The Retreat is the first annual Hotel & Events package for networking, hosted at the upscale LOEWS ROYAL PACIFIC RESORT onsite at Universal Orlando during the Classic, November 21-23, 2008. Presented by Smart-Talks.com, the event is sponsored in part by HBCUConnect.com, ‘your connection to the HBCU community.’ This inaugural event appeals to an upscale adult audience seeking quality venues where they can find personal rejuvenation from their busy lives, inspiration for their business and personal growth, and other successful people for networking and reunion.
RETREAT EVENTS
Events are scheduled on Friday and Saturday, November 21 and 22, and begin with an interactive Empowerment Forum featuring Dr. Dennis Kimbro, co-author of THINK AND GROW RICH: A BLACK CHOICE with Napoleon Hill. With THE MINDSET FOR SUCCESS as a theme, this will be a transformational experience as participants are invited to create their own personal mission statements and goals as a compass for the highest vision of the life or work they desire. Workshops delivering practical strategies will be led by Life Coach Charles Taylor and Marketing/Personal Branding Coach, Gina Amaro Rudan. Ongoing tools and resources will be posted on smart-talks.com.
Social networking venues include the Cocktail Mixer in the Wantilan Luau Pavilion, an exotic tropical outdoor lounge setting, the pre-game Private Tailgate Brunch with music, and great food. After the game enjoy the restaurants and unlimited club access at the CityWalk Entertainment Complex at Universal Orlando, a short walk or boat ride from your hotel.
THE CLASSIC WEEKEND
The Florida Classic presented by State Farm, featuring Bethune-Cookman University and Florida A&M University, has become the nation’s largest HBCU sports event. Held at the Florida Citrus Stadium in Orlando, FL on the weekend before Thanksgiving, the Classic sells out 70,000 seats in the stadium, attracts 100,000 fans overall, and has a $30 million economic impact on Central Florida.
The Retreat is the brainchild of Paulette Hicks, former Citigroup executive and alumna of FAMU. Her company, SMARTTALKS, LLC, was created from her passion for personal development and self-empowerment, and features inspiring content on smart-talks.com, produces impactful events, and promotes exotic travel adventures.
PARTNERSHIPS WITH BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Leading business and professional organizations in the state of Florida are partners in the Networking Retreat, including to date:
African American Chamber of Central Florida
Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce
First Coast African American Chamber of Commerce (Jacksonville)
Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida
National Black MBA Association, South Florida Chapter
Wilkie D. Ferguson Bar Association (formerly Miami-Dade Black Lawyers)
Millennium Movers Urban Professional Network
Media Partners to date include:
InFocus Magazine
Success South Florida Magazine
Caribbean Today News Magazine
HOST HOTEL
The Loews Royal Pacific is a world-class Resort with tropical themed rooms and suites, five restaurants and lounges including Emeril's Tchoup Chop, lagoon style pool and beach, fitness center, access to the Mandara Spa and golf at Orlando's best courses. It offers supervised children's programs and is a pet-friendly resort. As a Resort guest, you may walk or use free transportation to the Universal Theme Parks and to the CityWalk Entertainment Complex for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Help grow the event by making your plans to join us, passing this information to others, and referring the names of additional organizations and sponsors.
Ignite your drive and passion for life as we make history and take the Classic to another level!
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Registration fee for all Retreat Events: $149 for adults $49 for children under 18
To register now, go to
www.smart-talks.com and click on the Classic page.
After registration is paid, reserve your room in the smart-talks Classic Weekend block at the Loews Resort, at an incredible daily rate of $149 for a standard room.
No advance deposit is required for the hotel, and all room charges and incidentals will be settled directly with the hotel at checkout. For more information, call 305 494-5689 or email phicks@smart-talks.com. DEADLINE FOR ALL EVENT AND HOTEL REGISTRATIONS IS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2008—NO EXCEPTIONS.
For game tickets check this site:
http://members.aol.com/venomnation/gofamu Visit the official Classic website for game & event info:
http://www.floridaclassic.org/ Please note: Game time has been moved up to 2pm Saturday.
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Wednesday, November 19th 2008 at 3:40PM
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