Annual Forum 2025 FAQ

What is the CEO Forum?

Our Mission: To engage, encourage, and disciple CEOs and Senior Executives and their families as Christ-following leaders who advance the Kingdom of God.

Our Purpose:  Discipling Business Leaders of Influence

Our Vision: Transformed Executives, Transformed World.

What is Annual Forum?

Annual Forum is an annual national gathering held over two days each fall for CEO Forum members and their spouses. While allowing plenty of time for informal conversations to build deeper friendships and to start new ones, renowned guest speakers will present on topics relevant to our members’ day-to-day journeys in the marketplace and on the home front.

What do I need to do to complete my registration?

We have reached capacity for this year’s event, and new registrations will be added to our waitlist and confirmed by our team only if space becomes available. If you have any questions, please contact Kayla McKelvey (kayla@theceoforum.org).

What is the cost of the event?

CEO Forum Member and Spouse registrations are complimentary*. This includes all gatherings and meals for the 2-day conference. This registration does not include travel, hotel or Friday afternoon activities.

Alumni and invited Guests pricing is shown below, which includes conference registration and meals. Please select ‘Paying Guest Registration’ when completing your registration. Registration costs do not include travel, hotel, or Friday afternoon activities:

$2,100 for an individual

$3,000 for a couple

*CEO Forum’s Annual Forum conference is fully funded by its members’ annual operating contributions. If you are registering as a CEO Forum member for this year’s Annual Forum event, we ask that you faithfully comply with member giving expectations or alternatively register as a paying guest. Learn more about CEO Forum member giving expectations here.

Where can I find an event schedule?

Linked here you will find an event schedule for the Annual Forum 2025 event. A more detailed event schedule will be provided closer to event kickoff.

When should I plan to arrive and depart from The Ritz-Carlton?

Arrival: The conference will begin with our Welcome Lunch at The Ritz-Carlton on Thursday, October 9th at 12:00 PM. Plan to arrive onsite at The Ritz-Carlton the morning of Thursday, October 9th by 11:00 AM.

For some guests, travel logistics will require arrival onsite at The Ritz-Carlton the evening of Wednesday, October 8th. Hotel check-in begins at 4:00 PM on the date of your reservation.

Departure: Formal programming ends after our Friday evening session, October 10th at 10:00 PM. We suggest staying at The Ritz-Carlton Friday evening and departing Saturday morning, October 11th. The check-out time is 11:00 AM.

How do I book my room?

All conference guests are responsible for securing their lodging. For your convenience, The Ritz-Carlton has provided a booking link: here.

The hotel address is: One Ritz Carlton Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629. Most rooms are $489, and a deposit will be required to hold your guest room reservation.

Cancellations

We ask that any changes or cancellations be communicated no later than Friday, September 5. Early notice helps us steward our commitments wisely and minimize unnecessary costs to the ministry.

Two-Step Cancellation Process
If you need to change or cancel your hotel reservation and attendance at the event, please complete both steps:

Notify Kayla McKelvey at kayla@theceoforum.org so we can adjust our headcounts and steward the block accordingly.
Cancel your hotel reservation directly with the Ritz-Carlton by calling (800) 930-5146 (reference your confirmation number).

Conference Registration Cancellation Policy
CEO Forum Member and Spouse conference registrations are complimentary as part of your CEO Forum member benefits. While the event is free for registered members, there is a significant ministry cost allocated to reserving a spot for you and your spouse in the room. We ask that any changes or cancellations be communicated by Friday, September 5. Early notice helps us steward our commitments wisely and minimize unnecessary costs to the ministry. Please contact Kayla McKelvey (P: (214) 235-9028 | E: Kayla@theceoforum.org) to cancel your conference registration.

Hotel Reservation Cancellation Policy

Group Cutoff Date – Friday, September 5.
After this date, rooms are subject to hotel availability and the group rate is no longer guaranteed.

Hotel Cancellation Deadline – 7 days prior to your arrival.
Your reservation is guaranteed with the credit card you provided.

– If you cancel on or before 7 days prior to arrival, there is no penalty.

– If you cancel within 7 days of arrival or do not arrive as scheduled

What time will my room be available?

Hotel check-in at The Ritz-Carlton begins at 4:00 PM on the date of your reservation and most rooms will be ready at this time. You are welcome to use the amenities of the resort until your room is available.

If you are arriving onsite for our Welcome Lunch on Thursday, October 9th before your room is available, please proceed to the hotel check-in desk first. Bag storage will be available for you until your room is ready. Upon completion of our welcome event, you will have free time to freshen up in your room before the evening session begins.

There are a limited number of early check-ins available. If you are planning to arrive before 4:00 PM on the date of your reservation, please contact Jackie Peak to request being added to our early check-in request list. While we cannot guarantee an early check-in, The Ritz-Carlton will do their best to accommodate requests.

Is my spouse invited?

CEO Forum exists to engage, encourage, and disciple CEOs and Senior Executives and their families. We believe that including your spouse in your spiritual leadership journey creates synergy between your personal and professional life that is a tremendous blessing. Spouses of CEO Forum members are invited to attend all sessions of Annual Forum 2025.

The female spouses of our CEO Forum members are invited to a special luncheon on Friday, October 10th at 11:00 AM in The Pavilions at The Ritz-Carlton.

Male spouses are invited and encouraged to attend our lunch programming on Friday, October 10th at 11:00 AM alongside their spouses.

Can I bring my children?

The CEO Forum Annual Forum event is designed for CEO Forum members and their spouses only. However, The Ritz-Carlton welcomes families, and we’d invite you to use your downtime and extended weekend in beautiful Laguna Beach to gather as a family. There are many local attractions perfect for families to enjoy. We encourage you to extend this 2 day stay into a family vacation and soak up the salt air, ocean views, and family fun! Some nearby attractions are:

Disney Land (34 miles/50 mins)
Knott’s Berry Farm (35 miles/1 hour 11 mins)
Pretend City Children’s Museum (18 miles/22 mins)
Adventure City (33 miles/1 hour)
Mission San Juan Capistrano (5 miles/11 mins)
Santa Ana Zoo (28 miles/35 mins)
Ritz-Carlton Activities/Excursions

Can I extend my stay?

CEO Forum has a limited number of guest rooms held in our room block both pre-and-post event: Tuesday, October 7th and Wednesday, October 8th; Saturday, October 11th and Sunday, October 12th. We encourage you to use your downtime and extended weekend in beautiful Laguna Beach should you plan to stay longer than the 2 days of our event. Make sure to book your longer stay in advance to lock in your room(s).

What is the attire?

Resort Casual

Suggestions: Relaxed yet fashionable attire for upscale settings. Men wear slacks, khakis and dress shirts. Women in slacks, khakis, blouse or nice top, skirts, or sun dresses.

What are the closest airports to The Ritz-Carlton?

John Wayne Airport (SNA) is approximately 21 miles/32 minutes from The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

Long Beach Airport (LGB) is 44 miles/50 minutes from The Ritz-Carlton.

Los Angeles Airport (LAX) is 63 miles/1 hour 24 minutes from The Ritz-Carlton.

Where can I learn more about The Ritz-Carlton, including parking and hotel amenities??

Visit Hotel Information for information about The Ritz-Carlton.

Visit Ritz Overview for more parking, transportation, and hotel services while at The Ritz-Carlton.

Where can I find a map of The Ritz-Carlton?

You can find a map of The Ritz-Carlton here. Please note all the main sessions will take place in The Pacific Promenade Ballroom.

Will I have any free time over the 2 days to relax or work if needed?

Yes, please visit our Event Schedule here to see the overview of the conference.

What are the on-site dining options at The Ritz-Carlton?

All meals during the conference (lunch Thursday through dinner Friday) are included in your registration. You can find all onsite options for dining here, or utilize the hotel concierge for offsite recommendations nearby.

Is there a deadline for registration?

Annual Forum 2025 operates on a first come, first served basis. We have reached capacity for this year’s event, and new registrations will be added to our waitlist and confirmed by our team only if space becomes available. If you have any questions, please contact Kayla McKelvey (kayla@theceoforum.org).

What are the options for Friday afternoon activities?

You will enjoy a scheduled conference break on Friday, October 10th from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Friday Afternoon Pickleball Open Play
Join fellow attendees for a fun and friendly round of pickleball during Friday’s afternoon break! From 1:30–4:00 PM, we’ll have open play courts reserved exclusively for CEOF conference guests. We’ll provide high-quality paddles, balls, and bottled water—just bring your energy and be ready to play.

To secure your spot, please register using the sign-up link here. Space is limited, so don’t wait.

Ritz-Carlton Eco-Adventures
The Ritz-Carlton offers a wide variety of activities coordinated through Eco-Adventures and the hotel concierge to meet your needs. You can review all available offerings here: Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel Activities

Below are two signature Ritz-Carlton experiences we recommend—both coordinated through Eco-Adventures.

Surf Experience – A 2-hour guided lesson for all skill levels, including transportation, boards, wetsuits, towels, and more. From $250 per person

Explore the Shore Hike – Guided nature hike at the Dana Point Headlands Preserve or tidepools with a naturalist. From $90 per person

Contact the Eco-Adventures Center to book either option: (949) 240-5072 or grprclagunaniguelecoadventurecenter@ritzcarlton.com

Golf
For guests who wish to enjoy a round of golf during their stay, there are exceptional courses nearby. Please note these options are not coordinated through the Ritz-Carlton or Eco-Adventures—guests are responsible for arranging tee times directly with each course.

Monarch Beach Golf Links (1 mile away)
A premier oceanfront course just minutes from the Ritz-Carlton. We recommend the following tee times:

– 18 holes on Oct 8 or 11

– 9 holes on Oct 9, 7:30–10:30 AM; Oct 10, 1:30–4:00 PM

Contact the Pro Shop for availability and logistics: Monarch Beach Golf Links | (949) 248-3001

Pelican Hills Golf Club (11 miles, 30 minutes north)
One of Southern California’s most celebrated courses. Due to travel time, this option is best suited for Wednesday, Thursday morning, or Saturday. We recommend tee times:

– 18 holes on Oct 8 or 11

– 9 holes on Oct 9, 7:30–10:30 AM

Contact the Pro Shop to confirm public availability: Pelican Hill Golf Club | (844) 878-0942

Email kayla@theceoforum.org for questions regarding Friday afternoon activities.

I am a member registered for the event and my plans have changed. How do I cancel my registration?

We ask that any changes or cancellations be communicated by Friday, September 5. Early notice helps us steward our commitments wisely and minimize unnecessary costs to the ministry.

Two-Step Cancellation Process
If you need to change or cancel your hotel reservation and attendance at the event, please complete both steps:

Notify Kayla McKelvey at kayla@theceoforum.org so we can adjust our headcounts and steward the block accordingly.
Cancel your hotel reservation directly with the Ritz-Carlton by calling (800) 930-5146 (reference your confirmation number).

Hotel Reservation Cancellation Policy

Group Cutoff Date – Friday, September 5.
After this date, rooms are subject to hotel availability and the group rate is no longer guaranteed.

Hotel Cancellation Deadline – 7 days prior to your arrival.
Your reservation is guaranteed with the credit card you provided.

– If you cancel on or before 7 days prior to arrival, there is no penalty.

– If you cancel within 7 days of arrival or do not arrive as scheduled

I am a paying guest and my plans have changed. How do I cancel my registration?

We ask that any changes or cancellations be communicated by Friday, September 5. Early notice helps us steward our commitments wisely and minimize unnecessary costs to the ministry.

Two-Step Cancellation Process
If you need to change or cancel your hotel reservation and attendance at the event, please complete both steps:

Notify Kayla McKelvey at kayla@theceoforum.org so we can adjust our headcounts and steward the block accordingly.
Cancel your hotel reservation directly with the Ritz-Carlton by calling (800) 930-5146 (reference your confirmation number).

Conference Registration Refund Policy
All cancellation requests for paying guests must be made in writing by emailing Kayla McKelvey, Kayla@theceoforum.org.

A 100% refund will be granted when the cancellation request is received by 5:00 PM CST on Friday, September 5, 2025.

A 50% refund will be granted if the request is received between September 6, 2025 and September 10, 2025. No refunds will be granted if the request is received after September 10, 2025.

All cancellation requests received after September 10, 2025 will be taken in consideration with our event waitlist. In the event we are able to fill your spot with another participant and cover costs associated with your cancellation, we may be able to offer you a full refund, but we cannot guarantee this.

Hotel Reservation Cancellation Policy

Group Cutoff Date – Friday, September 5.
After this date, rooms are subject to hotel availability and the group rate is no longer guaranteed.

Hotel Cancellation Deadline – 7 days prior to your arrival.
Your reservation is guaranteed with the credit card you provided.

– If you cancel on or before 7 days prior to arrival, there is no penalty.

– If you cancel within 7 days of arrival or do not arrive as scheduled