Our Facilitators
Engage!25 Mallorca is focused on strengthening meaningful connections between 100 like-minded luxury event industry leaders. Through next-level engagement in this exclusive luxury resort, we will focus on personal development, immersive wellness, and professional growth, featuring peer-led discussions, and unique experiences. We are thrilled to share our esteemed line up for this immersive retreat, please click on each photo to learn more about their impressive accomplishments.
- Founder, Tara Fay Events
- tarafay.ie
Founder of the first-ever event company in Ireland specializing in weddings, corporate, and social events, Tara Fay has been a trailblazer in the business of celebrations for almost three decades. Named by Harper’s Bazaar as one of the top wedding planners in the world, her client list is a who’s who across Europe, including Laura Whitmore, Tyrone Wood and Faye Harris, Andrea Corr (The Corrs), Miss World Rosanna Davison, and more. With a background working and studying abroad, Tara infuses her zest for new cultures, experiences, and beautiful things into the memories she creates for clients. And those events have graced the pages of Fortune, Hello!, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, to name a few. You may also know Tara from her co-starring role on RTE Ireland’s popular reality show, “My Big Day: Home or Away.”
In addition to her global events business, Tara has become the unofficial face of destination weddings for her home country. Giving back and lifting up her industry is infused in everything she does. In collaboration with both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland the National Tourism Boards, Tara has spent the past 15 years establishing the country as one of the top luxury destination wedding locations. Tara was the founding president of the Irish chapter of WIPA and a past member of the Luxury Travel Working Group in Ireland.
Tara has produced two Engage Experiences in Ireland in 2018 and 2022.
Look for Tara on any given weekend producing large-scale events throughout Europe and Ireland. But her most important destination is Dublin, where she calls home with her husband and three children.
- Event and Wedding Planner, Marcy Blum Events
- marcyblum.com
Marcy Blum has been planning and producing weddings and other events for almost 38 years. Before opening her business, she graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and worked in various aspects of the restaurant and hospitality industry. Consequently, focused attention on service, food and hospitality are pillars of her approach to celebrations. Her sense of humor has been integral in her making it this long and her genuine fondness for most people has contributed to her success in a very competitive field.
Marcy Blum Associates Events is made up of a team of passionate, creative, and innovative humans who care deeply about the guest experience in addition to the clients’ experience.
RobbinsOtoya is a globally celebrated, full-service destination wedding and design firm run by business and life partners, Matthew Robbins and Luis Otoya. With their team, they plan and produce events around the world, bringing their unique vision and creativity to every project.
Matthew Robbins Design is the parent company of RobbinsOtoya, and all their creative endeavors, including their chic, inspiring publication, Invited Journal. Matthew and Luis are excited to be working on a new book together.
For nearly two decades, Anja Winikka has been at the forefront of both the consumer and business sides of the wedding industry. From 2006 to 2016, she helped pioneer the online wedding world as editor of TheKnot.com, speaking to millions of engaged couples and shaping how an entire generation planned their weddings. She later turned her focus to the business side of the aisle—creating education programs and workshops to help wedding professionals grow, innovate, and thrive. In 2019, AdWeek named her “The Knot’s Chief Innovator” for her work connecting thousands of local businesses to a social-savvy audience.
In 2021, Anja co-founded Maroo, a Y Combinator–backed payments platform built for the events industry, onboarding more than 7,000 wedding businesses within its first year.
In January 2024, she launched the Freeda Network (JoinFreeda.com)—a private, invite-only business network for established wedding brands and creative entrepreneurs serving high-net-worth clients. Freeda matches members into highly curated small groups that meet monthly for strategic, behind-closed-doors conversations, supported by expert-led business and finance classes and in-person gatherings around the country. Built for ambitious, seasoned creatives, Freeda is the trusted inner circle for those who want to connect, grow, and lead the industry forward.
- Founder and President, JZ Events
- jzevents.com
Named best of the best by Harper’s Bazaar and VOGUE, Jennifer Zabinski didn’t always know she wanted to be a wedding planner.
Her journey began at Cornell’s prestigious School of Hotel Administration, where she fell in love with the art of hospitality. After graduation, Jennifer headed west to California and swiftly rose through the ranks at iconic luxury hospitality brands The Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons. After becoming one of the youngest senior staff members to lead events—she knew she had found her passion.
Knowing that a career change was in order, Jennifer headed back to NYC where she co-founded the boutique planning company, The Wedding Library, and led their events division for a decade.
Combining her passion for hospitality and events, she launched JZ Events in 2011. Methodical about the planning process, she approaches each event as a creative collaboration between clients and vendors ensuring their vision comes to life with flawless execution. JZ Events marries Jennifer’s love for design, fashion, and travel with her solid business acumen and exquisite taste. JZ Events has planned hundreds of events in some of the most gorgeous and romantic destinations around the world, from Aspen and Amalfi to Cancun and Cap Ferret.
Jennifer brings over two decades’ worth of tight-knit vendor relationships, including award-winning caterers, floral designers and photographers. Whether you’re throwing an intimate gathering for 10 or a grand celebration for 500, Jennifer knows precisely who to tap to carry out your exact vision.
Jennifer’s work has graced the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Martha Stewart Weddings, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Brides, Glamour and The Knot. She is best known for executing events for high-profile clientele, including Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian’s New Orleans nuptials. Jennifer lives in New York City with her husband, two children and dogs Gunner and Abbey.
- Creative Director, Stefanie Cove and Company
- stefaniecove.com
With over 20 years of experience, Stefanie Cove founded Stefanie Cove and Co. specializing in worldwide event production for the most discerning and high-profile clientele. Based in Los Angeles and known for her discretion and refined taste, Stefanie Cove produces singular, full-service events around the world, organized and designed from concept to completion. Stefanie and her team’s unique ability to incorporate a client’s personal aesthetics, while delivering seamless production and cutting edge design, is further reflected in an effortless guest experience with memorable details. She also has an extensive background within the 5-star hospitality industry which enables her to consult and advise hotels and restaurants around the world. In addition to her own personal expertise, Stefanie has curated a multi-faceted, in-house team of design, production and catering professionals, allowing for limitless support and insight tailored to each event and client.
- CEO & Founder, Rachel Birthistle Studio
- rachelbirthistle.com
Rachel Birthistle, originally from Ireland, discovered her passion for design during her teenage years, igniting a love affair with Italy. After refining her skills in England, she now resides full-time on Lake Como, transitioning her focus from fashion to event design. She has since founded The Lake Como Wedding Planner, which has grown into a team of talented producers and creatives orchestrating breathtaking weddings and special events globally. Rachel’s strategic approach has positioned Lake Como as a hub for corporate events and high-profile photoshoots, including collaborations with Harper’s Bazaar US. With her innate ability to forge connections and a keen eye for design, Rachel’s enterprise continues to flourish, including expanding into furniture rental and event planning under Rachel Birthistle Studio.
- Owner, Shannon Leahy Events
- shannonleahy.com
With offices in California and Maryland, Shannon Leahy Rosenbaum is the visionary behind Shannon Leahy Events, one of the most sought-after event planning and design firms in the world. Known for producing original, unforgettable celebrations that set trends and spark conversation, Shannon has been named one of the top wedding and event planners globally by Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Brides, and Over the Moon.
Her signature aesthetic—sophisticated yet fresh, clean-lined yet layered—is instantly recognizable. A Shannon Leahy wedding is renowned for its intentional flow, refined details, and striking design moments that linger long after the last song plays. Her calm leadership, creative vision, and depth of experience have earned her a devoted following among clients and colleagues alike.
Shannon also co-hosts the popular podcast Wedded for wedding professionals and shares her industry expertise through a series of high-impact team-building playbooks, available on her eponymous website.
When she’s not creating magic for her clients, Shannon can be found cooking elaborate dinners, skiing fresh powder, or dancing to the record player with her husband Joe, their sons—Guy (8) and Miles (5)—and their beloved dog Bodie.
- Head of Partnerships, Over The Moon
- overthemoon.com
Savannah Rockwin, based in New York City, brings seven years of experience in digital marketing and brand partnerships in the luxury weddings and events industry. Currently, Savannah serves as the Head of Brand Partnerships at Over The Moon, contributes editorial insights, manages influencer relationships, and assists with social media initiatives. In this role, she works closely with OTM Founder and Vogue.com Contributing Editor Alexandra Macon to amplify Over The Moon’s global reach and promote their curated collection of over 350 designers and brands.
Savannah also works alongside Samantha Roberts supporting social media, marketing, and content strategies for a handful of leading event and lifestyle brands. Known for her expertise in content creation, Savannah has captured viral content resulting in millions of views and collaborated with top photographers and videographers including Jose Villa, Allan Zepeda, Corbin Gurkin, Le Reve Films, and Peyton Frank, among many others.
Savannah’s career began at Kleinfeld Bridal, where she served as their Social Media and Marketing Director for five years. She led Kleinfeld’s social media strategy for an audience of 3 million and oversaw brand partnerships like Disney, Make-A-Wish, Dennis Gross, Sakara, and more. She worked with TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress, launched designer collections both in-store and online, and planned brand activations including runway shows, charity events, and editorial campaigns. At Kleinfeld, Savannah also launched their TikTok account which organically reached over 20 million views each year.
- Attorney & Founder, Legally Set
- legallyset.com
Kunbi Odubogun is an industry leading Business Attorney, Speaker and Digital Media Expert with over 12 years of experience in the Legal and Events industries. With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to her clients’ success, Kunbi has built a reputation as a trusted legal advisor to startups, small businesses, and creative professionals.
She is the creator of Legally Set– an online shop offering legally sound, attorney-drafted contracts for entrepreneurs, event pros and creative business owners; and Founder of Perfête- a luxury celebrations publication with over one million monthly impressions across platforms.
A frequent Engage! speaker, Kunbi has shared her unique knowledge of Events and Law across several prominent platforms including The Knot, Wharton, CNN, Cosmopolitan, Bridal Guide, Bella Naija and more.
She continues to empower entrepreneurs with easy to digest legal and business knowledge to ensure they are legally set to succeed.
When she is not Lawyering or Publishing, she’s juggling life as an over-caffeinated mother of two.
- Founder & CEO, SONAL J. SHAH Event ConsultantsVENT CONSULTANTS
- sjsevents.com
For over 21 years, Sonal Shah has been the driving force behind Sonal J. Shah Event Consultants (SJS Events), a globally recognized boutique firm specializing in ultra-luxury, multi-million-dollar weddings and elite events. Known for her impeccable taste and attention to detail, Sonal has orchestrated some of the world’s most breathtaking celebrations in the most exclusive and picturesque destinations.
Working with an elite clientele, Sonal and her team provide a truly bespoke, white-glove experience, ensuring that every element—from custom couture fittings and world-class entertainment to Michelin-starred dining and immersive guest experiences—is executed to perfection. With an unrivaled global network of luxury vendors and a keen eye for refined aesthetics, she has become the go-to planner for royalty, Fortune 500 families, celebrities, and discerning high-net-worth individuals.
As a respected leader in the industry, Sonal is a sought-after speaker at international conferences, offering expertise on crafting high-caliber events, delivering an unparalleled client experience, and mastering the art of exclusivity. Her work has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Brides, and more, solidifying her reputation as one of the most influential voices in luxury event planning.
With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Sonal continues to set the gold standard in the world of ultra-luxury weddings, ensuring that every celebration is as extraordinary as the people behind it.
- Engage! Co-Founder
- engagesummits.com
Rebecca Grinnals is widely regarded as one of the foremost experts on the business of weddings & honeymoons. She is the Founder and President of wedding and honeymoon industry consulting firm, Engaging Concepts and Co-Founder of Engage! Luxury Wedding Business Summits.
Engaging Concepts is known for successfully-positioning global brands in the wedding and destination wedding industry. The company boasts a lifetime client list that includes The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Hilton Worldwide, Sandals & Beaches Resorts, InterContinental Hotels Asia-Pacific, Loews Hotels & Resorts, Graceland, Harley-Davidson, Disneyland Resort, various developers, venture capital firms, and many leading luxury wedding and event professionals.
Through Rebecca’s tenure at Engaging Concepts, Engage! Summits was born to bring together the wedding and event industry’s key influencers, thought leaders and tastemakers from around the globe to exchange ideas, innovate, and take the wedding industry to the next level. Named by Fortune as “the wedding industry’s most exclusive conference,” all 49 summits, experiences and retreats have been sellouts with guests coming from 48 states and 50 countries, generating an unprecedented 100 million social media impressions and counting.
Named to the BIZBASH Event Innovator Hall of Fame: Most Innovative People in Events & Meetings, Rebecca is also a sought-after speaker, trainer, and business trend expert. She has been a featured guest on CBS’ “The Early Show,” CNN, Entertainment Tonight, CNBC and hundreds of other national and international television and radio programs. She’s been featured in The New York Times, ENTREPRENEUR, Fast Company, USA Today, Forbes, Brides, and many more. And she has produced wedding events and remotes for, among others, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “The TODAY Show” and “Good Morning America.”
Prior to creating Engaging Concepts, Rebecca Co-Founded Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons for The Walt Disney Company, and spent ten years developing the concept into an unprecedented success. She directed the complete branding strategy, development and implementation of the program, building it into almost a $100 million per year business for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and the Disney Cruise Line. These efforts resulted in over 20,000 weddings and the coveted status for Disney as the # 1 Domestic Honeymoon Destination.
With a home base in Central Florida, today the Engage! family is exactly that. Seventeen years into Engage!, Rebecca’s two daughters have grown up with the company and the legacy of these wedding initiatives is now multi-generational.
- Engage! Co-Founder
- engagesummits.com
Kathryn Arce brings over 30 years of innovation and flawless event execution to her roles as Co-Founder of Engage! Luxury Wedding Business Summits and Managing Director of Engaging Concepts.
Through her work with Engaging Concepts, Kathryn has successfully developed campaigns and global initiatives in the luxury wedding and honeymoon space for brand names such as The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Hilton Worldwide, Sandals & Beaches Resorts, InterContinental Hotels Asia-Pacific, Loews Hotels & Resorts, Palace Resorts, Harley-Davidson, the Kessler Collection, Disneyland Resort, various developers, venture capital firms, and many leading luxury wedding and event professionals.
In 2008, she became the Co-Founder of Engage!, which came to life to better serve the global luxury wedding and event community through unmatched summits, experiences, and retreats. Named by Fortune as “the wedding industry’s most exclusive conference,” these events bring together the wedding and event industry’s key influencers, thought leaders and tastemakers from around the globe to exchange ideas, innovate and be inspired to take their successful businesses and, in turn, the wedding industry to the next level. Since inception, all 40 events have been sellouts with guests coming from 45 states and 30 countries, generating an unprecedented 45 million social media impressions and counting.
Kathryn began her career as a Wedding Event Manager for Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, where she personally planned and executed hundreds of weddings and related events. With an unyielding penchant for phenomenal customer service, Kathryn was instrumental in developing the early high standards of service Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings is known for today. She then stepped away from the wonderful world of weddings and was the Manager of Guest Services for the flagship Disney Store on Fifth Avenue in New York City where she facilitated all VIP Programs & Events. While living in NYC, Kathryn also worked with renowned wedding and special event planner Marcy Blum on the highest-profile weddings and events of the era, including Billy Joel & Katie Lee, Donald & Melania Trump, basketball legend Horace Grant, famed novelist, Tom Clancy, and more.
Kathryn has penned numerous articles on destination weddings and honeymoons which have been published in travel magazines throughout the US and Caribbean. She has produced events and live remotes for The TODAY Show, CBS’s The Early Show and “LIVE with Regis & Kathie Lee.” She was also named a BIZBASH Event Innovator Most Innovative People in Events and Meetings.
Known as a logistical maverick, Kathryn’s second-to-none grace of leadership and extensive guest service training paired with vast real-world wedding and event planning experience make her an invaluable resource for clients looking to “raise the bar” of their wedding programs.
She resides in Florida where her husband and two daughters have become respected members of Team Engage!