Passport to Purpose: EO Cincinnati's First All-Member Retreat in Years Heads to Havana, Cuba

All-member retreats are back! EO Cincinnati is making a bold and exciting move: The entire chapter is heading to Havana, Cuba, in March 2026 for a once-in-a-generation experience. Our vision for this vibrant getaway is reconnection, unity and purpose. 

Under the leadership of current EO Cincinnati president Shanna Novosel the retreat is more than a tropical escape, it's a strategic, heartfelt move to bring the chapter closer together. "If I could do anything during my presidency," she said, "it would be to create a space for us to grow and connect together."

Why Cuba, Why Now?

When Shanna took the helm, she looked back at a moment of inspiration: attending a Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting event with other EO members. "It was life-changing," she said. "We connected in a way that you just can’t at a typical event. I wanted to bring that feeling of unity and real relationship-building to our entire chapter."

Choosing Cuba was no accident. The destination is close enough for convenient travel, cost-effective enough to include more members. It's a unique location enough to spark curiosity and create lasting memories. "Most EOers have been to places like Mexico and St. Lucia," Shanna explained, "but Cuba offers something rare: a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Who's Invited?

This all-member retreat is for all EO Cincinnati members, EO Accelerator (EOA) members and their significant others. It’s designed to welcome the entire community into a space where entrepreneurs and their families can not only enjoy culture and connection, but also grow together.

Bringing a spouse or partner means they'll get a taste of EO’s magic. The hope is that they return home with a better understanding of the value EO brings, and how the value is more than just to their partner, but to their family and community.

What to Expect

Beyond the expected sightseeing and laughter, the EO Cuba Retreat is designed with intention. We'll meet with local Cuban entrepreneurs to gain powerful insights into resilience, creativity and doing business in a system full of challenges. Their real-world stories will spark reflection and inspire gratitude for the freedoms and tools entrepreneurs enjoy in the U.S.

"We're going to learn how entrepreneurs in Cuba navigate obstacles we'll hopefully never have to face," Shanna said. "It’s going to change how we think about opportunity."

The Vision: Connected With Purpose, Growing in Unity

At its core, this retreat is an embodiment of Shanna's presidential theme: Connected with Purpose, Growing in Unity. It’s about deepening relationships, sparking new business ideas and building a chapter where everyone has each other’s backs.

"In a world where people are often let down, even backstabbed in business," Shanna said, "EO is where you find people who genuinely want to see you survive and thrive."

Her hope is that this all-member retreat becomes a defining moment for EO Cincinnati, strengthening the fabric of the chapter and planting the seeds for an annual tradition. With chapter funding helping support this first trip, it sets the stage for future self-funded retreats that are just as transformational. 

Dates and Details

EO Cincinnati All-Member RetreatDestination: Havana, CubaDates: March 6–8, 2026Open to: All EO Cincinnati and EOA Members + Spouses/Partners

Ready to Be Part of It?

Whether you've been with EO for years or you’re newer to the community, this retreat is your chance to experience something unforgettable. You'll experience a powerful mix of adventure, learning and connection that could shape your entrepreneurial journey for years to come.

Registration details are available at the EO national website once you login.