Creative Leaders Retreat
February 20 - 22, 2025
Scottsdale, Arizona
Early Bird Pricing Until December 1st
CLR 2025
Resetting Our Minds in the Sonoran Desert
The Creative Leaders Retreat 2025 returns to its “get away from it all” roots with a gathering in Scottsdale, Arizona, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
While facing unprecedented challenges over the past several years, our industry has learned to be more flexible with the needs of its people and the way we work. Even so, the “always-on” and doing-more-with-less culture has led to burnout and work-life stress. This year’s Creative Leaders Retreat offers a chance to reset the mind and focus on why we got into this business in the first place.
With a top-notch lineup of speakers from both agencies and brands, the Creative Leaders Retreat is an invaluable opportunity to gain insight and tips and exchange ideas on how to become a better creative manager and leader. Bring your team and join us for open and honest conversations while being re-invigorated in the warm desert sun.
February 20 / Welcome Reception
February 21 & 22 / Sessions and Activities
February 23 / Check Out
Registration to the event includes all sessions, meals, and group outings, with opportunities to indulge in yoga, hiking and golf.
Speakers
Talks From The Industries Finest
More Speakers Coming Soon
Resh Sidhu
Sean McBride
Kristina “KJ” Jenkins
Norm Shearer
Jordan Dewitt
Brian Collins
Jordan Doucette
Mollie Wilkie
Kristine Kobe
Jonathan Cude
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.
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 even an in-house department on the brand side of the business.
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.
The Creative Leaders Retreat is kept deliberately small and intimate, and by the end of it all, you may very well meet all of your fellow attendees, expanding your network as you move forward with a clearer creative vision.
Pricing
Pricing
| Early Bird | General | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Member Price | $1,700.00 | $1,950.00 |
| Member Price | $1,530.00 | $1,755.00 |
| Early Bird | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Member Price | $1,700.00 | Member Price | $1,530.00 |
| General | |||
| Non-Member Price | $1,950.00 | Member Price | $1,755.00 |
For One Club members, please check your One Club account dashboard under the member resources section, or check your email for your discount code.
Not a member? Sign up now and get discounted rates on events, discounted rates on awards show entries, as well as many other resources for the creative community.
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
Special Discounted Rate: $389 per night
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 Next Creative Leaders attracts both agency and in-house creatives, you’ll have the opportunity to gain both perspectives and grow your network in this gorgeous locale.
