Experience the future of inclusive collaboration at The Engaging Conference 2025. Dive into a transformative space where ideas from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities converge.

Learn how to design & deliver engagement at your in-person, hybrid and virtual events.

Learn from the world's experts in Engagement.

What do you get with an IN-PERSON ticket?

Over 18 top speakers on engagement
5-Minutes on stage with 4-camera footage
3 Meals a day including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Expert speaker coaching
Exclusive networking

Speakers Include:

Brian Walter, Cavett Award Winner, the highest award in National Speakers Association
Tim Gard, CSP, CPAE, Hall of Famer Humorist
Blair LaCorte, 4x CEO
Ed Cohen, 2x Training Magazine #1 Top 150 Training Companies
Frank Kitchen, CSP, leader of the National Speakers Association Certified Speaking Professional program
Mark Hunter, CSP, the Sales Hunter
Lia Bliss, Top LinkedIn Experts
Josh Craver, 4x Chief Talent Officer
Rebecca P. Murray, Showcase Your Shine
Ariel Hazi, Founder of Neurosteer
Adib Shadid, CEO of Gatherly.io
Vaibhav "Happy" Nahata, CEO of Speaker Videos
Luam Werson, Owner of Award Winning Mojitos Restaurant
JO Welch, Accessibility Expert and Virtual Emcee
Adam Bacher, Award Winning Photographer
Adam Tiegs, Award Winning AV Expert and DJ
John Chen, CSP, #1 Amazon Author of Engaging Virtual Meetings and your host

From captivating panel discussions to interactive sessions, we're breaking barriers to ensure everyone's voice finds a platform and feels engaged. Using the most advanced and engaging hybrid setup, you will have the best seat in the house no matter if you attend in-person or virtually.

Join industry pioneers who value diversity as strength, and equip yourself with insights that redefine the norm.

With dedicated accessibility options and content tailored to a myriad of perspectives, this conference transcends the ordinary.

2024 Attendee Karin Crinella said, “This conference has given me so much more than I could have ever imagined. I feel lighter. I feel more confident. I have a new way forward because of you!”

NEW for 2025 - The first 50 IN-PERSON attendees get a 5-minute 4-camera fully edited video!

Engage, empower, and evolve together. Your unique story is our collective strength.

🌍♿️🏳️‍🌈Note: Accessible formats & captioning are readily available.

Attend virtually!

Attend in-person!

Attend what a PhD called, "The Best HYBRID E.V.E.R!"

Click "FOLLOW" for speaker announcements and agenda updates! See speaker videos below.

Tuesday 10/28/2025

7:30am Doors Open, hosted by Virtual Emcee JO Welch

8:00am The Engaging Conference Opening Ceremony hosted by John Chen, CSP

8:50am The Why, When and How of Fast Interaction with Brian Walter, CSP, CPAE, Cavett

9:40am Break

10:20am - The Engagement Triangle by Rebecca P. Murray

11:10am - Best Team Ever to Every Team: Building a Relationship-Centered Culture with Ed Cohen

12:00pm - Lunch

1:00pm - Unlocking Engagement: Proven Practices Leaders Can Apply Now with Josh Craver

1:50pm - Engagement Through Luxury Wines - Gary Agajanian

2:40pm - Break

3:20pm - From Dishwasher To Restauranter with Luam Werson

4:10pm - The Engaging Debrief by John Chen, CSP

5:00 pm Dinner/Networking, end of virtual (In-Person Only)

7:00 pm Optional Evening Activity (In-Person Only)

Wednesday 10/29/2025

7:30am Doors Open, hosted by Virtual Emcee JO Welch

8:00am How To Make Your Next Keynote More Engaging With No Additional Technology by John Chen, CSP

8:50am Transform Stress Into Strength One Laugh at a Time with Tim Gard, CSP, CPAE

9:40am Break

10:20am Cook Up a Keynote Learning Experience Your Audience Will Crave - And Remember with Frank Kitchen, CSP

11:10am - You’re More Important Than You Think.... Yes, You Are! by Mark Hunter, CSP

12:00pm Lunch

1:00pm Better Engagement Through Curiosity and Wonder – Becoming a Perspective Seeker - Adam Bacher

1:50pm The 7 D's: Navigating Dynamics as a DJ - Adam Tiegs

2:40pm Break

3:20pm The Emcee Revolution: Stop Just Talking to Your Audience and START TRANSFORMING THEM! with JO Welch

4:10pm - The Engaging Debrief by John Chen, CSP

5:00 pm Dinner/Networking, end of virtual (In-Peson Only)

7:00 pm Optional Evening Activity (In-Person Only)

Thursday 10/30/2025

7:30am Doors Open, hosted by Virtual Emcee JO Welch

8:00am The Hybrid Advantage for Speakers with John Chen, CSP

8:50am - Engaging With Your Health with Blair LaCorte

9:40am Break

10:20am The Brain Science of Engagement with Ariel Hazi

11:10am - Leading with LinkedIn with Lia Bliss

12:00pm Lunch

1:00pm Engagement Through Data Analytics - Scot Duffield

1:50pm - Engaging with Video with Vaibhav "Happy" Nahata

2:40pm Break

3:20pm - Super Engaging Panel moderated by John Chen, CSP

4:10pm The Engaging Retreat Closing Ceremony with John Chen, CSP

5:00 pm End of Virtual, Dinner/Networking (In-Person Only)

7:00 pm Celebration (In-Person Only)

In-Person Hotel Suggestions

McMenamins Anderson School

18607 Bothell Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011

To book by phone -

Call 425-398-0122

To book online -

Visit https://reserve.mcmenamins.com/mcmenamins/availability.asp

Comfort Inn & Suites Bothell - Seattle North

1414 228th St SE, Bothell, WA 98021

(425) 402-0900

The Engaging Retreat 2025