Mastermind Magic: Insights from our Lisbon Retreat

Of the many event types we produce, we may have a favorite child: the destination retreat. Across the board, it seems our clients would agree. They’ve given us the creative reins to produce and advise on travel planning internationally and domestically in locations such as Mexico, Paris, Morocco, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and most recently in the hilly sun-drenched city of Lisbon, Portugal. 

Our team partnered with our longtime client Rachel Rodgers once again to produce a Mastermind Retreat for her top producing associates. We had the pleasure of welcoming and hosting 15 lovely ladies at the astounding Valverde Hotel, tucked away right on the Avenida da Liberdade. A historic and premier boulevard modeled after the streets of Paris, such as the Champs-Élysées. 

Rachel and her team had a vision for creating a culturally enriching, one-of-a-kind experience that not only supported the local artisans but enveloped the attendees into the fabric of the city. All while also creating a space for learning and enrichment amongst each other, giving them the push to grow and re-calibrate as they entered the final quarter of the year. 

 

 

Her mindset and mission as a coach can be both inspiring and humbling in the best of ways. She encourages a rich life, full of opportunities while working from anywhere. Using the location you’re in as the classroom, and seeing each other as teachers to learn from in a supportive setting. She grounds and humbles you by reminding you of the road ahead and the discipline required to reach your milestone goals, with a reminder that you are not alone and can have fun along the way (:

Our team began the brainstorming process of creating the experience Rachel envisioned for her attendees, beginning with a mood board to capture a visual representation of exactly what she wanted to embody. Next came narrowing down the region, then research on the location, artisanal traditions, local gastronomical immersion, and historical elements that resonated with her vision. 

One of the OneTouch team members arrived early to scout our planned experience locations, get a feeling for the local atmosphere, and take note of impactful moments we could create for attendees. During these recon days, we discovered local shops aplenty, providing the perfect welcome gift opportunities from local azulejo (ceramic tiles), tinned fish, local olive oil, and more.

 

 

Continuing with highlighting local artisans, the ladies were privately transported to our first activity; a workshop at a local ceramic atelier. Portugal is one of the ceramic capitals of the world, with a beautiful history of azulejo and craftsmanship. While highlighting an important local tradition, the class unfolded into so much more. The attendees began to support each other in their individual projects, from bowls, to mugs, and trinket dishes. They showed up to encourage and share feedback and offer assistance when they saw someone needed it. This community building experience ended up leading to other conversations and collaborations ranging from launches, rebrands, team dynamics, and so much more. We always emphasize to our clients the importance of  “downtime” activities, and to always be on the lookout for where there is an opportunity to foster community within the group. 

 

 

When producing and planning any sort of destination-based, location-specific event, we mindfully research to the nth degree to immerse ourselves in where we are traveling so that we may provide a respectful, ethical approach to the places we take up space. We give the attendees and by extension, our clients, core memories embedded with hospitality at the forefront, taking notice of where they find discomfort in a new place and how we can provide them a feeling of ease as they get situated.

 

 

Our next desire was to highlight Lisbon, see all the views, and visit the landmarks while making sure we weren’t exhausting the group. So along came the thought of a sunset cruise along the Tagus River! It included the most beautiful candids and portraits with the sunset by our lovely creative partner, Krystna Magonova Photography. It was a fabulous way for the ladies to continue to open up, and feel confident, all while getting some great pictures.

For our final night, we wanted to ensure everyone had an unforgettable evening. The ladies enjoyed a private dining experience in the home of a local pair of longtime friends. The evening began with a quick history lesson and a tasting of Portuguese wine, followed by a traditional Portuguese 3-course meal! Although the attendees dined privately, they sat at an open air table where everyone could see one another. It allowed for conversations of vulnerability and openness, and to decompress and share their learnings from the week. They discussed how they felt themselves growing, where they noticed they could use some love and attention, and how this trip would change the way they approach living life and running their business. 

 

 

Having strengthened these newfound connections, the ladies left that final evening hugging tightly to one another, shedding tears of happiness. Phone numbers began being exchanged, plans for the next time started to unfold, and even conversations on how to make Lisbon a permanent home!

Ready to plan a destination retreat of your own? Contact us today for your complimentary consultation by filling out this form.

Authored by Valeria Miranda, Senior Event Planner.