Coastal California Roadshow Spotlight: Pendry Newport Beach

We are California Dreamin’ this month with our first ever Coastal California Roadshow! The second stop will bring us to Cabaret at the Elwood Club at the Pendry Newport Beach.

Tucked away into the coastal waters of the famous sun-soaked beaches of Southern California, Pendry Newport Beach resort is a perfect extension to Orange County’s one-of-a-kind culture. With 295 guest rooms, including 119 suites, the Pendry represents the luxury but laid back style you would expect in Southern California.

With multiple dining options to fit your mood and a unique members club, Pendry Newport Beach serves up impeccable style and service. You will find our Destination Showcase in their version of a member’s only club, the swanky Cabaret at the Elwood Club.

Come join us on Wednesday, November 20th at Cabaret at the Elwood Club from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm to meet with our destination partners for our luxury Destination Showcase then stay and be our guest for lunch!

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to the Newport Beach Pendry Hotel and the second stop on the 2024 Coastal California Roadshow!

Classic Southeast Roadshow Spotlight: Hyatt Centric, Charlotte, NC

On our second stop on our Classic Southeast Roadshow we will meet you at the boutique hotel, Hyatt Centric Charlotte. Set in the hip SouthPark neighborhood, close to all that Charlotte has to offer in upscale retail and businesses. The hotel opened in 2021 with 175 guest rooms, a 3700 square foot ballroom, a rooftop bar and restaurant with outdoor terrace.

On the roof sits Asian restaurant, Mizu, where we will end our day with lunch and conversation.

Inspired by the wood-fired Robata grills of Japan, Mizu offers a seafood-focused menu composed of wood-fired, raw and chilled dishes, sushi and shareable plates.

Come join us on Wednesday, October 23rd at Hyatt Centric Charlotte. Join us early from 9:00 am – 10:00 am for a special presentation led by Kelly McAlister of Maui Jim and Gil Sheehan of Barrington Gifts, who will illustrate how elevating your gifting experience is paramount to making lasting impressions on your event guests. From 10:00 am – 2:00 pm meet with our destination partners for our luxury Destination Showcase then stay and be our guest for a delicious lunch on the rooftop restaurant Mizu.

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Charlotte and the second stop on the 2024 Classic Southeast Roadshow!

 

Northeast Roadshow Spotlight: Kokos at Pearl Alley and Lower Manhattan Cruise, NYC

Well, New York, we decided to do things a little differently for this one. We decided we really liked you and would stay awhile. You were our second, third and now our final stop on the Northeast Roadshow!

Our final stop takes us to the Seaport in lower Manhattan. We will start off with our signature Destination Showcase at Kokos at Pearl Alley, which will allow Meeting and Event Planners to have 1:1 time with our Destination Partners.

Kokos at Pearl Alley is a new bar within The Seaport at Pier 17. It is where the tropics meets New York, with cozy cabanas and urban waterfront views, surrounded by tropical accents and lush greenery in this concrete jungle.

From there we will move our post-showcase cocktail reception to an evening cruise on a clipper ship, featuring jazz and other goodies, while we take a sail around lower Manhattan and cruise over to say hello to Lady Liberty and take in the iconic views of NYC  that you can only get from the water.

Come join us on Thursday, August 29th at Kokos at Pearl Alley from 3:00 – 4:45 pm for our Destination Showcase. From there we will board our private clipper ship at 4:45 pm, sail out around Lower Manhattan towards the Statue of Liberty, and return to the Seaport at 6:30 pm.

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com.

We look forward to welcoming you to Kokos at Pearl and aboard the jazz cruise around lower Manhattan, which is sure to be an unforgettable evening. and make this final stop on the Northeast Roadshow one to remember.

Olympic Fever!

Raise your hand if you are fully invested in the Paris Olympics right now. Even if you aren’t a sports fan its hard not to find the scenes being featured around Paris completely mesmerizing. What a perfect host city to welcome the Olympics back to full capacity since the days of the Pandemic. If you didn’t have a vacation in Europe already this summer I bet you are planning one for the near future.

It has us thinking, though, about Olympic themed events – venues, past host cities, décor, keynote speakers. What Olympians accomplish and spend their life training for is sometimes hard to wrap your head around if you stop to think about it too long. You could be at the top of your field and be at a loss to comprehend the dedication and discipline that goes into training just to make it to the Olympics, not to mention how to get your feet on the podium. Even harder is to comprehend that they spend years working towards a moment that might last only a couple hours, a couple minutes, or 45 seconds. But when they do accomplish this goal, we the audience, beam with pride on behalf of these perfect strangers representing our country with so much dedication, strength and enthusiasm. We remember where we were when they won, when they were defeated or when an unexpected moment happened. We remember their names, their faces, their legacy. There is something about the Olympics that brings us so much joy.

There are venues like the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs who allow private events to be held there. These events are often paired with a tour of the facility lead by an Olympic hopeful who gets to share their story with the group as well as a demonstration by athletes from the various sports that train there, including fencing and men’s gymnastics. It gives your guests exclusive access to be able to stand just a few feet away from these athletes and watch them do incredibly powerful things with their bodies then be able to interact and ask questions. Talk about a WOW moment.

Or you can bring in your own WOW athletic demos, like the high-energy Flying Ace All-Stars aerialists out of Park City, Utah! Talk about mesmerizing.

Afterwards you will find your attendees will follow that Olympic hopeful’s journey, or even invest in it with a donation towards their training, as the U.S. is one of three countries in the world who does not fund Olympians. It is up to the athlete to find a way to fund their training. Talk about having a drive to succeed!

There are so many former host cities that have space and activities available at the former Olympic sites – Atlanta, Munich, Sydney, Salt Lake City (Park City), Lake Placid, to name a few. These cities have their own Olympic stories they can tell and set your event up in an easy way to incorporate the theme.

Munich, Germany
Lake Placid, New York

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the U.S. decorating for an Olympic themed event takes your mind straight to the red, white and blue, which is never a wrong choice.

But what about the colors of the medals instead? How about bronze, silver and gold themed tables, which is a particularly apropos choice for an awards gala.

There are stories to be told by Olympians, too. If you are lucky enough to get them in a setting that is intimate enough they may just share the secrets of the Olympic Village with you. Or walk you thru what happens to their body when they are coming down from the high of a race. Or share with you what happened when they had a bad performance. Or fall deep into thought sharing with you what it meant to them to represent their country….even if they are a pro! You will see them relive it before your eyes as they recount their Olympic stories for your audience. Even members of the original 1992 Dream Team pinch themselves when they recount their Olympic experience playing on a team with some of their biggest rivals professionally. The unique spirit of the Olympics was cause to put all that aside and embrace the moment.

Magic Johnson, 1992 Men’s Basketball
Alicia Sacramone, 2008 Women’s Gymnastics

The Advisory Board at Retreats Resources was fortunate enough to have former Olympic speed skater, Apolo Ohno, come speak at a virtual meeting last September giving our board members access to ask questions and interact in person, thru chat or thru a moderator. To have that rare kind of access can be a thrill for the deep thinkers in the group. When thinking about a keynote speaker for a business meeting, what better motivation than to have someone who has reached the top, who has experienced the highs and the lows, who has had to learn how to navigate change when their Olympic career and training ends, and something Apolo is a big advocate for, talk about the importance of prioritizing mental health. All of these topics translate well to business and everyday life. And Apolo is one who can deliver all of these topics with eloquence and humor.

So as you fall into an Olympic rabbit hole for the next couple of weeks, while also falling in love with Paris, think about how the spirit of the Olympics can live on thru your own events. It doesn’t have to be an Olympic year to incorporate the theme, but having that kind of momentum behind you, as the Clark Kent of the Pommel Horse said, sure does help.

Mid-Atlantic Roadshow Spotlight: Limani Grille, Washington, D.C.

We end our week of touring the Mid-Atlantic region in Washington, D.C. at one of our favorites, the dazzling Limani Grille and a special treat to end our week on the road.

With a grand opening in November 2023, this prime Washington D.C. Wharf location features a three story restaurant with the largest full-service terrace of any restaurant located on The Wharf.

Featuring fresh, sustainable Mediterranean cuisine, this Greek restaurant is a winner with the locals and the loyal Limani following.

We hope you come out and meet with us on Thursday, May 2nd at Limani Grille from 10 am – 2 pm for our Destination Showcase, followed by a special Lunch and Learn featuring A.I. 101 – A Primer for Event Planners by Alexa Berube, Co-Founder, Reposite. We would love to share this special experience with you!

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Limani Grille in Washington, D.C. and the final stop on the Mid-Atlantic Roadshow!

Mid-Atlantic Roadshow Spotlight: DePaul’s Table, Ardmore, PA

We see you, Philly. And we had so much fun with you last time, we made you our first stop on this trip.

Conveniently located along the Main Line in Ardmore is where you will find us on Tuesday April 30th, at DePaul’s Table. A modern, Italian steakhouse, DePaul’s is serving up the finest cuts of steak, big chops, fresh seafood and seasonally fresh vegetables.

With an ambiance where modern meets classic, this well lit venue invites a certain crowd to come to eat well and stay late to socialize and have just one more. The staff will be sure to know your name and your order for next time before you leave for the night.

Come join us on Tuesday, April 30th at DePaul’s Table from 11 am – 2 pm for our Destination Showcase, with a chance to meet one on one with our fabulous luxury Destination Partners, followed by a luncheon. Be sure to come hungry! And we promise you will leave satisfied from our unique style of industry event where we welcome you into our hospitality family.

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Depaul’s Table in Ardmore and the first stop on the Mid-Atlantic Roadshow!

Lone Star State Roadshow Spotlight: Austin Proper Hotel

Last but not least, Austin! Finally we are at the end of our Lonestar State Roadshow, only we invite you to the Austin Proper Hotel where it feels like you are coming home….someone’s super chic Austin home, that is. The details are inviting, yet luxurious, like the place you would want to have late night vibes after seeing a show in Austin’s thriving nearby downtown live music scene with all of your friends.

With 238 rooms and suites, a focus on wellness with a dedicated spa and fitness center, as well as four unique options for food and drink, including the bright mix and match of Peacock, the funky atmosphere of The Quill, the fashionable ambiance at Goldie’s, and the local flavors of La Piscina.

Come join us on Thursday, April 4th at Austin Proper Hotel in Marabou East Ballroom from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm for our Destination Showcase, followed by a luncheon from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm at La Piscina Restaurant and see for yourself this gem of a hotel in downtown Austin.

We will also be offering complimentary headshots by the fabulous Kelli Price Photography for all in attendance — we will share some tips for getting the most out of your headshot before the event, but we have full confidence Kelli will lead you in the right direction.

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Austin Proper Hotel and the final stop on the Lonestar State Roadshow!

Lone Star State Roadshow Spotlight: Thompson Houston

Hey there, H-town! We are heading your way next. We hope you are fixin’ to come out and see us on Wednesday, April 3rd. We think we have quite the venue to show you!

Considered Houston’s new “living room”, the long-awaited, über-chic Thompson opened its doors in February of this year. Gorgeous and futuristic glass-and-steel façade with curved lines, overlooks Buffalo Bayou Park on Allen Parkway, close to downtown.

The Thompson group is known for incorporating elements from the city into the design. Thompson Houston’s stunning lobby in the sky, on the seventh floor, was designed in a mid-century style. And guest rooms were created with a Texas oil baron’s home in mind.

The 36-story mixed-use building that houses Houston’s first Thompson hotel also includes residences, which have access to all the amenities of the hotel.

Come join us on Wednesday, April 3rd at Thompson Houston in the Vesper Pre-function area from 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm for our Destination Showcase, followed by a reception from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm in Sol 7 Lawn.

Complimentary headshots by Kelli Price Photography will be available, too—so come looking fabulous for that if you choose! We will share tips before you arrive! The talented Kelli will help guide you to looking your best, though.

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to the Thompson Houston and the third stop on the Lonestar State Roadshow!

Lone Star State Roadshow Spotlight: The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas

Do you want to see what reinventing yourself looks like?

Well now you’re a little bit curious, aren’t you?

You know how we love shiny new things.

So here’s an idea, Dallas, come see us at the newly reopened Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas on April 2nd! Because after a year-long, $55 million renovation, the former Four Seasons located just outside of Dallas in Irving, reopened in January of this year! Freshened up with a new lobby, guest rooms and amenity spaces, all with a nod to the property’s history as a former family ranch. With 427 guest rooms and 80,000 square feet of event space, and two PGA-certified golf courses.

Tapping into the red hot luxury market popping up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, they will also offer spa and pool services (currently under renovation, however), and, as we go live with this, unique dining and imbibing experiences are just opening, too!

Come join us on Tuesday, April 2nd at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas in Latana Ballroom from 10 am – 12 pm for our Destination Showcase, followed by lunch from 12 pm – 2 pm in newly opened KNIFE Restaurant (as in, today as we write this…the grand opening is set for March 19th)! Come be one of their first guests and let us know what you think!

Complimentary headshots by Kelli Price Photography will be available, too — so come looking your best for that! We will give you some tips before you arrive! We are confident Kelli will help guide you to looking your best, though.

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to The Ritz Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas and the second stop on the Lonestar State Roadshow!

Lone Star Roadshow Spotlight: The Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection

We are on the road again, y’all….this time in Texas. And boy, do we have some treats for you.

Hey there, Fort Worth! You are our first stop on Monday, April 1st. We have planned something extra special and out of our ordinary for you all. Our friends at Auberge Resorts Collection have a beautiful new luxury property in Fort Worth and we want you to be our guests at a reception at this fabulous property. It won’t be our typical Destination Showcase where you sit down and meet with our Destination Partners, but they will be there for you to meet with more informally. We want a chance to get to know you and to show off our partner’s beautiful new property so we decided to throw ourselves a little party. Join us from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm for a cocktail reception in the Billet Room at The Bowie House.

Having just opened their doors in December 2023, The Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection, is a luxury property in the middle of Cowtown. With a private art collection and modern western décor, this stunning 106 room boutique hotel is owned by Dallas businesswoman Jo Ellard, a National Cutting Horse Association Non-Pro Hall of Fame rider who breeds championship horses at her ranch about 85 miles north of Fort Worth, bringing the authenticity to the property, rooted in Texas tradition.

Over the last few years Fort Worth has two-stepped its way into the spotlight with a rise in population and tourism. To accommodate one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., millions of dollars have been invested in historic areas, museums, hotels and restaurants. To say Fort Worth is having a moment is an understatement.

Come join us on Monday, April 1st in the stunning Billet Room at The Bowie House! You won’t want to miss it. Not only will we provide some merriment and good company, all attendees will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a Maui Jim VIP gift card, eligible to use on any pair of non-prescription sunglasses on their website! That means you can pick out anything you want! And we are only doing this for our stop in Fort Worth!

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Fort Worth’s newest luxury venue and the first stop on the Lonestar State Roadshow!