2025 ADCC Annual Retreat
ADCC dance competition owners and staff members, special guests and speakers gathered from September 29-October 1 2025 ADCC Annual Retreat, at the Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Lexington, Kentucky.
Crafting Excellence in the Bluegrass: Inspiring Innovation and Raising the Barre – Set against the vibrant backdrop of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, this theme invites participants to refine their craft, embrace emerging trends, and elevate standards in all aspects of their businesses all while speaking to the artistry, dedication, and innovation that drive the dance competition industry.
In addition to business sessions, there were ample networking and social opportunities as well!
It was great to see you at the 2025 Annual Retreat — recently renamed to reflect the relaxing, sociable, think-tank spirit of this redesigned signature ADCC event.
Workshops & Professional Development
Panels, speakers and peer breakouts will offer practical solutions, insights, and food for thought, all designed to help your company build on the collective power of the ADCC. Learn from peers in breakout sessions, explore the latest member innovations in production, merchandising, and safeguarding your business from risk.
Vendor Fair
Lexington's Vendor Fair ran Tuesday and Wednesday, September 30 and October 1, and featured special signature drinks and fun door prizes both days. The Vendor Fair featured Business Partners and Trade Show Vendors offering products and services to the dance competition industry, to help you save money and streamline your business.
2025 Business Partners included Custom Built Awards, DanceBUG,
ConferenceDirect, RD Production Group, International Dancer Competitive Registry, Jake Nothing and TourPro Software.
Trade Show Exhibitors included Air Comm Radios, Connect Payment Technologies, Dakiki, Espich Printing, Gerriets Dance Floors, HotelPlanner, and The Legacy of You, along with Media Partners DanceCompetitionHub.com, DanceComps and Inside Dance magazine.
ADCC Social Events
In addition to business sessions, there were ample social opportunities as well: an icebreaker Run for the Rosé: A Downtown Derby Dash (sponsored by TourPro Software) where members raced through downtown Lexington solving cluesand snapping photos, Poolside Pianos opening night party (sponsored by Custom Built Awards), and Game On at Malibu Jack’s where members got loose with a non-stop night of fun. We closed out our time together with a fabulous derby party, High Stakes & High Spirits.
New Member Orientation
Those new to the ADCC were invited to attend a New Member Orientation on Sunday, September 28 (before the conference begins) to learn about how to take full advantage of membership in our association. Current members are also welcome at the session to learn more about ADCC new and existing programs and services.
2025 Keynote Speakers
Bert Randall
Betting on the Future: Strategies for Successful Succession
Bert is a nationally recognized trial attorney focusing on employment law, tort liability, and business litigation. He serves as General Counsel to the Maryland Motor Truck Association and the Restaurant Association of Maryland, and is a Fellow of the College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers. A decorated veteran of the Maryland Army National Guard, Bert frequently speaks at regional and national conferences on employment law, workplace safety, and litigation trends.
Jennifer Chin
Staying in the Running: Essential Updates for Handbooks & Contracts
Jennifer has dedicated her life to inspiring others through leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact. In 2005, she founded her dance studio, growing it into an organization that teaches life lessons through dance. A More Than Just Great Dancing® Certified Coach, founder of Believe in the Dream 501(c)(3), and recipient of the “IMPACT” award, Jennifer has spoken at national events while continuing to lead with love, serve with kindness, and create lasting memories with her children.
Todd Anderson
Jockeying for Success: Smart Business Moves Without the Wild Cards, Handing Over the Reins – Empowering Your Leadership to Step Up; Not Getting Stuck in Your Business
Todd brings over 30 years of HR expertise. From leading HR for 6,000 employees at a Fortune 50 company to helping staff 27,000 volunteers for the 2002 Winter Olympics, Todd has a proven track record of creating success. Today, he supports 500+ clients across the western U.S. with energy and experience.
Michael Ian Cedar
Steady in the Saddle - Building Resilient Show Directors for the Long Run, Top Fear of Owning or Managing a Dance Competition or Convention
Through combining high-energy passion with a nonjudgmental approach, Michael Ian Cedar helps clients tap into their potential to lead others, by focusing on their emotional intelligence, interpersonal relations, and managerial skills. He assists leaders at all career stages gain confidence by freeing them from unconscious limiting beliefs and behaviors.
Hotel Information
This year’s conference hotel is the Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate Golf Resort & Spa in Lexington, Kentucky, a beautiful property in the heart of Bluegrass country.
ADCC has contracted a room block only available ONLY to ADCC members and vendors registered for the 2025 Annual Retreat. Room rate information coming soon!