the magic of connection in mexico

event details

The drive to Belmond Maroma feels like an unfolding secret. The road weaves through the dense Mayan jungle, the canopy above dappling the path with sunlight until, suddenly, the trees open to reveal Maroma at the edge of the Caribbean. Waves lap at the shore, the air hums with heat and salt, and the scent of copal lingers from welcome rituals.

From the very first moment, it was clear this was a place meant for gathering. At Maroma, connection wasn’t a theme; it was a way of being. Here, every conversation over fresh ceviche and every shared sunset along the water reminded us why we came: to build community rooted in authenticity, artistry, and heart.

We know that the most meaningful work in this industry comes from relationships. So we gathered here not just to network or brainstorm but to create a space where real connection could take root. The invitation was simple: come as you are, bring your ideas and your honesty, and let’s grow together.

Our Creative Director, Alia Wilson of Bon Vivant, took her cues from the land itself. The week’s design flowed through the same natural rhythms as the Riviera Maya, beginning with the warmth of sun and sand, golden tones, and woven textures, and ending in a cool, lunar palette inspired by the ocean. Her vision reflected not just the landscape but the emotional journey of the event: grounding, then connecting.

Each day began with intention. Guests gathered in small connection sessions that invited reflection before the programming began. These were not lectures or icebreakers, but guided moments of truth-telling and listening. People shared their wins and challenges from the year so far, clarifying what they hoped to create next and what they might need to let go of to make room for it.

The conversations that followed felt different because of that grounding. Panels became dialogues. Meals became opportunities for connecting on an even deeper level. Throughout the week, guests moved between thoughtful workshops, intimate roundtables, and inspired meals that celebrated both creativity and culture. Everything was designed to create connection, the kind that lingers long after everyone has returned home.

Our Hosts set the tone for these exchanges, bringing both generosity and candor to every discussion. Industry leaders joined us to explore the evolving role of venues as true partners within luxury events, and our final panel invited reflection on longevity and legacy in this work, how each of us defines success, sustains creativity, and leaves something lasting behind.

Our guests are what make In Trusted Company special. 

Wedding professionals with diverse backgrounds traveled from all over the US and Mexico to join us at the Belmond. As with all ITC events, everyone was invited to embrace our "come as you are" ethos, putting their own unique gender expressions and cultural twists on the attire guidelines provided by our Creative Director. The mix of voices and perspectives created a sense of community and belonging that carried us through the week, from cocktails by the pool to our closing dance party.

The rest of the team and I watched in awe as traditional networking cracked and gave way to genuine bonding almost immediately, thanks to the generous amount of downtime built into the schedule, the laid-back vibe of the event itself, and the meaningful, compendious, thoughtful questions that Radhika, our Director of Guest Experience, crafted for our Connection Sessions. 

Many folks nested themselves around the property into conversations throughout the afternoon and sometimes into the early morning. There was an impromptu pool party at the very end, where a certain DJ challenged a certain wedding planner to a midnight backstroke race - end of the pool and back!
Who? We'll never tell. You just had to be there.

After the retreat, we asked guests to reflect on the impact of their week. Two themes emerged repeatedly: "you changed the way I think about networking" and "you helped me fall back in love with this industry". This is precisely what we set out to do.

We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who trusted us to travel to Mexico for our first multi-day retreat, to our collaborators for their incredible vision and execution, and to Belmond for hosting us so well. 

Event Experience: In Trusted Company
Host Property: Maroma, A Belmond Hotel
Creative Director: Bon Vivant
Photography: Sarah Lawless
Cinematography: Anna Lord
Floral Designer: Katie Wachowiak
Rentals: Archive Rentals and Canteiro Weddings
Live Entertainment: Downtown Band Entertainment
DJ Elements, AV: BE Collective Live and Official Paris
Linens: Vada Goods
Concierge Event Meteorologist: Ironic Reports