The 12th annual Ray’s Retreat has come to a close—and what an unforgettable gathering it was. Set once again against the breathtaking backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains and Dancing Bear Lodge, our 2025 theme, “Rewinding the Clock,” brought together leaders and visionaries at the intersection of science, business, law, and innovation.

From Admiral Brett Giroir’s opening keynote to Senator Richard Burr’s national security insights, from groundbreaking discussions on longevity and AI-driven diagnostics to hands-on explorations of personalized medicine, quantum computing, and trade secrets—the Retreat delivered on its promise: essential conversations that spark new ideas and new collaborations.

The moments extended beyond the sessions—whether tubing down the Little River, learning photography in the Smokies, or sharing laughs over music, whiskey tastings, and the Fourth Annual Cornhole Tournament (with yet another hard-fought finish). With more than three dozen companies represented across every level of the C-suite, the energy was unmatched, the dialogue candid, and the connections invaluable.

As we look back, we are humbled by the remarkable contributions of our speakers, panelists, and participants who made Ray’s Retreat 2025 our most inspiring gathering yet.

Share Your Reflections

We’d love to hear from you. If you joined us at Ray’s Retreat 2025, please take a moment to share your testimonial or reflections on the experience using the button below. Your voice helps us preserve the impact of these moments and continue shaping the future of this unique gathering.

If you have photos from this year’s Retreat, we’d be honored to feature them as part of our collective memories—please feel free to attach and submit them for inclusion on the site.