Fireside retreats take place twice a year, spring and fall, the venue rotating between Korea, Japan, and the Greater China. Since the first Fireside retreat in Seoul, Korea in October, 2010, following retreats have been held in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Jeju Island, and Nara.

As the capitals of China, Japan, and Korea are only two-hour flight away from each other, the original intention was to take turns spending the weekend in the three cities. As the number of members grew, discussions became deeper, and programs more diverse, new venues were added, and the weekend retreat was expanded to a two full-day program in 2013 in order to allow the participants to spend more time getting to know each other and the places that we visit.

There are two main aspects to the Fireside retreat – private and public.

Fireside retreat is an opportunity for the members to reconnect, share and inspire as they track and support each other’s personal growth. An important part of the retreat is “What’s On Your Mind”, a confidential session during which the members have frank conversations about the issues and concerns that are foremost on their minds. The purpose of the private session is to provide support for each other as trusted confidants and advisors to life’s many questions about becoming better human beings and leaders. The discussion topics range from personal issues such as health, marriage and children to career and leadership-related situations.

The public program of the Fireside retreat is designed to promote a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures by reaching out to the local communities. Retreat members are given an intimate introduction to the local cultures and flavors through programs curated by the members from the hosting country. The aim is to get to know each others countries not as travelers passing through but as friends with special affinity and affection. To this end, Fireside builds relationships with local communities and institutions to support their causes and to act as the bridge to the outside world. Most of the causes Fireside supports are cultural in nature, and share the Fireside values of openness, integrity and mutual respect.