Meet the Industry Leader Behind Ocean Edge Meetings
A Q&A with Lauren Parker
When it comes to designing meaningful corporate meetings and offsites, few understand the evolving landscape better than Lauren Parker, Director of Sales at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club.
Recently named a Smart Women in Meetings 2026 Industry Leader, Lauren brings a forward-thinking perspective to how companies gather, connect, and move their organizations forward.
We sat down with Lauren to discuss the future of meetings, the power of in-person connection, and what planners should be thinking about as they look ahead to 2026 and beyond.
Q: What do you see as the most significant shift happening in corporate meetings right now?
The most significant shift I’m seeing is the move toward purpose-built gatherings. With hybrid work now the norm, companies are no longer meeting because they always have — they’re meeting with sharper intent.
Executives want alignment, planners want measurable ROI, and attendees want experiences that justify time away from home. That’s driving a rise in experience-driven agendas, curated content, and a stronger emphasis on connection over presentation.
The meeting itself is no longer the product — the outcome is.
Q: Why do in-person meetings matter more than ever today?
In-person gatherings create the kind of trust, creativity, and alignment that simply doesn’t happen on a screen.
When teams are face-to-face, conversations deepen, decisions accelerate, and relationships strengthen. You can feel the energy shift when people step into the same room — or onto the same beach.
Virtual tools support work. In-person experiences shape it.
Q: How are planners redefining what a successful meeting looks like today?
Success is no longer measured by volume — it’s measured by impact.
It’s less about how many sessions fit into a day and more about how attendees feel when they leave. We’re seeing a clear rise in experiential elements: wellness breaks, outdoor activations, culinary storytelling, and local culture woven into agendas.
A successful meeting in 2026 is one that people remember and reference long after they return to their desks.
Q: What makes a corporate offsite truly effective?
The most impactful offsites balance intentional structure with space to breathe.
That means thoughtful pacing, flexible and inspiring environments, and shared experiences that create connection — whether that’s team-building, culinary moments, or time outdoors. Leadership presence is also critical. When leaders are engaged, the entire program becomes more meaningful.
And just as important is a strong sense of place. Destinations like Cape Cod naturally support that, helping teams step away from routine and engage more fully.
Explore our Team Offsite Offerings
Q: How do you balance driving revenue with building long-term relationships?
For me, those aren’t competing priorities — they’re intertwined.
Long-term success comes from being a true partner, not just a venue. It’s about listening closely, anticipating needs, and delivering an experience that helps planners shine with their stakeholders.
When you invest in trust and consistency, the business follows — through repeat programs, referrals, and long-term partnerships.
Q: What makes Ocean Edge a standout destination for corporate meetings?
Ocean Edge offers something planners are increasingly looking for: a destination that feels like a retreat but functions like a fully equipped meeting campus.
Cape Cod brings a sense of escape, creativity, and calm, and our property amplifies that with private beaches, expansive grounds, and a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues. From our private beach (along the largest tidal flats in North America!) to our sprawling Front Lawn to our stately Mansion Board Rooms to our infrared wellness studio, our expansive 429-acre resort offers ample room to get creative with your programs and events.
Planners choose Ocean Edge because it allows their teams to disconnect from routine, reconnect with each other, and return with renewed clarity. It’s not just a meeting — it’s a reset.
Q: How does wellness play a role in today’s meetings?
Wellness enhances productivity when it’s integrated with intention.
Simple elements like movement breaks, fresh-air sessions, mindfulness moments, and thoughtful culinary options help attendees stay energized and engaged. At Ocean Edge, that can look like anything from fitness classes, biking, and kayaking to mocktail workshops—or slowing down with a massage or floating sound bath.
Wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it doesn’t need to be prescriptive. It’s about giving people options to recharge in a way that works for them.
Q: What advice would you give planners booking meetings for 2026 and beyond?
Start early and think holistically.
Demand for destination-driven retreats is rising, and planners who secure dates early have the best access to prime space and creative programming opportunities.
Just as important is choosing the right partner — one who can help design the experience, not just execute logistics.
Q: What excites you most about the future of the meetings industry?
What excites me most is the renewed sense of purpose.
We’re no longer planning meetings out of habit — we’re crafting experiences that truly move organizations forward. The blend of strategy, creativity, and human connection is stronger than ever.
And at destinations like Ocean Edge, we have a unique opportunity to help teams build culture, clarity, and connection in ways that feel meaningful and lasting.
Plan Your Next Meeting at Ocean Edge
Inspired to create a more intentional offsite or corporate retreat? Allow Lauren and her team to guide you through the process.
Connect with us to start planning your next program on Cape Cod.