We’re rewriting the story of life after fifty.
Come share your’s.
Join us at QUEST 2026
Santa Fe. April 12 - 15
Share four magical days with other fiercely curious, generous, creative women, showing up as our truest selves to share our stories and create new life-long friendships, collaborations, and support circles.
After 50+ years on this planet, we are all encountering new challenges in our culture, ourcareers, our relationships and our bodies.
With a potential extra 30 years as compared to our great grandmothers, we get to embrace new life possibilities like never before in history — to rewrite the story of aging & life after fifty.
We get to decide how we want to live, love, work and shine our lights to make an impact in the world .
Together, we can create best chapter in our life’s story — our “third act.”
This is our time.
4 magical days in Santa Fe.
April 12 - 15, 2026
At the historic La Fonda On the Plaza
Spots for 65 women only.
QUEST is part retreat, part workshop, part storytelling gathering —
and part dynamic "collective" where women share boldly, connect deeply, ignite collaborations, and listen for the callings that lead to creative, purposeful third acts.
It's a chance to step out of the responsibilities and noise of daily life and into four days in magical Santa Fe that are designed to inspire you to reset, reconnect, and reimagine.
Why You Should Come.
Connect & Be Inspired by “AHA” story-sharing, Interactive Conversations and Immersive Workshops to Share the Stories Only You Can Tell
Hear personal “AHA” stories shared by inspiring “third act” storytellers. Be there for the debut of our AHA Third Act Storytelling night..
You’ll also enjoy your choice of a full-day workshop on day two Expert leaders will guide you to reflect on your life’s journey and explore your personal narrative through writing, video storytelling, future-visioning, wellness practices, or creative self-expression through art; mosaic and painting
Come Home to Who You Truly Are…Without the Titles, Roles, Experiences & Resume
Enjoy interactive experiences that open you up, free you from self-imposed and cultural expectations to unleash your dreams and desires, This is your time to come to embrace who you truly are as you decide how you want to live, love, work and make an impact in your one “wild and precious life.”
Let Go of the Old Stories & Get Clear About What’s Next in Your Life’s Best Chapter
You’ll enjoy a unique, immersive experience to release fear, doubt, should, and “it’s too late” narratives. Then, you’ll experience a powerful guided visualization along with EFT tapping to align you with “future you” - the version of yourself who’s already living the life you most want to create. This session will shift your energy, anchor your vision, and wire your nervous system to remember what’s possible.
Ignite Your Third Act Impact. Align Your Passions, Talents and Values.
Our “third act impact” panelists will share their “AHA” stories. This group of trailblazing women have woven their passions, talents, and values together into initiatives that uplift other third act women. Their stories will inspire you to harness your unique gifts and align with others in purpose-driven ways.
Build Dream-Team Friendships.
Meet new life-long friends that will help fuel your third act journey. Align with other fiercely curious, positive, like-minded women who can co-create and collaborate with you, challenge you to dream bigger, and be your loudest cheerleaders.
Feel the Awe of Santa Fe.
Enjoy an unforgettable four-day experience surrounded by the inspiring art, natural beauty, Native American storytelling traditions, and history of our beautiful gathering place - La Fonda on the Plaza.
Something magical happens when women gather….
and share our stories—about the “AHA” moments that changed everything for us. Stories about the wake-up calls, light-bulb moments and other magical invitations that get us in touch with our heart's calling. “AHA” moments of sudden clarity that wake us up, shake us open and set us on a new path.
When we hear another woman's story, it’s as if the air shifts…becomes electric. It’s magic.
We see ourselves reflected in each other.
We remember what’s possible and the stories we share become sparks. Our AHA moments can ignite new beginnings, affirm our direction and light the way on our path.
Spots for 65 women only.
333 Collective members enjoy an additional $300 discount (see below)
La Fonda on the Plaza is offering us a Group discounted price = $249 per night.
IMPORTANT:
You will be prompted to create a new Third Act Quest account when registering for QUEST 2026. This account login prompt is not your 333 Collective account login. This new account will give you exclusive access to travel information, event details and pre-event invitations.
333 Members
Join 65 extraordinary women and 25+ remarkable speakers & storytellers for 4 magical days of inspiration, connection, celebration.
Non-Member
Join 65 extraordinary women and 25+ remarkable speakers & storytellers for 4 magical days of inspiration, connection, celebration.
Join us for the debut of our “AHA: Third Act Stories” live storytelling event, open to the people of Santa Fe. We'll spotlight inspiring stories by women 50+ who are re-writing the rules of aging.
Meet our QUEST Speakers & Storytellers
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Diana Place
FOUNDER.
Third Act Quest, 333 Collective and AHA Third Act Stories
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Jennifer Butz
FOUNDER.
WonderCrone, author, coach, artist, and lifelong explorer.
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Amy Collette
BOOK WRITING MENTOR.
Author, Publishing Consultant, Speaker
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Laurie Crawford
RETIREMENT COACH.
GenX Women.
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Jeanne Demers
FOUNDER.
Realize What Matters. EFT Tapping Guide
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QUEST 2026 Agenda
Pre-Quest Event Experiences:
Meet and Greet Zooms:
In the months before QUEST begins, you’ll be invited to a series of special zoom experiences to get to know each other and interact live with the speakers and storytellers.
To prepare for QUEST — (details to come)
Our workshop leaders will host preparatory Zoom sessions in the months prior.
You will receive a complimentary Human Design report that gives you fascinating information on your natural way of influence, connection, and contribution, an audio recording to give you a deeper, more personalized explanation, as well as an invitation to attend a free one-hour workshop.
On Display throughout Quest:
We are offering collective display tables for our 333 Collective Members’ ventures - your books, podcasts, and other offerings. (details will be shared with registered attendees in March)
Sunday, April 12:
Meet and Greet & Welcome Dinner at La Fonda on the Plaza.
Hotel Check-in: 3pm
Registration/Meet & Greet: 5:30 - 6:30
Kick-Off Dinner: 6:30
Monday, April 13:
Breakfast: 8:00
Welcome, Opening, Talks and Interactive experiences: 9:00
These immersive experiences, led by women from our 333 Collective, are designed to
reconnect you with who you truly are and come “home” where it all began
embrace your identity beyond the titles, roles, and resume
guide you to let go of the old stories that hold you back and envision how you want to live, love, work and make an impact. This is our time to boldly step into our best story yet - our “third act.“
Lunch: 12:15
Your ‘Human Design” - 1:00
Our Human Design expert will help you understand your specific “human design” — your natural way of influence, connection, and contribution. Learn how you're naturally wired to influence, connect, and contribute in this powerful next chapter of your life.
AHA Stories and Conversations - Purpose, Calling & Contribution: 1:45
A range of inspiring storytellers will share AHA Stories of Purpose, Calling & Contribution. Then we’ll open up for discussions about the deep desire so many of us feel to make an impact, to contribute in the world in a way only we can.
Their stories will illuminate the moment they suddenly knew: This is mine to do. They will share share the AHA moments when passions, talents, lived experiences, and hard-won wisdom aligned into a clear direction for meaningful work, creative expression, or service. These women have created ventures and businesses that uplift and empower others — especially women in their third act.
Collective Songwriting Experience: 3:45
We’ll close our first day with a fun, energizing musical (and possibly some dancing!) experience as you and your table-mates craft a verse to co-create our QUEST Anthem. This is your moment to unleash your inner singer/songwriter.
Click to listen to last year’s inspiring QUEST Anthems playlist
Tuesday, April 14:
Breakfast: 8:00
Full Day Workshops: 9:00 - 4:00
Choose from six unique, immersive workshops to dive into the heart of the story only you can tell. Our workshop leaders will guide you to reflect on your life’s journey and explore your personal narrative through writing, video storytelling, future-visioning, wellness practices, or creative self-expression through art; mosaic and painting. (More details to come once you have registered for QUEST)
Lunch and Dinner breaks:
Explore the heart of Santa Fe’s Plaza area restaurants and sights on our own, There are many possibilities right outside the doors of La Fonda.
Tuesday, April 14 Evening
“AHA” Third Act Story Stage - 7:30 - 9:30 pm
We’ll invite people of Santa Fe to join us at La Fonda in the historic Santa Fe room for a magical evening. Ten remarkable women will take the stage for our “AHA. Third Act Storytelling” debut — sharing their life’s pivotal moments and wake-up calls; stories of bold reinvention, creative living, and joyful purpose.
Their stories will bring together a rich spectrum of transformative stories — showcasing the many ways AHA moments appear in a woman’s life.
These storytellers share pivotal and universal turning points, including:
• bold reinvention and brave new beginnings
• rising from loss, disruption, or adversity
• unexpected, seemingly magical synchronicities and moments of awe
• rediscovery after lifequakes or wake-up calls
• creative awakening, clarity, courage, and joyful purpose
These stories — diverse in form, electric in truth — highlight the countless ways women awaken to what matters most, realign their lives, and step into their next chapters with intention, agency, and heart.
It will be a TED-style talk spotlighting women age 55 -90 who are rewriting the stories of and possibilities for life after 50.
Wednesday, April 15
Breakfast: 8:00 am
AHA Stories of “Becoming Me” - Remembering & Reclaiming Who We Truly Are — 9:00
These stories explore the quieter, deeply personal awakenings — the moments when a woman realizes she has been shaped by expectations, roles, rules, or masks that are no longer hers… and chooses to reclaim her truest self.
Our storytellers share AHA moments of identity, clarity, liberation, and remembering — releasing the “shoulds,” letting go of roles and self-limiting beliefs that confined rather than defined, hearing the whisper of a long-buried dream to reclaim the self she once was — and still is. These stories remind us that before we can create our most meaningful third act, we must first remember ourselves and step forward as the women we were always meant to be.
Show & Tell - 10:00
We’ll open the mic to YOU.
This is our communal “show and tell” — a space to share what you created in the workshops, along with the ventures, books, podcasts, organizations, art, ideas and offerings you hold close to your heart and share in the world.
This is a morning of collective celebration, where support, alignment, synchronicity, and collaboration unfold naturally.
Special Closing Celebration - 12:00
Together, we will dedicate our “AHA Story Bench” — a gift to Santa Fe and a permanent invitation for people to pause, sit, and share their stories with friends and strangers alike. It will stand as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic we created during QUEST 2026.
We’ll gather for a beautiful closing moment and capture it with a group photo — a living snapshot of this extraordinary community and the new beginnings we’ve sparked together.
Post—Quest Experiences:
For those of you who wish to extend your stay to explore Santa Fe and the surrounding area — we will feature a few Cultural Tours & Art Experiences, along with a curated “must see” list of museums and other special spots.
After QUEST, you can stay connected with and energized by your new lifelong friends in the 333 Collective — or perhaps opt for a deeper ongoing experience with our Quest Year small group experience kicking off in September of 2026.
During our magical 4 days together, you’ll also hear local musicians and enjoy special talks from Santa Fe and Native American historians.
Spots for 65 women only. Sunday, April 12:
QUEST 2026 Experiences
(Click the arrows to see all of the highlights)
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Before, During and After…
In the months before QUEST begins, you’ll be invited to a series of special zoom experiences to get to know each other, interact live with the speakers and storytellers. Our workshop leaders will kick-off with preparatory sessions in the months prior as well. After QUEST, you can stay connected with and energized by your new lifelong friends in the 333 Collective — or perhaps opt for a deeper ongoing experience with our Quest Year small group experience kicking off in September of 2026.
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Interactive Conversations & Reflection
Unique experiences designed to reconnect you with who you truly are, guide you to let go of the old stories that hold you back and boldly envision your best story yet - your “third act.“
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Inspiring Experts: Third Act Impact
In this dynamic session, trailblazing women will address hot topics and share the "aha moments" that led them to weave together their passions, talents and values to create initiatives that uplift third act women and drive positive change. These conversations are all about inspiring you to harness your unique gifts to make an impact.
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"AHA. Third Act Stories" Debut
You’ll enjoy an exciting evening of live storytelling. Ten remarkable women will take the stage for our “AHA” debut, sharing their life’s pivotal moments and wake-up calls; stories of bold reinvention, creative living, and joyful purpose.
It will be like a TED talk spotlighting women age 55 -90 who are rewriting the rules of aging!
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Transformative Full-Day Workshops
Choose to be a part of one of five unique full-day workshops to dive into the heart of the story only you can tell. Our workshop leaders will guide you to reflect on your life’s journey and explore your personal narrative through writing, video storytelling, future-visioning, or artistic self-expression through mosaic and painting.
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QUEST Anthem Co-Creation
We’ll close our first day with a fun collaborative experience as you and your table-mates craft a verse to create our shared QUEST Anthem. This is your moment to unleash your inner singer/songwriter.
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Story Bench Dedication
We’ll share a special “story bench” donation to the city of Santa Fe as a closing celebration. We’ll capture the moment in a group photo. Our bench will be a lasting spot for people to sit and share their stories with friends or strangers; a permanent tribute to the power of storytelling and our important, uplifting “AHA” storytelling event.
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Enchanting Culture & History
You’ll be immersed in the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Santa Fe, hosted at the iconic La Fonda on the Plaza. With a legacy dating back to 1607, this hotel is a cornerstone of the Santa Fe Trail and a former Harvey House.
We’ll enjoy a special presentation by a Native American storyteller, sharing the role of narrative in their culture, alongside music and art from the Native American community.
Words from women who came to QUEST 2024 in Rhode Island
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“Meeting other women in the "third act" of life was surprising, inspiring, motivating and reassuring! It helped me realize that our lives aren't creeping toward the end; instead, we can now relaease exciting potential. When I saw the incredible initiatives these women took on in their 50's, 60's and beyond, I realized that I can take some risks and that this is the beginning of my most important time of creativity."
Lisa Hatcher
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"As a leader in the encore and anti-ageism movements, I left QUEST 2024 both inspired and deeply moved by the extraordinary women I met—filmmakers, writers, podcasters, coaches, and more—who are boldly changing the narrative about aging. Many have become trusted friends and invaluable allies in my own work, making this experience truly unforgettable. QUEST isn’t just a retreat—it’s a catalyst for lasting impact."
Janine Vanderburg
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QUEST 2024 was inspiring! It was a gift to be among so many accommplished women enthusiastically sharing their wisdom and experiences to enrich the lives of others. I left feeling empowered by new knowledge and budding friendships."
Gina Vild
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” I don't buy into fluffy magic. But QUEST 2024? That was kick-you-in-the-ass magic. I wrote down one wild thing to bury in our "dream tree" ceremony: become a published author - and now, "Metamorphosis in Stanzas" exists!
Jacqueline (Jack) Perez
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“QUEST 2024 was uplifting, fun, and inspirational! I look forward to QUEST 2026 in Santa Fe for more connection and sharing of ideas with strong, supportive women who continue to strive to live their best lives and help others do the same!"
Maria Leonard Olsen
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"So much growth and wisdom has come out of this QUEST Year for me. I have gotten in touch with my deepest dreams and desires, and am making them come true! QUEST Year: dive deep and rise high!
Maria DaSilva
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"Quest ‘24 was all about connectivity and inspiring stories impacting women at a profound level. Truly amazing and fun!"
Marsha Dixon
A glimpse into the magical experience we shared at
QUEST 2024 in Rhode Island last May…
65 fiercely curious, beautiful souls came together for the 333 Collective’s first, biennial gathering & celebration.
We connected, we shared, we danced. We inspired and learned from each other,
built "dream team" friendships and collaborations, talked about hot topics,
opened our hearts and unleashed our dreams.
FAQs
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QUEST is created for women who are:
preparing for or in a transition, ready to explore “what’s next”
fully embracing their third act - seeking connection with like-minded women for inspiration and alignment
reigniting creativity
launching new ventures
unearthing their dreams
exploring ways to make an impact
Many participants describe QUEST as the perfect mix of retreat, mastermind, storytelling festival, and collective adventure.
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April 12–15, 2026
Santa Fe, New Mexico — at the historic La Fonda on the Plaza
Registration and Meet & Greet starts at 5:30 pm on Sunday might with a special Welcome Dinner ay 6:30. -
La Fonda on the Plaza - HOTEL BLOCK LINK to select your room and dates.
Rooms are limited so reserve your’s soon.
Our discounted price is $249 per night for single/double occupancy - they have suites at a higher price.
If you want to come early or stay later, we suggest that you call the hotel and mention Block Name: ‘QUEST 2026 & AHA Storytelling Event’ or ‘QUEST 2026’ -- their #800-523-5002 - Option #1-
Rooms can be cancelled for full refund up to 72 hours in advance.
There are many other accommodations — hotels and AirBnb’’s nearby.
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We recommend that you fly into Albuquerque Intl. Sunport
Major airlines serve Santa Fe via the Albuquerque International Sunport, just 60 miles to the south of Santa Fe.
Regular shuttle bus service and the New Mexico Rail Runner train connects the two cities, and rental cars are readily available.
Rental Cars are readily available and when we get closer to the event date - we can share attendee information and you can see about sharing a car if you choose,
Shuttle Services A variety of shuttle services offer convenient transportation between Santa Fe and the Albuquerque International Sunport with pick-up and drop-off at all hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, colleges, and other locations.
Groome Transportation: 505-474-5696
RoadRunneR Transportation:505-424-3367 (Ideal for groups)
Train Station - The New Mexico Rail Runner carries passengers in and out of Santa Fe between Albuquerque and points south. There is no direct train from the Sunport. You must take a shuttle or taxi to the Albuquerque Train Station and catch the train north from there.
View the Schedule and Current Fare Structure
For more information: 1-866-795-RAIL
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An AHA is a spark of clarity — a moment when something inside you wakes up and whispers,
“This is it. This is what matters.”It might arrive as:
A Jolt — a challenge, loss, or change that cracked you open.
A Rediscovered Dream — a memory or passion from long ago that suddenly calls you back.
A Synchronicity — a coincidence or sign that arrives at the perfect time.
An AHA story captures that moment when you see yourself or your path differently — when you decide to make a change to follow what’s true, take a leap, or begin again.
AHA moments are awakenings that inspire you to remember, reclaim, and realign how you want to live, love, work, lead, and make an impact in this next chapter.
Your AHA story isn’t your entire life story — it’s the turning point that shaped the life you’re living now.
At QUEST, they are the heartbeat of the experience.
You’ll hear women share the moments that changed their lives and set them on the paths that they were meant to be on. -
Absolutely.
While the main stage features selected storytellers, QUEST is intentionally designed so that every attendee can reflect, write, discuss, and share in small groups at your tables, during our immersive full-day workshops on Tuesday, 4/14 and open-mic moment on Wednesday, 4/15..
Many women say that the conversations at their tables become one of the most powerful parts of QUEST.You’ll be inspired to discover the AHA moments that have shaped (and are still shaping) your own third act.
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Your QUEST ticket includes:
Access to all sessions and experiences from Sunday 4/12 evening through midday Wednesday, 4/15. including and the AHA Storytelling evening, (see the detailed QUEST Agenda).
Your choice of one of six full-day workshops offered by expert leaders who will guide you to reflect on your life’s journey and explore your personal narrative through writing, video storytelling, future-visioning, wellness practices, or creative self-expression through art; mosaic and painting.
A QUEST journal and other special gifts
Welcome Dinner, Lunch on 4/13, Breakfasts (4/13 - 15) and Light refreshments & snacks throughout.
A special closing celebration “Story Bench” dedication
Access to all Event videos and Photos.
Pre-Quest Meet and Greet Zooms
Pre-Quest personalized Human Design report and workshop
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Yes—many women do!
QUEST is intentionally designed for women to meet new “life-long” friends, collaborators — like-minded, curious, positive, generous women from all walks of life.This is not like a networking conference. You will find that we are here to be who we truly are, without the titles, roles amd past experieces. This is about creating the best chapter in our life story, together.
You will feel welcomed, supported, and connected from the moment you arrive.
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Event tickets are non-refundable, but they are fully transferable.
If your plans change, you may gift or sell your ticket to another woman.
Of course, if you have a last-minute emergency that makes it impossible for you to come, let us know.
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Video: Select keynote talks and storytelling segments will be recorded for future use in the AHA: Third Act Stories series.
Photography: We have a wonderful photographer who will be capturing our QUEST experiences.
All Atttendees will be given access to videos and photographs within 30 days after the event.
ALSO —we are potentially planning a QUEST Commerative book to hightlight the stories and moments we’ll share. (more on that later(
Workshops and small-group sessions will not be recorded to protect intimacy and privacy. -
I do not want any woman who wants to be a part of this beautiful experience to not be able to due to financial hardship.
Please contact me at diana@thirdactquest.com to request financial assistance. I can be flexible with payment terms.
