This past July, Engage!23 graced Paris, arguably the world’s most romantic city! Key figures from the global wedding industry including Mindy Weiss, David Beahm & Elie Saab Jn convened for three exhilarating days of enlightenment, learning and festivity in the radiant City of Lights. As the Creative Director of the Engage! Summit, the Alejandra Poupel team orchestrated the conference at some of Paris’s most iconic spots, headquartered at the 5-star Hotel Plaza Athenee and Le Meurice. Furthermore, hosted a vibrant array of speakers from around the world, blending familiar favorites with fresh faces on the Engage! platform.

Engage!23 Summit Creative Director

Firstly, the team and I meticulously planned every event, conference and session for Engage!23 Paris from start to finish. Leveraging our deep knowledge of Paris, we showcased the city in the most splendid light for our attendees. Engage summits handles the comprehensive organization of the conference, speakers, attendees, gifts, and all logistics. Our team specifically oversees the event planning, design and scenography. Next, with exceptional talents like Roni Floral Design, Inspirations live band, Gabriele Rizzi Lab and Bastien Blanc Tailleur by our side, we ensured the aesthetic was impeccable. Additionally, we handpick entertainment to ensure perfect harmony with the event’s theme.

Creative Inspiration for Engage!23: The Paris Experience

We aimed to encapsulate every quintessential Parisian element. Paris evokes thoughts of art, iconic monuments, gastronomy, and fashion. Our journey began with a daytime river cruise along the Seine. Our partners, Inspirations, arranged entertainment at our celebrated bridges. This allows guests to witness the city’s landmarks transition from day to twilight. Naturally, this culminates in the dazzling lights of the Eiffel Tower.

Art took center stage with exclusive visits to Musée d’Orsay and Galerie Dior, and we delved deeper into the artistic realm by offering private perfume-making lessons with Guerlain. Fashion’s grandeur was unveiled through an Elie Saab fashion show.

Our pièce de résistance was the gala dinner at the historic Château Vaux le Vicomte, steeped in rich history. Each evening was designed with a distinct flair, yet all showcased Parisian elegance. The inaugural night embraced a ‘Moulin Rouge Paris Je t’aime’ theme, complete with can-can dancers, Edith Piaf tunes, and a dress code splashed in red, white, and blue. The subsequent evening, exuding glamour, was set in the historic opera salon, celebrating high fashion.

The final night’s extravaganza was an immersive experience. Each room of the chateau bore unique decor. For example, the library showcased books with pages appearing to flutter in mid-air. The evening’s highlight was a performance featuring 45 singers and dancers on the chateau’s steps under a starlit sky by Inspirations live band. Guests indulged in an elaborate dessert spread showcasing 18th-century silverware and classic Parisian pastries. Naturally, Paris’s gastronomic excellence shone throughout. We collaborated with Michelin-starred chef Christian Le Squer, from the Four Seasons George V hotel and, on one exceptional evening, the renowned executive chef of Lenotre, Guy Krenzer, inverted the dining experience. Guests were greeted with what appeared to be espresso cups, only to discover they contained foie gras.

Highlights and Gratitude from Engage! Paris

The highlight for me is collaborating closely with my creative partners and truly highlight the essence of Paris. Having the freedom to brainstorm and craft the event exactly as we envisioned, without external influences, is very gratifying. After all, I take pride in the fact that we can unite as a team, genuinely enjoying the process, and fostering an environment where everyone feels content and complete!

Finally, I hold immense respect and admiration for the two founders of Engage concepts, Rebecca and Kathryn. Working alongside them was truly delightful. They strike a perfect balance of professionalism and humility, all the while being incredibly enjoyable company! It’s clear to see why Engage thrives so well. It isn’t just a conference; it’s a philosophy rooted in connection and camaraderie. The atmosphere they foster is characterized by mutual trust and genuine concern for one another, which is a rarity in today’s world.