Connection Over Coffee

Connection Over Coffee: Takeaways from the 2025 Holland Euro VO Retreat

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Euro VO Retreat in Holland, where we spent 1 night in Amsterdam and the rest of the week at a Chateau in Valkenburg. And, let me say... it left a positive lasting impression on me... both personally and professionally. As someone who’s no stranger to voiceover events and industry conferences, I walked in thinking I had an idea of what to expect. But the intimacy, the depth of connection between attendees, and the way this retreat prioritized authentic learning and networking surprised me in the absolute best possible way.

Smaller Groups, Bigger Impact

One of the things that immediately stood out to me was the intentionally small group size. Unlike larger conferences where you’re often just one of many faces in a crowd and could never possibility connect with everyone there, this retreat felt intimate and personal. Every session was more like a conversation than a presentation, and because of that, it hits deeper.

The small group size created a safe space where everyone had a voice and was on the same playing field. Whether they were new to the industry or a seasoned talent, there was room to ask questions, share experiences, and workshop in real-time. As one person mentioned, "it's like drinking from a garden hose." And it is... it can be a lot to take in, but it's beyond worth it. 

Sessions With Spark

The sessions themselves were masterfully led by seasoned professionals (casting directors, talent agents, talent manager, and successful voice actors) who didn’t just share “tips and tricks”—they shared their expertise, experiences, and processes. 

From performance coaching to branding to mindset, every session I was able to catch felt intentional and layered. What I appreciated most was the vulnerability and openness to share. There was no “guru” energy—just creatives helping creatives.

My three sessions all held different information and intentions to share my areas of expertise in order to help voice actors grow their careers. I started with "From No To Whoa in Commercial Auditions" where I broke down the casting process, sharing real auditions and actual audio of the process. My second session was "Ride the Wave: Navigating the Ebbs & Flows with Confidence" where we dove into some confidence and mindset exercises to figure out what makes each individual truly unique and how to bring that forward into your auditions. This one got very vulnerable and what participants took away was this - Every single actor goes through up and downs and you are not alone. My third and final session was the "Commercial Audition Masterclass" where we read copy and dove into how to stand out in the audition, how to create 2nd and 3rd takes while still keeping an authentic connection, and what books commercials. 

Networking Without the Noise

The best part of this retreat? The networking never felt like networking. It felt like real human connection. Meals together (boy, did we ever eat!). Coffee chats that turned into deep dives about career paths and personal goals. Walks on the grounds that led to idea sharing and honest conversations between newfound friends. 

This wasn’t about exchanging business cards... it was about building relationships. The kind that last beyond the event. The kind that lead to collaboration, accountability, and friendship.

My Biggest Takeaway

If I had to boil it all down to one thing, it’s this: connection creates clarity.

When you're surrounded by people who are passionate about their craft, who are honest about the ups and downs, and who are just as invested in your growth as you are, something shifts. You leave with more than notes... you leave with renewed sense of inspiration and purpose.

The Holland Euro VO Retreat gave me space to reflect, reset, and reconnect. Though little sleep was had, and copious amounts of food and drink were consumed, it was a professional refresh for me that I didn't even know I needed. If you ever get the chance to attend, take it. You might walk in hoping to learn a few things, but you’ll walk out having gained a whole lot more.