No matter how many incredible destinations and experiences we’ve explored as part of the Engage! journey, we’re always looking for our next adventure. So for our first Engage! of 2026, we decided to leave familiar shores behind us and set sail for uncharted waters – quite literally! More than two hundred of the world’s premier luxury event professionals embarked from vibrant San Juan, Puerto Rico, aboard Evrima, flagship of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Here, our experience was defined not just by our surroundings, but by the movement and cadence of life at sea. Days unfolded with a deliberate grace. Conversations deepened, and connections flourished. With a focus on intimate, small-group discussions and thoughtfully curated exchanges, this retreat fostered a sense of closeness and created memories that will last long after we readjust to the shore.
Behind the scenes, a dynamic creative team brought this vision to life: Jennifer Johnson of EPIC Presentations, Emilio Olabarrieta and Julio Cintrol of Emilio Olabarrieta Event Atelier, and Michael Johnson of LUXEE. Together, they transformed Evrima into a floating Engage! Retreat, where every space felt considered and cohesive, from sunlit decks to elegant interiors. This seamless blend of design, production, and purpose set the tone for our ocean odyssey.
At the very heart of our voyage was The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, redefining luxury at sea with its signature service, refined aesthetics, and spirit of exploration. Evrima, the collection’s inaugural 624-foot superyacht, with her airy suites, ocean-view terraces, and ever-changing horizon, lived up to the meaning of her name: ‘discovery.’ With multiple dining venues, a serene spa, and a marina that opens directly to the sea, Evrima offered a seamless blend of yacht-life freedom and Ritz-Carlton polish. Here, the experience was as much about the journey as the destination.
The Brand & Paper Details
The visual identity for Engage!26 Evrima, created by our creative partners at TPD Design House, truly captured the refined elegance of life at sea. Drawing inspiration directly from Evrima’s silhouette, the custom “E” icon abstracted the yacht’s cascading decks into a fluid, symmetrical mark. It echoed both maritime heritage and the yacht’s mirrored relationship with the ocean.
The branding design leaned into restraint, allowing texture, tone, and movement to do the storytelling. A palette of layered blues was softened by airy neutrals and accented with warm notes of orange and yellow, evocative of golden hour on open water. Across paper goods, menus, and signage, the branding anchored the experience. It brought cohesion to every touchpoint and translated the essence of Evrima into a modern visual language.
Embarkation & Gifting
All aboard! Embarkation at Engage!26 Evrima felt like crossing into a whole new world. Attendees were shown to their suites, where sunlight streamed through expansive windows and private terraces opened onto an endless blue horizon. After settling in, the group gathered on deck. Here, sea air, sweeping views, and that unmistakable sense of anticipation set the tone for what was to come.
In true Engage! fashion, gifting was seamlessly woven into the experience. This time, of course, it was reimagined for life on the water. A curated collection of yachting essentials awaited, marrying practicality with polished sophistication. Attendees received Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection totes and toiletry bags, stylish Helen Jon swimwear, and Bisous sunglasses. Each piece was designed to move effortlessly from sunlit decks to island shores. The atmosphere was relaxed yet refined, with conversation flowing and laughter floating on the ocean breeze. It was a moment of passage into connection, community, and a shared voyage of discovery.
And that wasn’t where the gifting ended! For Engage!26 Evrima, we decided to spread the joy over our three days at sea, with surprise turndown gifts and takeaways from the iconic St. Barths hotels that hosted us on day two. So fun!
Sessions & Workshops
Over three days of Retreat sessions, the programming aboard Evrima struck a careful balance. It was structured enough to guide, but open enough to breathe. It began with all hands on deck as founders Rebecca and Kathryn welcomed the group. Then it was time to dive into a candid dialogue with industry leaders Lynn Easton, Todd Fiscus, and Sarah Haywood on the nuanced ecosystems of referrals. Cindy Novotny followed with a powerful call to elevate how we sell, serve, and show up at the highest level.
The retreat’s programming leaned into intimacy, with Freeda Network-curated small groups forming its backbone. These sessions created space for real conversation that was thoughtful, strategic, and often refreshingly unfiltered. Inspiration is powerful, but as the group discovered once more, connection is what truly moves us forward. The conversations begun at sea will continue to chart a course for this community long into the future.
On day two, a standout Q&A led by Anja Winikka brought together voices shaping the industry: Vogue and Over the Moon’s Alexandra Macon, People’s Emily Ostrohm, and designer Hayley Paige. Together, they offered insight into media, storytelling, and personal brand ownership, giving attendees a clearer understanding of how influence and visibility truly work. Their insights made waves while providing clarity, candor, and a collective understanding of what it takes to be seen and heard.
By day three, it was full steam ahead. A panel featuring Bryan Rafanelli, Michelle Rago, Jennifer Zabinski, and Mark Ingram explored reinvention and the evolving definition of service. Then attendees broke into category-specific groups to exchange ideas, challenge standards, and define what comes next.
The Welcome Party
Our first evening began as all great journeys should – with a toast. As Evrima slipped away from port and set sail for St. Barths, attendees gathered on deck for sailaway cocktails. They raised glasses to new friendships and familiar faces as the sky melted from soft blue to molten gold. The evening’s ‘Come Sail Away’ theme was relaxed but elegant, with guests dressed in shades of the sea from misty aquamarine to deep indigo. Dinner unfolded across the yacht’s restaurants – Mistral, The Pool House, The Evrima Room, and Talaat Nam – each with its own distinctive energy. Then it was back to the Observation Lounge, which transformed into an irresistible dance party that lasted well into the small hours.
Exploring St. Barths
On day two, we dropped anchor in St. Barths, a jewel of the Caribbean where French sophistication meets barefoot elegance. The island’s distinctive charm lies in its effortless balance. Designer boutiques and yacht-filled harbors by day, glamorous nightlife after dark, all set against a backdrop of pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Our afternoon ashore unfolded across eight of the island’s most iconic properties: Eden Rock, Cheval Blanc, Fouquet’s, Le Barthélemy, Le Sereno, Hôtel Le Toiny, Rosewood Le Guanahani, and Tropical Hotel St Barth. Each offered its own perspective on island luxury. The afternoon unfolded slowly, over long tables, sun-drenched views, and conversations that deepened with every course. No two experiences were the same, but every table shared the same magic of exceptional company, elevated French-Caribbean cuisine, and that distinctly St. Barths sense of understated glamour.
Sultry St. Barths Party
Night two aboard Evrima turned up the heat, carrying the spirit of St. Barths and its legendary nightlife back on board. The evening began with sunset cocktails on the bow, Evrima glowing as the sunset faded and guests gathered in rich, radiant tones. Dinner unfolded once again across the yacht’s elegant restaurants. Then guests converged once again in the Observation Lounge for a red-hot disco. Think shimmering scarlet disco balls, showgirls in sparkling crimson gowns, and live performers turning the dance floor red-hot. The décor was bold, the mood was electric, and nobody wanted the night to end.
Day Three Experiences
Our final day onboard Evrima offered a true choose-your-own-adventure. While the yacht anchored off the coast of Anguilla, a serene Caribbean hideaway known for its crystalline waters and celebrated beaches, attendees could choose how to spend the afternoon. Some ventured ashore for a guided hike through the lush, emerald beauty of Katouche Valley and Cavanaugh Cave. Others opted for a beachside lunch at Aurora Anguilla, savoring the island’s famous rum punch with toes in the sand. Those who stayed shipside had their pick of indulgences: watersports at the marina, wine tasting, mixology classes, sushi-making workshops, painting sessions, a lively pool party at The Pool House, or restorative treatments at The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Whether at sea or on land, it was a day designed around personal rhythm, whether that meant adventure, relaxation, or making the most of every inch of our floating sanctuary.
The Golden Hour Party
The final evening aboard Evrima unfolded in shades of gold. It began with a spirited trivia session, before transitioning to the Observation Lounge for cocktails, comedy, and cabaret. Hugh Howser of HThreeEvents had the room roaring, drinks in hand, and laughter spilling across the deck as the sun dipped toward the horizon. Dinner followed across the yacht’s restaurants. Then came the closing celebration: a dance party fueled by dueling pianos and a sing-along bar. It was a final crescendo before we made our way back to shore, hearts full and spirits high.
Thank you to every attendee who came aboard, to our creative partners who brought this vision to life, to our speakers who shared their wisdom so generously, and to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection for being the most gracious of hosts. Aboard Evrima, we found space to pause, connect, dream, and grow. So as we return to port and resume the work that calls us, we carry forward the connections forged at sea. The tide has turned, and what comes next will be shaped by the community we built together on this voyage.
