Kinetic at Santa Barbara
Old World Charm meets modern connection
At House of Joy, we believe that inspiration thrives in spaces where design, dialogue, and meaningful connection meet. That’s why launching Kinetic - a new conference for luxury event professionals - was such an exciting chapter. Designed to be a thoughtful container for learning, gathering, and growing together, Kinetic Santa Barbara was an unforgettable three-day experience nestled in the hills of California's Central Coast. Hosted in partnership with our friend and visionary creative Kaleb Norman James, Kinetic unfolded at the iconic Belmond El Encanto - a luxury resort perched above Santa Barbara. The venue was the perfect setting: a glamorous hideaway with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, tranquil koi ponds, and terraced gardens steeped in Old Hollywood charm. Its Spanish Colonial and California Craftsman architecture provided the ideal backdrop for our vision: thoughtful conversation, refined design, and unmatched inspiration.
Kinetic’s design concept was dreamed up by Kaleb, who created an aesthetic rooted in contrast - a tension between classic and contemporary, natural and structured. He drew inspiration from the venue’s lily pond and symmetrical garden layout, combining verdant, trailing botanicals with Neoclassical elements, which later transformed into menus. The overarching aesthetic was lush and layered. Texture played a lead role - overgrown greenery juxtaposed with modern vessels, carefully selected furniture, and stationery designed with clean lines and strong intent. The result was a study in ornate beauty with a sense of editorial restraint. It felt like stepping into a European conservatory: romantic, elevated, and welcoming.
Kinetic opened with guest check-in and mingling, followed by our first group session. Our Guest Host and Creative Director welcomed everyone before diving into an engaging marketing discussion led by Wedvibes. We rooted the conversation in Santa Barbara’s unique creative ecosystem, then softened into a connection session to help attendees feel seen, grounded, and ready to grow together. The evening unfolded with a relaxed, sunset veranda dinner overlooking the coastline. It was simple, breezy, and intentional - just the way we like to begin.
After a leisurely breakfast, we moved into a full morning of educational sessions. Our speakers brought their expertise with authenticity and energy, creating space for both insight and vulnerability. In the afternoon, attendees were encouraged to choose their own adventure - some explored town while others enjoyed a restful break on the property. That evening’s dinner was one of our favorite moments: a musical chairs-inspired dining experience. Each speaker hosted a table during a course, rotating so guests could share deeper conversations with a variety of voices. And as the stars came out, the night turned playful with a spontaneous karaoke session that brought the house down.
We closed Kinetic with one final morning of education before heading out for a coastal sailing excursion aboard a 50-foot catamaran. Sun, sea spray, and storytelling made for a perfect close to our sessions. Later that evening, our cornerstone dinner took place in a lush garden courtyard filled with thoughtful, textural detail. Modern black and white plateware anchored the tablescape, while Grecian busts and statues added an editorial twist. Hanging cloth lanterns and string garden lights cast a soft glow, and live piano music gave the evening a cinematic edge. It was layered, curated, and everything we hoped it would be - a finale that reflected the entire ethos of Kinetic.
Kinetic was more than a conference. It was a beautifully orchestrated study in what happens when talented creatives are given space to listen, share, and be known. It wasn’t about being the loudest in the room—it was about slowing down, getting clear, and finding direction. At House of Joy, we’re committed to creating more of these kinds of spaces. Events with vision. Experiences with heart. We’re already dreaming about what’s next.
Want to be part of the next Kinetic? Stay tuned. We can’t wait to welcome you.
