Day 1 at the Mike Ferry 2026 Superstar Retreat at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida is officially underway, and the energy here is strong. After the quiet arrival evening of the bonus day, the resort is waking up with the whole conference floor ahead of us. This is the second entry in my daily recap series from the retreat, and the whole reason I am here is to sharpen what I bring back to my clients and readers in the Washington, DC area.
Fueling Up at the Breakfast Buffet
Before the sessions got going, I headed down to the retreat's breakfast buffet to fuel up for the day. It was the kind of spread you hope for on a busy conference morning: fresh fruit bowls, hot breakfast options, and plenty of coffee to get a long day started the right way. Mornings like this are a small but real part of what makes a retreat like this work, a chance to settle in, grab a good breakfast, and get your head in the right place before the work begins.
For anyone following along from the DC area, here is the short version of what this week is about: the same retreat I previewed on the blog is now happening in full swing, and I am on the ground soaking up everything I can. Day 1 is off to a strong start, and I plan to carry every bit of it straight back to how I advise DC-area buyers, sellers, and readers, the same way I bring neighborhood guides and market updates home from around the DMV.
This Morning's Session
A look at this morning's session from the retreat.
Between sessions I stepped outside for some fresh air, and The Diplomat's grounds made it easy to reset. The palm-lined walkways run right up to the ocean, so a few quiet minutes with the Atlantic in view had me ready to head back to the training room for the next block.
A Networking Highlight: Swapping Notes With Agents From Across the Country
One of the best parts of Day 1 has been the chance to connect with other agents between sessions. I snapped a smiling selfie with a fellow attendee I met over coffee, and it is a good reminder of what this week is really about: agents from every corner of the country, each bringing something different to the table. Swapping notes with peers I would not run into back home is one of the fastest ways I know to sharpen my own approach, and I am already thinking about how a few of those conversations will show up in how I serve DC-area buyers and sellers.
Later in the day I met even more agents from around the country, this time in front of the Mike Ferry Premier backdrop at the venue. It was a simple moment, standing together for a photo with the retreat branding behind us, but it captured exactly why I love this event: strangers from different markets, in one room, genuinely happy to trade ideas and help each other grow. Every conversation added something new, and I am carrying those connections home with me.
Between sessions I also paused for a photo with another attendee, both of us in suits and ties with our badges on, against a light wood wall in the venue. It was a quick moment, but it is another reminder of how much common ground there is across this business, no matter which corner of the country everyone calls home.
Meeting fellow agents has honestly been one of the best parts of Day 1. Whether it was a quick thumbs up in front of the red banner or a longer conversation between sessions, everyone I met brought a fresh perspective, and I walked away from each exchange with something new to think about.
Sharing Each Day as It Happens
I am planning to keep sharing updates from each day of the retreat here on the blog, so if you want to follow along with my daily recap series, this is where each entry will land as I post it. If you are thinking about buying, selling, or just exploring the Washington, DC area from wherever you are right now, I am always glad to talk while I am away. Reach out anytime through the contact page and I will get back to you.
That is Day 1 off to a strong start. I will be back with the next update from the retreat as the week continues.
Planning a Move to Washington, DC?
Whether you are comparing neighborhoods, sizing up the market, or getting ready to make a move, I would love to help you make the most of the DMV. Reach out through the contact page while I am at the retreat, or book a consultation for when I am back in the office.
Fair Housing and Equal Housing Opportunity: Coldwell Banker Realty fully supports the Fair Housing Act and Equal Housing Opportunity. The Mike Ferry 2026 Superstar Retreat is an event produced and operated independently by The Mike Ferry Organization; this article is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Mike Ferry Organization or its retreat. Robert Clarke is a licensed real estate salesperson (SP99196) in DC, MD, CT & MA, affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty, 310 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314. © 2026 Coldwell Banker Realty. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Robert Clarke
Realtor · Coldwell Banker Realty · SP99196
Engineer turned real estate agent with a Master's from GWU. I help families find their place in the DMV with a blend of technical rigor and genuine local knowledge, and I am spending this week sharpening what I bring back to DC-area clients and readers.