For those who haven’t heard about it, Engage! is a traveling event that brings together the wedding industry’s most creative minds in gorgeous settings around the world. Think of it as TedTalks but for people whose businesses depend on them knowing the ins and outs of the luxury market. Magazine editors, bloggers, planners, designers, and photographers from around the world gathered in Puglia, Italy for this year’s Engage!16 to discuss entrepreneurship, design, and more. And of course, they did it in total style, with a series of beautiful, thoughtful, and fun events hosted over three days’ time.
Brought on board as the official Engage!16 photographer, Betsi Ewing captured the stunning setting and the key events of the conference. Here’s the scoop straight from Betsi herself.
Words + Photography by Betsi Ewing
Tell us about the conference and how the venue setting impacted your time at engage.
The conference “Engage! 2016 Europe” was a once in a lifetime experience with such a special group of people from around the world, in a truly “nowhere else” setting. It felt like a dream! The food, the company, the activities, the views! Such a diverse group of international industry professionals all there with the same ideas in mind - to learn, to share, to experience Puglia and make to new friends! Mission accomplished. As the official photo team for Engage! 2016 Europe I could not have dreamed of a better backdrop for our images. Our assignment was to photograph all of the events happening over the 3 days and nights and we are to the moon with the results. Positive feedback has been pouring in since our return from Italy and everyone is still gushing over the dreamy images.
Favorite features and design elements of hotels (this hotel??)
As a photographer Borgo is truly a dream location to photograph! The natural walls with climbing bougainvillea and gorgeous archways that frame each new direction. It feels very authentic and historic with the weathered look of the walls, doors and windows. One of my favorite views at Borgo was the rooftop of our patio, such a stunning view of the area. I also loved the rain fall shower heads in the bathroom and large balcony off the bedroom.
Any favorite drinks you ordered while staying at the hotel?
Aside from delicious local wines and endless espressos, when in Italy I always love an Aperol Spritz! Not only are they colorful and fun to photograph but also delicious!
What were some of your favorite meals?
My favorite dinner during our stay was the “Festa Del Borgo” at Borgo where we ate homemade pasta made on site by local artisans, as well as many other delicious foods and desserts.
Any recommendations in the surrounding area?
One of my most memorable days in Puglia was the afternoon excursion driving vintage cars to the surrounding villages. The Borgo Egnathia Beach Club on the seaside is lovely also, an excellent place for lunch with an incredible view of the Adriatic sea.
Did you meet anyone at the venue that made a lasting impression? Any fun stories to share in general?
Claudia and Marcella from Borgo were the best! They made sure everything ran smoothly for our stay and were also the most warm, friendly, knowledgeable, organized (and stylish!) hosts!
Don't miss out this year! Here's the lineup for Engage 2017 - The Luxury Wedding Business Summit:
- Cayman Islands - Kimpton Seafire - June 5th-8th
- Venice, Italy - Belmond Hotel Cipriani - Oct. 23rd-25th
- Cancun, Mexico - NIZUC Resort & Spa - December 11th-14th
Credits
Photography: Betsi Ewing | Videography: Elysium Productions | Second Photographer: Brooke for Betsi Ewing Studio | Venue: Borgo Egnazia | Event: Engage! Summit by Engaging Concepts
