to bring these ideas back to our clients and elevate the events we produce to new heights.

- Manny Martinez, Event Consultant for So Cool Events