The Engaging Retreat 2026

Discover the secrets of Engagement at The Engaging Retreat 2026! For Speakers, Meeting Professionals and Leaders.

Experience the future of inclusive collaboration at The Engaging Conference 2026. Dive into a transformative space where ideas from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities converge.

Learn how to design & deliver engagement at your in-person, hybrid and virtual events.

Learn from the world's experts in Engagement.

What do you get with an IN-PERSON ticket?

• Over 8 top speakers on engagement
• 5-Minutes on stage with 4-camera footage
• 3 Meals a day including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Expert speaker coaching
• Exclusive networking

Speakers Include:

• John Chen, CSP, #1 Amazon Author of Engaging Virtual Meetings and your host

From captivating panel discussions to interactive sessions, we're breaking barriers to ensure everyone's voice finds a platform and feels engaged. Using the most advanced and engaging hybrid setup, you will have the best seat in the house no matter if you attend in-person or virtually.

Join industry pioneers who value diversity as strength, and equip yourself with insights that redefine the norm.

With dedicated accessibility options and content tailored to a myriad of perspectives, this conference transcends the ordinary.

The first 50 IN-PERSON attendees get a 5-minute 4-camera fully edited video!

Engage, empower, and evolve together. Your unique story is our collective strength.

🌍♿️🏳️‍🌈Note: Accessible formats & captioning are readily available.

Attend virtually!

Attend in-person!

Attend what a PhD called, "The Best HYBRID E.V.E.R!"

Click "FOLLOW" for speaker announcements and agenda updates! See speaker videos below.

Tuesday 10/20/2026 - The 6th Anniversary of Publishing the #1 Amazon "Engaging Virtual Meetings"

7:30am Doors Open, hosted by Virtual Emcee

8:00am The Engaging Conference Opening Ceremony hosted by John Chen, CSP

TBD

4:10pm - The Engaging Debrief by John Chen, CSP

5:00 pm Dinner/Networking, end of virtual (In-Person Only)

7:00 pm Optional Evening Activity (In-Person Only)

Wednesday 10/21/2026

7:30am Doors Open, hosted by Virtual Emcee

8:00am How To Make Your Next Keynote More Engaging With No Additional Technology by John Chen, CSP

TBD

4:10pm - The Engaging Debrief by John Chen, CSP

5:00 pm Dinner/Networking, end of virtual (In-Peson Only)

7:00 pm Optional Evening Activity (In-Person Only)

Thursday 10/22/2026

7:30am Doors Open, hosted by Virtual Emcee JO Welch

8:00am The Hybrid Advantage with John Chen, CSP

TBD

3:20pm - Super Engaging Panel moderated by John Chen, CSP

4:10pm The Engaging Retreat Closing Ceremony with John Chen, CSP

5:00 pm End of Virtual, Dinner/Networking (In-Person Only)

7:00 pm Celebration (In-Person Only)

In-Person Hotel Suggestions

McMenamins Anderson School

18607 Bothell Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011

To book by phone -

Call 425-398-0122

To book online -

Visit https://reserve.mcmenamins.com/mcmenamins/availability.asp

Comfort Inn & Suites Bothell - Seattle North

1414 228th St SE, Bothell, WA 98021

(425) 402-0900

Your Speakers:

John Chen, CSP

He’s the author of the #1 Amazon Hot New Book Release, Engaging Virtual Meetings. He’s been meeting virtually for over 38 years. He has produced over 4,000 virtual meetings including an EIGHT language meeting and the only 100% LIVE virtual conference in the training industry. He’s 1 of only 400 Certified Speaking Professionals designated by the National Speakers Association. Let’s WELCOME your speaker, John Chen, CSP!