UPN Retreat Barcelona

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02-03 october 2025

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This year, we invite you to break free from the usual, challenge the status quo, and embrace transformation at the UPN Retreat: SHAKE UP.
In today’s fast-evolving world of PR and communications, standing still is not an option.
It’s time to shake things up — our perspectives, our strategies, and our approach to success.

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Get Ready for an Electrifying Experience at UPN Retreat!

SHAKE UP is not just a theme—it’s a mindset. Get ready for an unforgettable retreat filled with high-energy discussions, immersive experiences, and unforgettable entertainment. From dynamic networking events to pulse-raising outdoor activities, this is your moment to shake up the way you connect, create, and celebrate.

At UPN, we thrive on pushing boundaries, sparking new ideas, and growing together. SHAKE UP is our call to action — to challenge, to innovate, and to lead with confidence.

We can’t wait to embark on this transformational journey with you. Let’s shake things up and redefine what’s possible — together.

The United Partners Network

Shake Up Myself: Personal Reinvention for Professional Excellence

Growth begins with the individual. In these sessions, we will explore how to break old habits, embrace new ways of thinking, and cultivate resilience in an ever-changing industry. Get ready for hands-on workshops, thought-provoking discussions, and energizing experiences that will challenge you to rethink, refresh, and revitalize your personal and professional journey.

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Shake Up Our Clients: Transforming the PR Landscape

PR is all about making an impact, and it’s time to disrupt the norm with fresh, cutting-edge strategies. These sessions will focus on revolutionizing client relationships, leveraging new storytelling techniques, and mastering emerging media trends. Expect inspiring case studies, future-focused insights, and collaborative idea labs to keep our clients ahead of the curve.

Shake Up Our Agencies: Innovate, Collaborate, Elevate

Success in PR isn’t just about individual brilliance—it’s about working together to drive meaningful change. In this segment, we’ll dive into innovative agency models, creative problem-solving methods, and industry-shaping trends. We will challenge traditional agency structures, experiment with new collaboration methods, and spark game-changing ideas that will shape the future of our industry.

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REGISTRATION

UPN MEMBERS & CLIENTS

Early bird: 380€

Regular registration: 400€

Late registration: 450€

non-members

Early bird: 550€

Regular registration: 600€

Late registration: 650€

SPOUSES & FAMILY

Early bird: 200€

Regular registration: 250€

Late registration: 300€

UPN Retreat 2025 Agenda

Theme: Embracing Change – Innovate, Disrupt, Lead

DAY One
02. OCTOBER:
ARRIVE AND IGNITE

SHAKE UP OUR AGENCIES
Where bold growth strategies meet Barcelona charm

All Day – Arrivals and check-in

14:30–15:00

Welcome Lounge & Coffee Connection
Kick off your retreat with an espresso and fresh faces in the sunny Barcelona breeze.

15:00–16:30
Agency Growth Workshop: From Growth to Greatness
With Ivan Fernandes, M&A Advisor and Marketing Growth Strategist
Learn how to build scalable, sellable, and unstoppable agencies. Ivan will share hard-earned lessons, growth frameworks, and M&A strategies in a no-fluff, high-focus format.

Followed by open discussion: “To Buy or To Sell – What’s Your Agency Play?”

16:30–16:45
Power-Up Coffee Break

16:45–18:00
UPN Agency Mastermind Session
Peer-to-peer roundtables for agency leaders only. Swap growth tactics, success secrets, and honest lessons.

17:00–18:00
Optional: Barcelona Secreta: An Urban Adventure
A walking surprise that unveils the magic of the city’s secret spots. (More details soon.)

20:00–23:00
Networking Dinner & Drinks: A Taste of Authentic Barcelona
An evening filled with Catalan flavors, rooftop views, and relaxed conversation. Your first night sets the tone for meaningful connections.

Parallel sessions TBC: client-hosted meetups, Public Affairs roundtable

day Two
03. OCTOBeR:
EXPLORE & ELEVATE

SHAKE UP MYSELF + SHAKE UP OUR CLIENTS
Fuel your growth with energy, inspiration, and action

08:30–09:00
Morning Energy Experience
Get your heart pumping with a dynamic start.

09:00–09:20
Welcome Coffee

09:20–09:30
Opening Ceremony
Welcome from Maria Bentsson, UPN Host – plus surprise guests!

09:30–10:00
Keynote: Caleb Gardner
Leadership futurist and former Obama digital strategist. A bold voice on change, impact, and digital movements.

10:00–10:30
Fireside Chat: Ethics & AI
Svetla Stoyanova, IPRA Gold Paper Winner – on navigating responsibility in the age of artificial intelligence

10:30–11:00
Keynote (TBA)

11:00–11:30
Networking Break

11:30–12:00
Keynote: "Where Do We Draw the Line?"
Mauricio Ferro, CEO of TANK (Colombia)
A fearless exploration of the ethical edge in global communications.

12:00–13:00
Power Panel: AI in PR – Brave New World
Featuring:

  • Georgi Ivanov, Payhouk

  • Madelene Kornfehl, Cloudberry (Sweden)

  • Mauricio Ferro, TANK (Colombia)
    Bold insights and real case studies from those shaping the AI narrative in PR.

13:00–14:00
Lunch Break
Kyndryl Agencies Exclusive Parallel Session Over Lunch

14:00–14:30
Energy Boost: Let’s Shake It UP
You’ll have to be there to experience it. Just bring your spirit!

14:30–15:00
Keynote (TBA)

15:00–16:00
Global Trends Panel (TBA)
Visionary minds dissect the future of communications.

16:00–16:30
Recharge Networking Break

16:30–16:45
Mini Keynote: "Leading with Calm"
Rosemary Ravinal, TEDx Speaker & Consultant
Mastering conversations in the age of emotion – from the Magic Pause to Listening Loudly and the RAIN Me

17:00–18:00
Showcase Panel: Best in Class Campaigns by UPN Agencies
Smart, standout, award-winning work. Let’s get inspired.

18:00–18:30
Closing Plenary: SHAKE UP Grand Finale
A wrap-up you won’t want to miss – surprises guaranteed.

18:30–20:30
Free Time & Optional Activities

20:30–02:00
SHAKE UP Barcelona Party
Beachside, moonlit, and magnificent. Let’s celebrate our community and the journey ahead.

day THREE
4.October:
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE


OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

(Extra charge applies – pre-registration required)

Cava Country Escape – A sensory day trip for wine lovers
Michelin Star Evening – Savor Catalonia’s finest cuisine in intimate company

Departures throughout the day.

2025 speakers

partners

Previous speakers

2024 Venues

  • Interactive sessions, welcome networking dinner and drinks

    A stunning rooftop for our welcome networking dinner, with amazing city views.

  • Conference venue

    A conference venue right in the heart of Barcelona, just steps from Rambla de Catalunya, Paseo de Gracia, Casa Mila, and Casa Batllo.

  • Closing party

    A beautiful beachside location next to W hotel for our closing party dinner, perfect for unwinding to the sound of the waves and a breathtaking sunset.

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Need some more convincing?

Read about the experience from 2023’s retreat.