Ep. 152 - Retreat Realities: Unpacking the Highs and Lows of Creating Events

Welcome to the realities of planning and hosting retreats. In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes, sharing my personal stories, including the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned from over a decade of event planning experience.

Combined with a bit of humor, the insights I provide in this episode offer a valuable look into the complexities and rewards of retreat planning. My emphasis on authenticity, community, and self-care offers inspiration for anyone looking to create impactful and memorable events.

Highlights:

• My extensive background in event planning, from college days to working in the wedding industry to hosting my own retreats

• The importance of managing attendee expectations and logistics, including accommodation challenges and the impact of swag size

• The significance of retreats in my business strategy, highlighting their role in my value ladder and the potential for generating revenue

• Creating a cohesive experience for all attendees, regardless of their investment level, and the power of community in my events

• Personal stories of challenges I faced, such as managing swag orders, vendor issues, and accommodation logistics at Inspired Retreat

• The importance of self-care and setting boundaries as an event host to maintain energy and focus

Key Takeaways:

• Retreat planning involves a delicate balance of logistics, attendee expectations, and creating a memorable experience.

• Swag size matters: consider the practicality of gifts for attendees who have to travel.

• Music sets the tone: invest in a good DJ or carefully curate your playlist to enhance the event atmosphere.

• Accommodation choices can significantly impact attendee experience; consider options carefully.

• Retreats are not one-off events but part of a larger business strategy that can lead to significant revenue and deeper connections with your audience.

• Self-care is crucial for event hosts to maintain their energy and provide the best experience for attendees.

Links:

Join my Free Mastering Retreats: A Three-Part Series to Design, Plan & Book Out Your Next Event: amberhousley.com/retreatworkshop

Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: amberhousley.com/inviteanddelight

Discover the Blooming Business Inner Circle: amberhousley.com/innercircle

Start Your Coaching Journey With Me: amberhousley.com/mastermind