Thank you to all who joined us for this truly special experience—we can’t wait to see you next year!
Creative Leaders Retreat
February 20 - 22, 2025
Scottsdale, Arizona
CLR 2025
A Transformative Experience in the Sonoran Desert
The Creative Leaders Retreat 2025 brought hundreds of industry leaders together in Scottsdale, Arizona, for an unforgettable experience surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Returning to its “get away from it all” roots, the retreat provided a much-needed space to step back, reflect, and reconnect with the core of creative leadership.
Amid ongoing industry challenges, the retreat offered a refreshing pause from the "always-on" culture, addressing burnout and work-life stress with open, honest discussions. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with an incredible lineup of speakers from top agencies and brands, sharing insights, strategies, and invaluable lessons on becoming stronger, more mindful leaders.
From thought-provoking keynotes to candid roundtable discussions, every session encouraged connection, growth, and inspiration. As the desert sun set each evening, attendees walked away with renewed purpose, fresh ideas, and a deeper appreciation for why they got into this business in the first place.
Thank you to all who joined us for this truly special experience—we can’t wait to see you next year!
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2025 Speakers
Talks From The Industries Finest
Karen Crane
Rob Schwartz
Beth Kushner
Resh Sidhu
Sean McBride
Kristina “KJ” Jenkins
Norm Shearer
Brian Collins
Mollie Wilkie
Andrew Dawson
Kristine Kobe
Jordan Doucette
Bharat Kumar
Ronald Ng
Samira Ansari
Tiffany Rolfe
Desmond “Dez” Marzette
Felipe Ribeiro
Stepping Into Leadership Roles
The path to becoming a creative director is one of paradoxes; the skills that got you there — incredible creative ideas and executions — aren’t necessarily the ones you need to lead and manage creative teams. And there isn’t really a handbook that helps you make that transition, or to stay sharp and relevant in that position once you’ve made it.
The Creative Leaders Retreat is designed to help fill the void for newly-minted CDs and even seasoned veterans who want to become better leaders. By the end of the Retreat, attendees will be given tangible, actionable advice that they can bring back to their companies and their careers to implement.
Introducing Free Onsite Career Coaching
Are you living up to your true potential? Are you where you want to be in your career? Are you having any fun? This is where coaching can help.
We’re excited to announce that this year, Rob Schwartz and Karen Crane from our One Club Coaching For Creativity program will be on-hand to provide free coaching advice for our attendees. Book time with them during the retreat and they’ll help guide you through your career journey and identify your goals and how you can maximize your potential. They will also host a workshop during the Roundtable Discussions where you’ll be able to do an individual assessment of your strengths and weaknesses and where you can go from there.
The CLR Experience
Creative Leaders Retreat is less of a conference and more of a conversation. Podiums and lecterns are replaced with small groups and sessions, allowing for more open and candid dialogue. You won’t see one-way, canned presentations about trends or predictions. What you will find are discussions about behind-the-scenes best practices on how to make your creative team function better, regardless if you’re part of a big network, a small studio, or a brand-side agency.
Our world-class speakers aren’t only here to share wisdom, but to also learn from attendees, whose own experiences make for important learning moments. And because it’s a closed-door event, people are free to ask any questions and share their own challenges without any barriers. Just honest, open conversations and real answers.
While at the retreat you'll get to bond with speakers and fellow attendees over a round of golf, a group hike or whisky tasting with an expert at the Westin's famous Scotch Library.
PAST ATTENDEES
What They Have To Say
Venue
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
VENUE
The Westin Kierland
For 2025, the retreat will be held at the beautiful Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, with the majesty of the Sonoran Desert at our doorstep.
Registration to the event includes all sessions, meals, and group outings, with opportunities to indulge in yoga, hiking and golf.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
6902 East Greenway Parkway,
Scottsdale, AZ, 85254
480-624-1000
Location
Scottsdale, Arizona
LOCATION
An Inspired Setting
With this year’s theme, we couldn’t think of a better location to decompress and network with fellow creatives than the natural beauty and seclusion of the deserts of the American Southwest. You’ll spend two full days getting to know your fellow attendees and speakers, stepping out of your comfort zones and into the breathtaking Arizona desert atmosphere. And because Creative Leaders Retreat attracts both agency and in-house creatives, you’ll have the opportunity to gain both perspectives and grow your network in this gorgeous locale.
