Group of six women posed for photo in front of a backdrop of tropical ferns — Photo: Amy Anaiz

As a first-time Engage! Ambassador, attending Engage!26 Maui was both inspiring and energizing. From meaningful conversations to unforgettable experiences, I left with a renewed sense of purpose and so many ideas to bring back to my team and clients.

Day One

The experience began with one of the most thoughtful gifting programs I've seen. Every gift celebrated the destination and supported local Maui businesses, which was such a beautiful reminder of how impactful destination-specific gifting can be. My favorite gift? A new pair of Maui Jim sunglasses that will forever remind me of this incredible week.

An island-inspired gifting station featuring specialty perfumes, candles, and local artwork — Photos: Megan Noll, Amy Anaiz

One of my favorite roles as an Ambassador was welcoming first-time attendees and sharing a few tips for making the most of the experience. I encouraged them to resist the temptation to spend all of their time with their roommate or the people they arrived with. Engage! is about expanding your circle. The most meaningful connections often happen in the in-between moments: sitting by the pool, walking between sessions, or striking up a conversation while waiting for coffee.

The opening general session set the tone for the week. A recurring theme was the evolution of luxury. Luxury is no longer simply about excess, opulence, or creating something bigger and grander than before. Today's luxury is rooted in authenticity. It is about listening deeply, understanding clients on a human level, and creating experiences that feel uniquely personal to them.

A collage of three images featuring a colorful room with vibrant pink and yellow tables, a woman sitting at a table looking at a stage taking notes in her notebook, and a shaved coconut drink holder with the words Engage Maui Hawaii engraved on it — Photos: Eric Kelley, Megan Noll, Jana Williams

That evening, we gathered oceanside for the welcome party. Maui's restaurants and venues showcased the island's flavors through creative and beautifully executed food stations, while DJ Brian B kept the dance floor packed all night. Between dancing, reconnecting with friends, and making memories in the Banga Booth, it was the perfect start to the week.

Day Two

Our morning began before sunrise with an E ala E ceremony, a traditional Hawaiian sunrise chant that welcomes the rising sun and symbolizes awakening, renewal, and new beginnings. Standing on the beach as we greeted the day together was both grounding and inspiring, and one of the most memorable moments of the conference.

The day's sessions continued the conversation around intentional luxury and meaningful client experiences. We explored how truly understanding our clients creates more impactful celebrations and stronger businesses.

One session focused on time tracking in Tack and how understanding where our time is spent can reveal inefficiencies, improve decision-making, strengthen leadership, and ultimately help us serve our clients better. Another standout conversation featured Lynden Lane, who reminded us that success often comes down to something very simple: being a good human. Treating our teams, vendor partners, and peers with respect and kindness will always be one of the most powerful business strategies.

After lunch, I led a Brain Date discussion on work-life balance in the wedding industry. It was refreshing to have an honest conversation with fellow business owners about boundaries, sustainability, and building businesses that support the lives we want to live.

A collage of images featuring a group of five women sitting and standing beside two wooden swings, a traditional luau-inspired dinner setting, and a luau doll escort display — Photos: Banga Booth, Megan Noll, Amy Anaiz

The afternoon was filled with Maui favorites: shaved ice, Dole Whip, and poolside conversations with both new and longtime friends.

That evening, we experienced a traditional luau complete with incredible dancers, fire performances, and a family-style feast celebrating Hawaiian culture. The night continued at the Lava Lounge after-party, where the dancing carried on well into the evening.

Day Three

The final day focused heavily on growth, leadership, and the intentional scaling of a business.

My biggest takeaway centered around empowering my team and creating systems that eliminate bottlenecks. One area I immediately recognized is my inbox. Too much information and too many decisions currently flow through me. The conversations throughout the day challenged me to build clearer structures, delegate with greater confidence, and create an environment where my team feels empowered to lead. When everyone understands their role and has the tools to succeed, we can better serve our clients while continuing to grow sustainably.

Collage of three photos featuring an outdoor lunch area with bright floral tables, tropical flowers, and three women learning to do a traditional hula dance — Photos: Amy Anaiz, Molly McCauley, Paul Morse

After the sessions wrapped, I spent my final hours soaking up the Maui sunshine by the pool before heading home, grateful for the conversations, relationships, and ideas that will continue to shape my business long after the conference ended.

Final Thoughts

Engage! Maui was a reminder that while trends, technology, and business strategies evolve, our industry will always be rooted in people. The relationships we build, the care we show, and the experiences we create are what truly define luxury.