The Week Promises a Perfect Blend of Innovation, Leadership, and Culinary Inspiration
There is a reason why leaders hold important retreats in settings surrounded by nature. Returning to the natural rhythms of life, stepping away from the hustle of the city, and immersing oneself in a tranquil environment signal to both the body and mind that this is a time to reset, find balance, and prepare for what’s next.
This is why ECEP’s leaders have chosen Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa Valley, California, as the site for their 2025 Symposium. After a year of working on their own successful businesses, the beauty of the sky, earth, and vineyards will help bring this group of high achievers to a setting where they can slow down to think bigger. The setting provides space to foster innovation, cultivate new partnerships, and create something truly special for the year ahead.
Carneros Resort and Spa spans 28 acres of picturesque countryside in Napa Valley, featuring a stunning hilltop pool and 100 secluded cottages. Each cottage embodies informal elegance—elevated farmyard chic—with rocking chairs on private decks overlooking the vineyards and telescopes for moon-gazing.
During the day, ECEP attendees will engage in dynamic discussions on all aspects of business while drawing inspiration from keynote speaker Chef Richard Blais. A celebrated author and chef, Blais trained under culinary legends such as Thomas Keller at The French Laundry, Daniel Boulud at Restaurant Daniel, and Ferran Adrià at El Bulli. Widely recognized from Bravo’s Top Chef series, he currently co-stars alongside Gordon Ramsay on FOX’s Next Level Chef.
At the Symposium, Blais will share insights from his career, including his work with Trail Blais, a forward-thinking culinary consulting group that advises national brands on menu innovation, ideation, and employee training. He will also participate in a panel discussion on service standards, customer experience, and restaurant operations.
Back-to-back workshops will immerse attendees in high-level peer-to-peer education, covering topics such as AI-driven business strategies, exit and succession planning, and expansion into new markets. Sessions will balance cutting-edge innovation with practical strategies for streamlining operations and refining business practices.
Evenings will transition into culinary explorations, ensuring the Symposium nourishes both professional aspirations and personal growth. The first night features a visit to Ad Hoc, Chef Thomas Keller’s beloved Yountville eatery dedicated to American comfort food. Originally intended as a temporary pop-up, its overwhelming popularity cemented its place as a permanent fixture in Napa Valley’s dining scene.
The following evening, attendees will enjoy dinner at Celadon, an award-winning restaurant renowned for its globally inspired menu, which celebrates the flavors of the Mediterranean, Asia, and the Americas.
No visit to Napa would be complete without experiencing its world-class wineries. Attendees will spend an afternoon and evening at Round Pond Estate, a family-owned winery and olive oil producer in Napa’s famed Rutherford region. With a legacy spanning more than 40 years, Round Pond is best known for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon.
A private tour of the winery’s olive oil and winemaking production areas, followed by a garden terrace dinner, will serve as the Symposium’s grand finale. Against the backdrop of Napa’s rolling vineyards, attendees will raise a glass—celebrating new ideas, meaningful connections, and the promise of the year ahead. The perfect setting to start 2025 with synergy, vision, and intention.
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