meeting planner – The Source / Retreats Resources

Midwest Roadshow Incentive Blitz Stop #1 – The Marquette Hotel, Minneapolis

Posted on June 26, 2023 | by Joe Mo | Leave a Comment

Hey, Minneapolis! It is our inaugural tour of the Midwest and our first stop on the 2023 Midwest Roadshow Incentive Blitz brings us to you and…. The Marquette Hotel!

Partnering with SITE Minnesota we have you covered from head to toe on this one. Kicking off Tuesday, July 25th with the SITE Minnesota Welcome Reception at The Puttery from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, followed by our Roadshow the following morning, July 26th, with a breakfast and Destination Showcase from 8:00 am -10:00 am at the Marquette Hotel. But wait, there is more…. If you register and attend our Destination Showcase we have your fees covered to attend the SITE Minnesota Education Day from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm afterwards at the Marquette Hotel.

The Marquette Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a luxury property located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Designed with a residential feel, the Marquette Hotel offers 281 newly refreshed guest rooms with sweeping views of the city below. All rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a hardwood floor foyer and premium bath fixtures and luxury amenities.

Meeting space includes 28,000 square feet of modern space across 19 venues, including a 50^th floor ballroom offering skyline views. Dining options include the Jolliet House, the Marquette Lounge and the new Topgolf Swing Suite!

Come 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 meet with our fabulous destination partners at the Destination Showcase in the Stars Ballroom followed by SITE Minnesota Education day from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm in the Galaxy Ballroom. We look forward to welcoming you to Minneapolis and the first stop on the 2023 Midwest Roadshow!

Visit our website at www.retreatsresources for registration details!

You might just make it afterall…..*throws hat in the air*

Retreats Resources Manhattan Showcase Bonus: walk away with a new headshot!

Posted on February 15, 2023 | by Joe Mo | Leave a Comment

We are pleased to be offering complimentary headshots at our Manhattan Showcase this Friday, February, 17^th, at the Ritz-Carlton, New York, NoMad, thanks to photographer Kelli Price.

Here are a few tips to help you come prepared to exude fabulous:

Know the “why.” Why do you need a headshot? Who is your audience? What do you want your photo to say?

Headshot or branding shots? Know the difference. Whereas the goal of a headshot session is one fabulous shot (maybe two), a branding session typically results in a collection of images in a variety of environments. For example, a chef might be shown for making magic in the kitchen, but also in jeans and T-shirt, strolling the farmers market seeking out his bounty. If you are a hotelier maybe that is a money shot within the hotel or resort you represent but also participating in an activity that is fitting of the lifestyle of your destination. If you are a meeting or event professional, maybe it’s an exciting venue or event set up with additional shots of the behind the scenes or day to day operations or how you spend your (limited) down time. If you’ve got your own business and/or website, a personal branding session may be the way to go.

Put your best face forward. Clothes, hair, makeup: They all matter. General rule of thumb? Wear what you feel and look great in. Avoid white, loud colors and busy patterns; you want the focus to be on your face. Ladies may want to bump up your makeup routine a bit, especially the eyes and lips, but a natural look is best.

Trust the process (and your photographer). While no one is 100% relaxed during a photo shoot, trusting your photographer sure helps. Try to have a little fun (you will with Kelli!). For women, lean forward, lean on something, angle your head for a better jaw line. For the men, lean forward, hand in pocket. Your photographer will help you find the right angle for you. Then exhale….and smile.

Kelli’s Five Ways to make your Headshot Standout from the Crowd

Color – the first thing that comes to mind is color! Color POPS!
Style – Look professional but with a little extra va-voom. Don’t be afraid to show off your personality
Confidence – You are leader, a Boss Babe, CEO, fresh college graduate….whatever you call yourself, make sure you show it with confidence
Genuine smiles – Unless you are a rockstar, I promise you most people are a little uncomfortable in front of the camera. Pick a photographer that you are comfortable with and drink a glass of wine during the session if you need to. They make pretty props anyways!
Sunglasses – See #2

If you are not registered already, what are you waiting for? To register (its free for event professionals!) go to our website at www.retreatsresources.com

Calling all Global Nomads…to New York City!

Posted on January 31, 2023 | by Joe Mo | 2 Comments

We are pleased to bring you our International Buyers Manhattan Showcase and Luncheon on February 17^th at the brand new Ritz-Carlton, New York, NoMad. Our event will precede the SITE Global Conference in New York, February 17-20, so if you plan on attending SITE, start your week in an amazing way by kicking off your trip with us!

Always chosen with care and purpose, our venue, the Ritz-Carlton, NoMad, a 50-story, 250 room, newly built hotel is set in the electrifying neighborhood north of Madison Square Park. Opening in 2022, this is New York’s second Ritz-Carlton coming 20 years after its sister property, the Ritz-Carlton, New York, Central Park opened, making it the long awaited, but definitely not an oops!, younger sibling. No, this youngster was definitely a well-planned addition to the family.

And if you know us you know how we love our food! Not to be outdone by all the other neighboring culinary offerings, the Ritz-Carlton, NoMad will have not one but two restaurants by world famous Chef José Andrés, including two of his signature restaurants, Zaytinya and The Bazaar, raising the already high bar for eateries in the NoMad neighborhood.

On the 50^th floor you will find Nubeluz, a rooftop cocktail bar with a 20s speakeasy feel by award-winning Chef José Andrés with a birds eye view of Time’s Square.

Other than the vintage feel of the rooftop bar, the hotel has modern décor and detailed touches bringing a new vibe to the Ritz-Carlton family for the loyalists looking for a fresh feel. From the modern furniture and plant life greeting you in the lobby area to the clean lines of the sleeping rooms, the Ritz-Carlton, NoMad awaits you, not to escape the sights and sounds of the city, but to keep your energy going in the hustle and bustle of the city, embracing what New York does best…buzz with excitement.

We hope you can join us on February 17^th from 10 am – 2 pm, for what promises to be one of our signature showcases of destination partners for the International MICE Buyer, at the Ritz-Carlton, New York, NoMad!

Connoisseurs Connections Conference venue spotlight: The Boca Raton

Posted on November 21, 2022 | by Joe Mo | Leave a Comment

We are looking forward to our invitation-only Connoisseurs Connections Conference next week in Florida and want to put a spotlight on our host property, The Boca Raton.

Coming off a recent $200 million facelift in 2021, the almost 100 year old resort, formally known as The Boca Raton Resort and Club, has shortened its name to simply… The Boca Raton. One of the changes first noticed by its returning guests is the famous pink façade, giving the resort the nickname “pink palace” which has been repainted in its original coastal white. Some of the other redesign of the 200-acre property’s public spaces includes a 50,000 square foot spa with 44 treatment rooms and a lineup of 12 new restaurants.

Another new amenity worth mentioning is the Harborside Pool Club, which features three swimming pools, a floating river, a pool bar, and luxury cabanas with butler service, making this a perfect incentive trip destination.

Now with 1,000 guest rooms, The Boca Raton began in 1926 as a 100-room inn that legendary architect Addison Mizner built with funding from the Ritz-Carlton. Dignitaries, celebrities, and politicians frequented the hotel in those days. The hotel’s opening event was considered “one of the outstanding social events of the season”…which is just what we are hoping will be said of our Connoisseurs Connections Conference!

The Boca Raton manages to pull off an elevated experience with a high level of service and does it with an unpretentious touch, your guests will feel pampered but at home here.

We look forward to sharing more surprises and updates from The Boca Raton with you as our conference progresses…stay tuned next week to follow along!

Venue Spotlight: Stop #4 on the Classic Southeast Roadshow – Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Atlanta, Georgia

Posted on October 28, 2022 | by Joe Mo | Leave a Comment

We are heading out on our final Roadshow of 2022 and we are going to end the year in a BIG WAY! This will be our biggest showcase and biggest gathering of meeting and event professionals of the year. Atlanta is looking to fill to capacity so if you have not already signed up today is the time to do so!

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 final stop on the Classic Southeast Roadshow: Davio’s, Atlanta.

Attention to detail. Legendary service. The spectacle of the open kitchen. Perfectly cooked steaks. And their signature veal chop. Everything is made by hand from the best ingredients, taking pride in your enjoyment of the meal.

With timeless decor and ambiance you’d expect to find at a high-end steakhouse, you’re not likely to be surprised by anything on the menu at Davio’s — it’s high quality pasta and surf and turf. The food is good, consistent, and exactly what you’re hungry for when you step through the door.

Reopening exactly one year ago, in November 2021, after being closed by the pandemic, the 9000 square foot, 250 seat restaurant has undergone a full remodel during its hiatus, re-opening with a beverage offering of more than 300 wines on the menu.

Come join us in Atlanta and see for yourself, 9:30 am – 10:00 am VIP Newcomers’ Reception for first time guests ONLY (so we can get to know you!), 10:00 am – 12:30 pm Luxury destination showcase with over exhibitors, and 12:30 – 2:00 pm for a family style lunch. Again, we are expecting to be at capacity for this event so be sure to secure your spot today!

We look forward to welcoming you to Davio’s on November 4th and the final stop on the Classic Southeast Roadshow! We are ending 2022 big, y’all!

Venue Spotlight: Stop #2 on the Classic Southeast Roadshow – Grand Bohemian, Charlotte, North Carolina

Posted on October 25, 2022 | by Joe Mo | Leave a Comment

We are heading out on our final Roadshow of 2022! This one promises to be our biggest showcase and biggest gathering of meeting and event professionals of the year. Be sure to join us for this one as we end this year in a BIG way.

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 Classic Southeast Roadshow: Grand Bohemian, Charlotte

Opened in the summer of 2020 in the heart of Uptown Charlotte the 254-room Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, Autograph Collection, will inspire you as you unwind in Argentinian-influenced accommodations, inspired by classic works of art and complete with cultural design elements and luxury amenities. The luxury hotel has 32 suites, a Poseidon Spa, versatile outdoor and indoor event spaces, Starbucks Coffee shop, a vibrant art collection curated by Richard C. Kessler, executive lounge, open-kitchen restaurant, fast-casual eatery and rooftop bar providing unparalleled views of the Queen City.

Come join us in Charlotte and see for yourself on Wednesday, November 2nd, 9:30 am – 10:00 am VIP Newcomers’ Reception for first time guests ONLY (so we can get to know you!), 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Luxury destination showcase with over exhibitors, and 12:00 – 2:00 pm for lunch and networking.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Charlotte Grand Bohemian on November 2nd and the second stop on the Classic Southeast Roadshow!

Venue Spotlight: Stop #1 on the Classic Southeast Roadshow – Vidrio, Raleigh, North Carolina

Posted on October 21, 2022 | by Joe Mo | 1 Comment

We are heading out on our final Roadshow of 2022 and we are going to end the year with a BANG! This one promises to be our biggest showcase and biggest gathering of meeting and event professionals of the year. One you will not want to miss!

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 Classic Southeast Roadshow: Vidrio, Raleigh.

Vidrio is a colorful window into the flavors and soul of the Mediterranean kitchen. A creative expression of the passion, people, and lifestyle that have embodied a timeless culture.
Vidrio is the bold vision of restauranteur Lou Moshakos. Built on the philosophy of “love is the most important ingredient,” Vidrio is a family dream years in the making. When Lou speaks of his family, it is always centered around the table and filled with laughter, stories, and love.

This communal tradition of dining and sharing is captured in the essence of Vidrio. Vidrio embraces the Mediterranean dining philosophy – rooting it in the respect for the ingredient, the nourishment of food for our bodies and to use the time around the table to reconnect with each other. Making dining the occasion to gather together.

Vidrio is an open window into the Mediterranean. The vibrant, modern environment is visually mesmerizing and filled with warm, personal hospitality. These touches speak to the patience, creative vision and hard work of Lou Moshakos and his attention to detail to bring this ode to the Mediterranean to Raleigh.

Come join us in Raleigh on Tuesday, November 1st and see for yourself: 9:30 am – 10:00 am VIP Newcomers’ Reception for first time guests ONLY (so we can get to know you!), 10:00 am – 12:30 pm Luxury destination showcase with over exhibitors, and 12:30 – 2:00 pm for a family style lunch.
We look forward to welcoming you to Vidrio on November 1st and the first stop on the Classic Southeast Roadshow! Its gonna be big, y’all!

Featuring: the Hotels and Travel Partners of the Northeast Roadshow Luxury Travel Showcase

Posted on July 15, 2022 | by Joe Mo | Leave a Comment

Registration is open for the Northeast Roadshow!

This series of showcases and events is one of our best yet! As we land in each of the iconic northeastern cities of New York, Hartford and Boston we have paired our showcases with Restaurants with Taste, Chefs with Heart in each location. After each travel showcase we have something very special planned in some very cool venues. We hope you can join us, or send a MICE industry friend!

New York, NY – July 19th
Hartford, CT – July 20th
Boston, MA – July 21st

Wonder who will be joining us?
Take a look at the fabulous list of hotels on the road with us thru the Northeast:

Auberge Resorts Collection
Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch
SilverSea Cruise Lines
Aspen Chamber Association
The Hythe, Vail
Hippo Lakes Safari Lodge, South Africa
Melia International
The St. Regis Bal Harbour
EPIC Hotel Miami
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Trump Hotels International
NBC Universal Parks and Resorts
Hacienda Altagracia, Costa Rica
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Hotel Jerome, Aspen
W South Beach
Secrets Maroma Beach
Hilton Aruba
Secrets & Breathless Riviera Cancun
Hotel Madeline – Telluride

We hope to see you there!

Venue and Chef Spotlight: Stop #3 on the Northeast Roadshow – The Row Hotel at Assembly Row and The Smoke Shop Restaurant, Somerville, MA

Posted on July 9, 2022 | by Joe Mo | 2 Comments

Retreats Resources is taking the show on the road to the Northeast for the first time ever!! And while we usually take this space to help familiarize you with the venues we chose, in this particular upcoming series we also want to introduce you to the Chefs we have partnered with for each event! We call them “Chefs with Heart”, and we think you will see why. Let’s start with a little background on our third stop on the Northeast Roadshow: The Row Hotel at Assembly Row and The Smoke Shop Restaurant in Somerville, MA

You’ll find The Row Hotel in the urban-forward neighborhood of Assembly Row in Somerville – close enough to the city, but far enough from the busy. Of the hotels near Boston, the Row Hotel is exactly like nothing else, with an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

Moving on to our dinner location, The Smoke Shop Restaurant’s Chef Andy Husbands is the award-winning chef, author and Pitmaster behind the Smoke Shop BBQ, Boston’s acclaimed barbecue restaurants, and three-time winner of Boston Magazine’s “Best Barbecue”.

Come join us in Boston and see for yourself, from 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm at The Row Hotel at Assembly Row in Somerville for our luxury destination showcase then walking to The Smoke Shop Restaurant for dinner, Whiskey and Brisket Summer School, from 5:45 pm – 8:00 pm with a Chef Andy Husbands.

We look forward to welcoming you to The Row Hotel and The Smoke Shop Restaurant on July 21st and the final stop on the inaugural Northeast Roadshow!

Pack Your Bags: Up for Auction at the Florida Roadshow, a stay at Casa de Sierra Nevada

Posted on June 13, 2022 | by Joe Mo | Leave a Comment

Attending our Florida Roadshow will give you the opportunity to take part in our silent auction, benefiting the Wine to Water Ukraine Fund initiative. We are proud to support this endeavor in this time of need in Ukraine. So let’s take a look at what is up for grabs to help you decide what you want to bid on. Next up, Casa de Sierra Nevada.

Located in San Miguel de Allende, this Mexican city is an adventure for the senses, the sights, sounds and scents that draw you in. In the heart of the vibrant city is an oasis, a private sanctuary in Casa de Sierra Nevada, a Belmond Hotel. Open the ancient, wooden front doors and at once the fiesta outside gives way to a siesta-like calm. The charm of Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada welcomes guests with a magical sense of tranquility.

The cluster of casonas, the colonial state houses that comprise the hotel, tell a rich and colorful history. This former 16th century convent has kept some of the original features, including carved stone fireplaces and beamed ceilings, complemented with modern convenience rooms individually decorated with antiques and art and rich textiles. The hotel exterior gives little indication of the magnificent courtyards you will find within the walls.

Come evening flickering lanterns illuminate the grounds where you can retreat with a cocktail and unwind at the end of a busy day in San Miguel de Allende.
We promise you will be charmed by this property at every turn.

Up for grabs: A 2-night stay in a Deluxe Room with daily in-room wake up coffee service, a welcome drink, and free WiFi.

So bring your credit card and your sense of adventure to the Florida Roadshow for a chance to bid on this fabulous stay!