Let’s be honest: the days of windowless boardrooms and uninspired meeting spaces are long gone. Today’s leadership events and team meetings call for destinations that spark fresh ideas, foster real connection, and make people genuinely excited to attend. Whether you're looking to align your executive team, kick off a new initiative, or simply recharge and refocus, these four standout U.S. locations strike the perfect balance between business and experience.
⚓️ Newport, Rhode Island
Seaside sophistication with a dash of old-school glamour.
Newport is where historic mansions meet modern leadership strategy. This coastal gem offers stunning venues, yacht-filled harbors, and just the right amount of New England charm. Host your meetings in a renovated Gilded Age estate, then unwind with a private sailing excursion or a lobster boil on the beach. It’s classy, coastal, and surprisingly accessible.
🌲 Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Quaint, creative, and full of character.
Portsmouth is an underrated powerhouse for intimate team gatherings. Walkable and welcoming, this coastal town has a thriving arts scene, boutique hotels, and farm-to-table restaurants that punch above their weight. Bonus: its slower pace fosters big ideas. If you're looking to unplug from the corporate grind and plug into fresh thinking, Portsmouth is a quiet storm of inspiration.
🌿 Savannah, Georgia
Southern charm meets modern momentum.
Savannah isn’t just about cobblestones and Spanish moss (though there’s plenty of that, too). It’s also emerging as a hub for creative industries and progressive companies. With its mix of historic architecture, forward-thinking venues, and rooftop cocktail culture, it’s ideal for leadership retreats that want both polish and personality.
☀️ San Diego, California
Sun, surf, and serious meeting magic.
If you want blue skies and a big impact, San Diego delivers. From luxury beach resorts to downtown rooftop venues, this SoCal city is perfect for blending business and leisure. Surf lessons after a strategy session? Wine tastings after workshops? Yes, please.
Wherever you gather, let it be somewhere that reflects the future of your team—not just your next agenda.
Need help planning a meeting that motivates? Reach out to Executive Group Travel and let’s design an event that inspires, connects, and sets the tone for what’s next.
