Ensemble to Celebrate Top-Performing Members in China This Year
by Bruce Parkinson
Photo: Century Cruises
Ensemble has announced that its 2026 Beyond Extraordinary Experiences event will take place in China from August 18-26, in collaboration with the Shanghai, Beijing and Chongqing Tourism Boards and new preferred partner Century Cruises.
The annual program recognizes the network’s top-performing members and coincides in 2026 with the Year of the Fire Horse, traditionally associated with courage, momentum, and achievement — themes that Ensemble says reflect both the network’s continued transformation and the advisors whose performance earned them a place on this exclusive journey.
Beyond Extraordinary Experiences was established as a distinctive recognition program designed not simply as a reward, but as a shared, high-level experience for those driving the strongest results across the network. It brings together a select group of top-performing advisors — Rising Stars — and key supplier partners for meaningful engagement, cultural immersion, and elevated collaboration in some of the world’s most compelling destinations.
A Three-Chapter Journey Across China
The 2026 Beyond experience will unfold as a three-part exploration of China’s extraordinary diversity — from imperial legacy and historic landmarks to dramatic river landscapes and vibrant global cityscapes.
The journey begins in Beijing, where participants will experience the city’s rich historical heritage through exclusive, private-access moments, including a VIP experience at the Great Wall of China and a privately hosted cultural experience within the Temple of Heaven.
Guests will then travel to Chongqing, the world’s largest megacity — a striking, multi-dimensional metropolis shaped by rivers, mountains, and an urban landscape that rises in layered elevations. Here, attendees will embark on a luxury Yangtze River sailing with Century Cruises, witnessing the awe-inspiring Three Gorges while enjoying a series of signature onboard events and curated surprises.
The experience concludes in Shanghai, China’s cosmopolitan cultural and financial capital, where participants will explore the city’s celebrated culinary scene, contemporary arts, and dynamic nightlife, closing the journey in one of the world’s most vibrant global destinations.

“This experience brings together a carefully selected group of our most accomplished members and partners for meaningful recognition and connection,” said Ensemble President Michael Johnson.
“Beyond is far more than a traditional recognition trip; it is intentional time with the members and partners who are driving results and setting the pace for our network.”
“Becoming a preferred partner of Ensemble marked an important milestone for Century Cruises,” said David Fredericks, President and General Manager. “It is a privilege to present our product to Ensemble’s top members and partners, and we look forward to welcoming this distinguished group and showcasing China’s great cities and the Yangtze River aboard Century Voyage to celebrate their achievements.”
The 2026 program builds on prior Beyond journeys. In 2024, attendees traveled to Paris with VIP access to the French Open at Roland Garros, while the 2025 experience in Tuscany culminated in a private performance by Andrea Bocelli during his 20th-anniversary hometown concert.
Beyond is one of several annual programs hosted by Ensemble, alongside Uncharted, Summit, Skyline, and Horizons, each designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and continued growth across the network.

