New South Roadshow Spotlight: Angel’s Envy Distillery, Louisville

We are back on the road with our second roadshow of the year and second roadshow of the month, making stops in the New South.

Consider this your Call to Post, Louisville, as you are our final stop on Thursday, February 29th. In typical Kentucky fashion our Destination Showcase will be held at the newly expanded Angel’s Envy Distillery from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Would you even be in Kentucky unless you tasted a little bourbon?

Located in downtown Louisville in the historic American Elevator and Machine and the American Saw and Tool Companies building, Angel’s Envy quickly outgrew their space due to popularity of tours and tastings.

Now with a recent $8.2 million 13,000 square foot expansion doubling the venue’s space, including the “toasting room” private event space complete with bar and catering kitchen, the distillery can cater to the demand of its popularity properly with the space it needs.

Come join us on Thursday, February 29th at Angel’s Envy Distillery and catch some Louisville bourbon vibes for yourself. Join our Destination Showcase to meet with fabulous destinations and then stay and get to know our hospitality family at lunch catered by one of the most sought after chefs in Louisville. Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

For planners living outside of Louisville, we have a special treat for you! Coming from Lexington, Indianapolis, Cincinnati or beyond? Come the night before and overnight at Hotel Genevieve and enjoy a VIP dinner experience at Nami Restaurant on us on February 28th! Limited space available, first come, first served – email Cindy O’Gorman at cindy@retreatsresources.com to make arrangements.

We look forward to welcoming you to Louisville and the final stop on the New South Roadshow!

 

Sunshine State Roadshow Spotlight: AVA MeditterAegean Restaurant, Winter Park

What’s up, Orlando?! We are back on the road with our first roadshow of the year hitting up stops in the Sunshine State. Our third stop brings us to the Orlando area and AVA MeditterAegean Restaurant in Winter Park with our Destination showcase and luncheon from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

AVA MeditterAegean lives by the mantra “parea”, which, in Greek, means “to be in the company of friends or to do something together”. It just so happens that Retreats Resources lives by that mantra, as well, that is why we thought this would the perfect location for our unique style of industry event. Once you join us you will understand why we call it our “hospitality family”.

This venue features the essence of Mediterranean and Aegean cultures, design and cuisines combined to offer an elevated dining experience. The unique space is a nod to the spirit of Cycladic design, with effortless beauty of the five elements. The restaurant immerses the senses with taste, mixology, ethnic sounds and a unique, welcoming atmosphere.

Come join us on Wednesday, February 7th at AVA MeditterAegean Restaurant in Winter Park and try this delicious restaurant for yourself. Join our Destination Showcase to meet with fabulous destinations and then stay and get to know our hospitality family at the hosted luncheon. 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 AVA MeditterAegean Restaurant and the third stop on the Sunshine State Roadshow!

Paradise Found: Connoisseurs Connections Winter Conference 2023

Well, we sure had another Connoisseurs Connections Conferences for the history books!

This year we, along with our Advisory Board, our Destination Partners, and our invited Meeting and Event Planners, all met down in those alluring turquoise waters of the Caribbean in the Dominican Republic. With Eden Roc Cap Cana as our host property we found paradise just steps out our doors with the most perfect private white sand beach at the Beach Club and for those staying in the villas, a private pool just a few steps out their doors.

The welcome reception featured a “blue party” at the resort’s Blue Grille + Bar. Channeling all the Mykonos vibes and redefining the classic “white party” in to a new vibrant color when we asked our guests to wear something blue and greeted them with blue cocktails.

Day One came with a networking breakfast in the open air space at the resort’s La Palapa restaurant. With an inspiring talk from our special guest, Wine to Water founder, Doc Hendley, to start off the morning followed by our Luxury Destination Showcase.

Our Connoisseur guests met with our Destination Partners in one of the beautiful “office” spaces we have hosted in awhile, La Palapa Terrace. With a sea breeze and ocean views overlooking the private cove beach, our guests moved around from destination to destination like speed dating, hospitality style, making new connections and bringing new business and ideas to the table.

The afternoon took us out to sea. Greeted with champagne, our host DMC, Dominicana and Partners, treated us to an afternoon on a catamaran, allowing guests to jump into the turquoise waters and network, Caribbean-style, including a floating bar to keep drinks replenished.

With stunning Isle of Capri-themed king’s tables and décor, the evening brought us our annual gala and auction. Guests were treated to a multi-course Italian meal, followed by a live auction of donated travel packages to motivate our guest’s competitive sides. The auction brought in a mouth-dropping $55,000 to benefit Wine to Water, bringing our auction total for the year to $150,000 (we cannot say this enough: it feels good to give back!).

Before the night ended it was announced that the Connoisseurs Connection Summer Conference will be hosted at Etero, Auberge Resorts Collection in Riviera Maya, June 23-27, 2024!

On Day Two we commuted to the nearby Punta Espada Golf Club via golf carts and settled in to an interactive panel of industry experts speaking on a variety of hot topics. Following our morning panels we were treated to a Spanish-style lunch and instruction and practice on table etiquette from a protocol expert.

A Boho Beach Party, complete with light up dance floor with a dance and drum show, completed our stay at Eden Roc on our final night. Mother Nature had other plans, however, after perfect weather all week, she decided to open up the skies on us as the night was wrapping up and we were treated to a refreshing downpour.

Sadly, we bid Adios to the Dominican Republic and another Connoisseurs Connections Conference. But together we experienced paradise, camaraderie and elegance we won’t soon forget.

Stop #4 Classic Southeast Roadshow: Friday, October 6th, Alpharetta, GA

Our Southeast Roadshow continues into Georgia with our final stop in the beautiful Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta. Our luxury destination showcase and luncheon will be held at The Hotel at Avalon and South City Kitchen.

About the venue: Inspired by the mythical land of Avalon, where the experience of the “Good Life” is ever-present, The Hotel at Avalon includes lifestyle amenities like a second-floor rooftop pool and terrace with leisure-style cabanas and the seasonal Magnolia Pool Bar, a full-service fitness center, premium valet services, and select BMW house car services.

As part of the Autograph collection, with 330 rooms and suites, this mixed use space also includes residences, retail, restaurants, office space and a movie theater in the beautiful Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta.

Atlanta favorite South City Kitchen brought its Southern hospitality and fare to Alpharetta with the opening of the beloved bungalow restaurant’s fifth location in The Hotel at Avalon.

Serving up contemporary southern cuisine with the best fresh and local ingredients, you’ll find everything from a satisfying midday meal to your dream date night to a hearty Sunday brunch.

Kelli Price Photography will be on site with us offering complimentary headshots at this location, so come prepared to look pretty for the camera and walk away with a new professional headshot when you leave.

Come join us in Alpharetta to experience our unique brand of events on Friday, October 6th at The Hotel at Avalon, for our Destination Showcase and Luncheon at South City Kitchen from 10 am – 2 pm. We can’t wait to welcome you to our family.

You can register on our website at www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Alpharetta and the final stop on the Southeast Roadshow!

Stop #3 Classic Southeast Roadshow: Thursday, October 5th, Greenville, SC

Our Southeast Roadshow continues in the state of South Carolina with our next stop in the hot city of Greenville. If you thought our last stop was in an up and coming city then you should see what Greenville has to offer. Our luxury destination showcase and luncheon will be held at Greenville’s newest luxury hotel, Hotel Hartness.

About the venue: Opening in spring of 2023, the former Hartness residence, known as The Manor, serves as the welcoming facility with a design that incorporates many original and preserved components of the original residence.

The hotel is part of a 467-acre family estate with pastures, lakes, creeks and woodlands, and has 73 guestrooms and suites, the Patterson Kitchen + Bar and the intimate Captain bar and Spa H.

Guests can explore the adjacent 180-acre nature preserve, and the on-site Hartness Farm provides sustainable farming and community engagement opportunities.

Kelli Price Photography will be on site with us offering complimentary headshots at this location, so come prepared to look pretty for the camera and walk away with a new professional headshot when you leave.

Come join us in Greenville to experience our unique brand of events on Thursday, October 5th at Hotel Hartness, for our Destination Showcase and Luncheon from 10 am – 2 pm. We will make sure you feel like family!

You can register on our website at www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Greenville and the third stop on the Southeast Roadshow!

Yeah, THAT Greenville.

Stop #2 Classic Southeast Roadshow: Wednesday, October 4th, Charlotte, NC

Our Southeast Roadshow continues in the state of North Carolina with our next stop in Charlotte. With Charlotte becoming a hot destination recently with a growing population and booming financial and energy industries it has a foodie scene to match. If you know anything about us, you know we love good food. Join us at Limani Grille to see for yourself.

About the venue: Opening in 2022, and the first location in the Carolinas for this New York-based restaurant, Limani Grille takes up a 7700 square foot space in the SouthPark area of Charlotte.

When it comes to authentic cuisine, Limani does it best. The menu spans the gamut from the classic and traditional olive oils, to fresh bread, pasta and seafood, there is a little something to everyone. Always incorporating fresh ingredients and seafood that defines the Mediterranean diet, there will be sensory overload once you experience what is on the menu.

Come join us in Charlotte to experience our unique brand of events on Wednesday, October 4th at Limani Grille, for our Destination Showcase and Luncheon from 10 am – 2 pm. We will make sure you feel welcome in our hospitality family!

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

Stop #1 Classic Southeast Roadshow: Tuesday, October 3rd, Raleigh, NC

Hey y’all, we are southbound on our next roadshow, hitting the road with stops on our popular Classic Southeast route. Our first stop is in Raleigh at Perry’s Steakhouse. Come be our guest and meet with our fabulous Destination Partners followed by a delicious lunch at North Carolina’s first Perry’s Steakhouse location. If you are new to our unique brand of events we will be sure to make sure you feel like family before you leave.

About the venue: Perry’s boasts a gorgeous main dining room that showcases a wine wall and provides a view of the chefs creating in a live kitchen. Perry’s in Raleigh also offers four beautiful private dining rooms for meetings and celebrations.

Bar 79 features a beautiful island bar with glass walls that open into patio dining allowing guests to enjoy beautiful Raleigh nights. From the vibrant color palette to the use of textures including glass and lighting, every detail of the restaurant was curated to create an inviting environment inspired by the local community.

Come join us in Raleigh on Tuesday, October 3rd at Perry’s Steakhouse, for our Destination Showcase and Luncheon from 10 am – 2 pm.

We look forward to welcoming you to Raleigh and the first stop on the Southeast Roadshow!

Roadshow Spotlight: Stop #3 on the Northeast Roadshow – Electric Lemon Restaurant, New York City

How you doin’, New York City? The third and final stop on our Northeast Roadshow is at the Electric Lemon Restaurant at Equinox Hotel. Located at Hudson Yards, it is a location that features a lot to do in the city.

Offering stunning views from the 24th floor of the Equinox Hotel, located within New York City’s Hudson Yards, Electric Lemon’s sleek, expansive dining room and serene al fresco terrace make up the ideal multi-use, day-to-night setting. Equinox members, hotel guests, visitors and locals alike are empowered to embrace the space whenever and however they’d like — true nourishment for a community, delivered on your own terms. You will find the rooftop bar on many of the city’s best of lists.

Hudson Yards features high end shopping and dining options, as well as the now famous Vessel sculpture. With easy access to the High Line, the 1.5 mile walkway that stands 30 feet above street level and wraps around the Hudson Yards neighborhood, the area has a lot to offer.

Come join us in Manhattan for on Thursday, August 31st at Electric Lemon Restaurant, for our Destination Showcase and Reception from 4 pm – 7 pm.

We look forward to welcoming you to New York and the final stop on the Northeast Roadshow!

Roadshow Spotlight: Stop #2 on the Northeast Roadshow – The Delamar Greenwich Harbor

Hey, Greenwich! We are on our way to Connecticut to see you on our second stop of our Northeast Roadshow this month. Perfectly situated on the waterfront The Delamar Greenwich Harbor is the right combination of old-world luxury and upscale scene of must-see attractions.

Inside and out has an Old World charm, if you didn’t know you were in New England you might think you were in Europe. The architecture of the hotel and its location on the water gives off a Venetian vibe.

This dog friendly hotel features 82 guest rooms and suites with luxurious touches, a day spa, 500 feet of private dockage, with 2300 square feet of expansive space adaptable for social events or meetings.

The hotel’s restaurant, L’Escale, is a must-do dining experience in Greenwich. It is the place to be for locals, a popular choice for girls’ night out and date nights. When a venue is frequented and loved by locals you know it must be good.

Inspired by the beauty of Provence, L’Escale brings a Mediterranean dining experience, from the décor to the menu. Situated on the water, the restaurant features 200 year old stone terra cotta tiles from Provence and  a wood burning fireplace that adds to the charm.

Come join us in Greenwich for on Wednesday, August 30th at The Delamar Greenwich Harbor, for our Destination Showcase from 10 am – 12 pm followed by a Luncheon from 12 pm – 2 pm.

We look forward to welcoming you to Greenwich and the second stop on the Northeast Roadshow!

Gifting our way thru the Midwest with a company for women, by women

What would our Roadshow be without some gifting? And we think we have something pretty special for this one.

We are proud to partner with Essential Bodywear in our stops in Minneapolis, Chicago and St. Louis to bring you something different.

EBW isn’t just about a great product. They are building a community of women all across the country that use their own EBW business to lift women up and help them feel good.

With Project Uplift EBW has paired up with I Support the Girls, an organization that works to provide women and girls in need with necessities like bras and feminine hygiene products. By encouraging donation of gently used bras and new, individually wrapped hygiene products.

Essential Bodywear committed to continuing to build on this inclusive foundation, by not manipulating anyone’s body in marketing photos. In 2018, making a commitment to include women in marketing campaigns that more accurately reflected who they serve, they stopped searching for media-defined ‘ideal’ bodies and started searching for change-makers both within the Fit Stylists family and from general public. Brave woman applied to model their bras and underwear, be photographed and help in their mission. The energy at photo shoots is powerful, inspiring and life-changing. With the latest catalog breaking sales records, speaking loudly in favor of the change.

We have three gifts in three cities, as follows:

Join us in Minneapolis at the Marquette Hotel on Wednesday, July 26th from 8:00 am – 10:00 am for our Buyer’s Breakfast and receive the Convertible Dress which offers at least six different ways to style and wear this dress for a range of occasions. Crafted with luxurious and super smooth Modal fabric, this dress features a double layer of fabric for versatile styling as well as pill-resistance.

Join us in Chicago at The Pendry on Thursday, July 27th from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and receive EBW’s buttery soft leggings with a comfortable mid-waist rise and wide waistband for extra support and control.

Join us in St. Louis at Olive + Oak in Webster Groves on Friday, July 28th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and receive a comfy and versatile half zip crop pullover is buttery soft with just the right amount of stretch.

You can find registration information on our website at www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to seeing you on the Midwest Roadshow!