Luxury experiences redefine what’s possible in Newport,

Luxury is in the eye of the beholder. One person’s decadent hot spring soak may be another person’s rigorous off-road riding.

The challenge for meeting professionals is to determine the appropriate amount of “me time” as well as surprise and delight, and be confident that their needs will be met so that they can focus on what is being presented. The Smart Conference Luxury Experience at Harbor Island Resort in Newport, Rhode Island, took on this challenge with a little help from some friends.

The historic, classic coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island, is a New England gem founded by eccentric rebels seeking religious freedom more than 300 years ago. During the Gilded Age, it became a favorite as socialites built mansions and hosted lavish parties in the summer, including Rosecliffe, the same star in Robert Redford’s The Great Gatsby The smart conference closing reception was held in a banquet hall.

The circa 1902 waterfront mansion, one of four leased by the Newport County Preservation Society’s Newport Mansions, just completed a $7.5 million restoration and cleaning.

Read more: Providence, Rhode Island: Creative City

Champion mentality

What gift is more appreciated than the gift of a fresh perspective? Two-time Olympic gold medalist Heather Moyse shares tips on how to transform a champion’s mindset – changing the way you see the world can produce powerful results. “If you want to be a champion, you have to make championship choices,” she said. “Excuses are everywhere and we are more capable than we think.”

Smart Tip #1: Doubt your doubts. Whether it’s a critical family member or a voice in your head, when you hear negative voices, ask, “Are you sure?” Make choices based on data and evidence.

Smart Tip #2: Challenge your comfort zone. Self-limiting beliefs, fear of isolation, and judgment of failure can stop us before we even get started. “Sometimes exposure is exactly how you want to feel at the next level,” says the woman who had to overcome her fear of competing in four Olympic games in full-body spandex in front of millions on national television. “My fear of looking back at my life and wondering ‘what if’ must be stronger than my desire for comfort.”

Smart tip #3: No regrets. Moyes repeats wisdom we often hear but rarely internalize. “We usually regret the things we didn’t do more than we regret the mistakes we made,” before adding, “In order not to regret, you don’t need to make excuses.” When it’s all over, you need Know that there is nothing more you can do. You gave it everything you could.

Smart Tip #4: Perspective is power. Instead of asking, “Can I?” ask, “What should I do?” This shifts the conversation toward a solution focus rather than a binary choice.

Smart Tip #5: Believe in the possibilities. Nothing is impossible and there are no guarantees, but before you can achieve anything, you have to believe it is possible. “Remember that highly unlikely does not mean impossible – focus on what you can control.”

At the end of the session, what matters is not that you completed your plan perfectly, but that you prepared yourself for the best possible outcome.

inspired

Kate Patay, Vice President of Global Partnerships at Terramar DMC, and designer Jordan Carbotti share how to add little details to impress your guests.

Smart Tip #1: Visualize the experience. Add photos with dress code inspiration to your pre-departure instructions, as well as reminders about passports (if the group is international) and other information to help people imagine what they can expect and make the transition to the event smooth.

Read more: Lessons from the Top Brand Experience Summit in Las Vegas

Smart Tip #2: Give people what they want. The most popular luxury request is also affordable: “me time.” Especially in a walkable, scenic place like Newport, Rhode Island, scheduling some time to explore the area, answer emails, or take a nap is always appreciated.

Smart Tip #3: Provide a personalized service ambassador. Prepare information about groups and sponsors for hotel concierges so they can make better recommendations and anticipate attendee needs.

Smart Tip #4: Make everyone feel special. Design semi-private VIP areas so that people can see through curtains and create different layers of access so that privileges are not divisive but coveted and flow into other areas. Incorporate “red carpet runway” in your brand colors and hire “paparazzi” to take photos and call out names to build excitement.

Smart Tip #5: Leverage the influence of pop culture. Look to Taylor Swift and more for color, gift, and theme inspiration. You can tell whether something is a passing fad or a trend that is here to stay by watching it appear on multiple platforms (concert stages, fashion shows, fast fashion).