For the final night of Engage!25, we invited guests into an evening celebrating the beauty and heritage of California Wine Country. As the grand finale of the conference, the gala turned the Ritz-Carlton Bacara ballroom into an immersive space where nature, hospitality, and design came together.

An Overnight Ballroom Transformation in Santa Barbara

The ballroom was completely reimagined in a single overnight install. We laid fresh carpeting and wrapped the room floor to ceiling in navy velvet, which gave the space warmth and depth. Taking inspiration from the region’s vineyards, we brought the outdoors in with full-sized olive trees, lush grapevines, and layered florals that softened the room’s architecture. Guests walked through a winding grapevine tunnel before stepping into a candlelit landscape that felt both intimate and expansive, like an evening out among the vines.

Dining Beneath Olive Trees

Custom dining tables sat beneath tall olive trees, so it felt like gathering in a hidden grove. Fine china, menus inspired by wine labels, and richly layered tablescapes honored the craft of California winemaking. Hundreds of candles filled the room with a warm, flickering glow that looked beautiful against the deep blue velvet.

A Grand Finale Rooted in the Central Coast

As guests dined, celebrated, and enjoyed the evening’s entertainment, the gala became a true tribute to California Wine Country. Built around connection, craftsmanship, and a sense of place, it was a fitting way to close Engage!25 and send everyone home inspired by the Central Coast.

 

 

 

Hospitality Host: Ritz Carlton Bacara 

Event: Engage Summits

Photos by: Liz Banfield Cat Galletti , Amanda Crean

Creative Director, Planning, and Floral Design: Tyler Speier

Art Direction, Branding, Paper, Design Support: TPD Design House

Entertainment & Music: Elan Artists 

Linens: Nuage Designs

AV: Five Star AV

China, Glassware, & Flatware: Casa De Perrin 

Custom Tables Around Trees: Revelry Event Designers

Wholesale Floral: Florabundance Inc. 

Rentals: Found

Lighting & Draping: Bella Vista

China, Glassware, & Flatware: Casa De Perrin

Trees: Jackson Shrub

Candles: Vogue Candles

Gala Custom Dance Floor: RCD Dance Floors

Beauty Team: Gala Attendee Services: TEAM Hair and Makeup

Ice Cream: Mcconnells Icecreams

Wine: Alma Rosa Winery

Tequila: Lalo Spirits

Bourbon: Woodford Reserve

Gin: Black Market Spirits