Venue Spotlight: Stop #2 on the New South Roadshow – Dread River Distillery, Birmingham, Alabama

Retreats Resources brings the Roadshow to you, but did you know we select the host venues with an experience in mind for every Meeting Planner and Event Specialist who attends. Let’s start with a little background on our second stop on the New South Roadshow: Dread River Distillery in Birmingham.

Keeping with the theme of the events industry coming ROARING back in the (20)20s…. we are hitting up a distillery on our next stop. Dread River spirits are created for those inspired by the journey, the perfect fit for the travel and events industry. They are currently distilling small batches of Bourbon, Whiskey, Rye, Vodka, Gin, Rum and Blue Agave, which makes this the perfect next stop on our Prohibition themed tour.

Come, take a journey down the mystic Dread River…

The design concept for Dread River Distilling Company reflects the company’s brand, which references an ancient tale of an underground mystic river, flowing beneath the streets of Birmingham, large enough for steam vessels to traverse, and from which Dread River sources its main ingredient, water.
The manufacturing space design engages the company branding while providing an efficient production layout for the distillery and embracing natural light and ventilation.

The tasting room design reflects the depth and darkness of this mystic river. The unique vibe of each colorful lounge room reflects the unforeseen nature of a journey down this mystic river, so as guests move throughout the bar, the experience is ever-changing, similar to one’s journey down “Dread River”.

And as event professionals….we know a thing or two about ever-changing….

We look forward to welcoming you to Birmingham and Dread River Distillery and the second stop on the New South Roadshow!

new south roadshow

Venue Spotlight: Stop #1 on the New South Roadshow – Virgin Hotels, Nashville

Retreats Resources brings the Roadshow to you, but did you know we select the host venues with an experience in mind for every Meeting Planner and Event Specialist who attends. Let’s start with a little background on our first stop on the New South Roadshow: Virgin Hotels, Nashville.

Did you say…Virgin Hotels? Yes, as in that same iconic red logo lifestyle brand you see in the air on Virgin Atlantic, the same brand you see out at sea on Virgin Voyages, with the same hip vibe we know and love about the Virgin brand. As part of the Curio by Hilton collection Virgin Hotels will appeal to many clients being able to offer guest membership rewards and service standard consistencies they count on in business travel…while also feeling like a rock star, or in the case of Nashville, a country star, staying just off of Music Row. Opening amid a Pandemic in 2020, with hotels currently located in Dallas, Chicago, Las Vegas, Nashville and New Orleans (and coming soon to New York, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Miami) they are now available in some of our favorite cities for business (and fun!).

And did you know…Virgin Hotels are pet friendly? Virgin is a big fan of the fuzz. Pets stay free, with no breed or size restrictions. (If you have ever traveled with your dog you know this is unheard of!)

The hotel of course has cool features like the Shag Room, a private space off the lobby, that features a (shag) fiber sculpture in the ceiling.

The Funny Library Coffee Shop is part coffee shop, part lounge, part remote work space, part favorite place to hang.

The well appointed rooms are referred to as “Chambers” at Virgin. The virtual assistant’s name is Lucy, and she can do anything from order you room service or lower the temperature in your room.

The space where we will meet you on our Roadshow? Well, that’s top secret. You will have to join us to find out and sip away the end of this 21st century Prohibition….as we see the events industry come ROARING back!

We look forward to welcoming you to the Virgin Hotels and Music City and the first stop on the New South Roadshow!

Mid-Atlantic Roadshow Wrap Up

Last week we toured the beautiful and historic Mid-Atlantic states.
The history, the elegance, the service, the food, the playfulness, and the people all overwhelmed us in the best way possible.

From the historic Riggs Hotel Washington D.C. where we felt the history of our nation and the elegance of the city. Is there anyone more cultured and more well-versed than a savvy event planner and hotelier?

To the Archer Hotel Tysons in Virginia where we learned exactly WHY Virginia is for LOVERS. We sure love our meeting planners and event specialists!

Next stop was Morristown, New Jersey and the playful ambiance of the Topgolf Swing Suites at 1776 by David Burke. We knew Meeting Planners were fun, but you came to play, New Jersey!

And finally, what a treat, Steak 48 in Philadelphia, PA. Philly…you showed UP. What a special day we had with you at this fabulous venue and what…a…meal!

Thank you to everyone – hotel partners, meeting planners and event specialists who made the maiden Mid-Atlantic Roadshow such a smashing success! We appreciate you so much!

Morristown Roadshow Stop – Topgolf Swing Suites: enjoy the Topgolf experience in luxury hospitality venues

As event professionals we have watched the Topgolf experience explode in popularity in cities across the country over the last several years with new locations popping up on a regular basis. From casual office gatherings to client entertainment it has become a steady option on a list of proposed venues. Topgolf has now raised that experience to become a more exclusive and luxurious option for our clients with their new Topgolf Swing Suites.

Through the premium experience of play, food and beverage and music, Topgolf inspires people of all ages and skill levels to come together for playful competition. The newest extension of Topgolf combines the simulated Topgolf experience with the luxurious atmospheres of hospitality and entertainment venues across the country. Each Topgolf Swing Suite location features a massive screen with a variety of multi-sport games, as well as HDTVs, comfortable lounge seating and food and beverage offerings.

But we aren’t just talking about golf. The Topgolf Swing Suites offer a variety of sports to choose from including Baseball Pitching, Hockey Shots, Quarterback Challenge, Soccer, even Zombie Dodgeball! From beginner to advanced to friendly competition to lay it all on the line, there is something for everyone.

Join us on our stop in Morriston, New Jersey at 1776 by David Burke to experience the Topgolf Swing Suite and bring your competitive edge along with you to experience the latest from Topgolf firsthand!

TOMORROW: Mid-Atlantic Roadshow Washington D.C. – who wants to win a luxurious stay in Costa Rica?

We have been focusing on the venues of our upcoming roadshow but we realize there’s one more big reason you should consider attending our luxury destination showcases next week… door prizes!

When you arrive at our event, we’ll ask you to drop your business card into a basket from which we’ll draw winners for spectacular travel packages and other goodies from our generous hotel partners. Let’s have a look at another prize from our first stop, TOMORROW, in Washington D.C.

Hacienda AltaGracia, a Luxury Auberge Resort in Costa Rica

An escape for those seeking total well-being and unbridled adventure, balance at Hacienda AltaGracia is founded with the belief that total wellbeing comes from being able to move fast or slow. This serene 50-casita resort features 180 bird-song-filled acres of untamed tropical forest, coffee farm, equine stables, organic chef’s gardens and a wellbeing center by one of the world’s leading holistic wellness providers, THE WELL. Experience the escape of our soul-stirring wellness journeys, soulful cuisine, and adrenaline packed adventures through bespoke itineraries – personally curated to elevate your experience and leave you transformed.

We’re in! How about you? Don’t forget to bring your business cards to this one! See you tomorrow!

Mid-Atlantic Roadshow ALL locations – did we mention there are door prizes?

We have been focusing on the venues of our upcoming roadshow but we realize there’s one more big reason you should consider attending our luxury destination showcases next week… door prizes!

When you arrive at our event, we’ll ask you to drop your business card into a basket from which we’ll draw winners for spectacular travel packages and other goodies from our generous hotel partners. Let’s have a look at a prize that will be offered at ALL FOUR of our stops. That’s right! One lucky winner in Washington, D.C., Tysons, Morristown and Philadelphia will walk away with this fabulous beach package.

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya

Escape into luxury at Secrets Akumal. Ideally located in the heart of the Riviera Maya along the famed white-sand Akumal beach, the resort fuses elegant and original design with elements of nature. With a Mayan name meaning “place of the turtle,” this AAA Four Diamond resort is renowned for its beautiful beach, calm Caribbean waters and green sea turtle population – making it an oasis for snorkeling. Secrets Akumal offers adults a romantic, picturesque hideaway with winding walkways, secluded pools and world-class spa.

What fabulous prize is up for grabs at the ALL FOUR shows:

A three night Stay in a Preferred Club Junior Suite Ocean View – for 2 adults

We’re in! How about you? Don’t forget to bring your business cards to this one!

Mid-Atlantic Roadshow – did we mention there are door prizes?

We have been focusing on the venues of our upcoming roadshow but we realize there’s one more big reason you should consider attending our luxury destination showcases next week… door prizes!

When you arrive at our event, we’ll ask you to drop your business card into a basket from which we’ll draw winners for spectacular travel packages and other goodies from our generous hotel partners. Let’s have a look at a prize from our first stop, Washington D.C.

Vermejo, A Ted Turner Reserve

With snowcapped alpine tundra, 19 fishable lakes, and over 550,000 stunning acres of picturesque lands, Vermejo is the jewel of northern New Mexico. Its diverse landscape is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elk, bison, black bears, and mountain lions. Whether riding horseback through open fields, exploring turn-of-the-century charcoal kilns, or fly fishing for Rio Grande cutthroat trout, Vermejo has something for everyone.

Vermejo is excited to be introduced to the world of small meeting and incentive travel. As a new hospitality brand launched in the spring of 2019 they are looking to expand their business channels.
What fabulous prize is up for grabs at the Washington, D.C. show:

A three night stay at Vermejo for up to 2 guests in a standard Headquarters accommodation. This package includes 1 room, 3-nights lodging, 2 days of unguided fishing and activities, 3 meals daily, and all nonalcoholic beverages. Up to two daily activities may be chosen from: horseback riding, shooting sports,3D archery and self-guided activities to include, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, geocaching and disc golf.

We’re in! How about you? Don’t forget to bring your business cards to this one!

Venue Spotlight: Stop #4 on the Mid-Atlantic Roadshow – Steak 48, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Retreats Resources brings the Roadshow to you, but did you know we select the host venues with an experience in mind for every Meeting Planner and Event Specialist who attends. Let’s take a look at the location of our fourth and final stop on the Mid-Atlantic Roadshow, Steak 48 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Our final stop takes us to an upscale steakhouse in the heart of downtown Philly. Opening amidst the pandemic in September 2020, the restaurant is a sprawling space, so even at limited capacity at opening they could still seat 100 guests for dinner.

And while known for its in-house butcher shop and mid-western sourced steaks and Wagyu beef brought in from Mishima Reserve it is also known for its raw bar with Alaskan king crab, Maine lobster and freshly shucked oysters, as well as a 3,000 bottle wine vault, appealing to many tastes when it comes to fine dining.

The warm, contemporary restaurant features a comfortable but sleek, sexy, and stylish atmosphere; from intimate private dining experiences to a spacious mezzanine and vibrant bar. With a 12,000 square foot ground floor, they are able to seat up to 450 people at full capacity.

Come see for yourself and join us in the City of Brotherly Love. We look forward to welcoming you to Steak 48 and the final stop on the Mid-Atlantic Roadshow!

Venue Spotlight: Stop #3 on the Mid-Atlantic Roadshow – 1776 by David Burke, Morristown, New Jersey

Retreats Resources brings the Roadshow to you, but did you know we select the host venues with an experience in mind for every Meeting Planner and Event Specialist who attends. Let’s take a look at our third stop on the Mid-Atlantic Roadshow, 1776 by David Burke in Morristown, New Jersey.

With its strategic location between New York City and Philadelphia, Morristown played a significant role in the Revolutionary War, with George Washington setting up two winter encampments there. It now has the distinction of being home to Morristown National Historic Park to preserve these Revolutionary War sites. With a nod to this history came a restaurant named 1776 by David Burke. And although a nod to centuries old history the restaurant is known for its bold flavors of now, with a chic, modern atmosphere and award-winning chef, David Burke.

Along with this hip new restaurant, which just opened its doors in October 2021, the owners had an idea to keep people entertained while enjoying its festive atmosphere by adding Topgolf Swing Suites to the restaurant. And this space is where Retreats Resources will be bringing you for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Set in a modern, energetic environment the Topgolf Swing Suite space features 6 living room suites with golf simulator and special menu created by Chef David Burke to keep private parties a unique and active experience.

Come sip, snack and swing! We look forward to welcoming you to 1776 by David Burke and the Topgolf Swing Suite and the third stop on the Mid-Atlantic Roadshow!

Venue Spotlight: Stop #2 on the Mid-Atlantic Roadshow – Archer Hotel Tysons, Virginia

Retreats Resources brings the Roadshow to you, but did you know we select the host venues with an experience in mind for every Meeting Planner and Event Specialist who attends. Let’s take a look at a little background of our second stop on the Mid-Atlantic Roadshow, the Archer Hotel Tysons.

Tysons, once an 1800s peach grove, is now an urban mecca just 9 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. The Archer Hotel Tysons only just opened their doors in September 2021.

Who is Archer? He is the persona of the hotel and your host, a “storyteller and adventurer, connoisseur and consummate host.” Each of his residences are a reflection of that in each location he will welcome you. Open floor plans will invite you in and allow you to feel the warmth and comfort of being their guest, while the finishing touches will leave you looking for more.

The House Art Collection is a unique group of art on all mediums, created by local and regional artists telling the stories of Virginia. On the seventh floor is a photo gallery of some of the most iconic musicians who called Virginia home, including Ella Fitzgerald, Jim Morrison, June Carter Cash and Patsy Cline.

Virginia is for Lovers and we think you will love this stop in Virginia we have planned for you. We look forward to welcoming you to the Archer Hotel Tysons and the second stop on the Mid-Atlantic Roadshow!