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.
