The challenge of thinking beyond traditional retreat venues such as hotels or conference centers is simply a matter of being able to imagine a new experience.
It’s no surprise, then, that forward-
thinking meeting planners are
turning to non-traditional retreat
venues, like summer camps.
Whether the initial purpose is to save
money, provide a unique attendee
experience, build stronger teams or
simply try something new, trying out
a new or unique facility can result in
unusually productive, memorable
meetings.
1. They’re designed with groups in mind.
Whether it’s a camp or a formal retreat center, these
facilities are not made for leisure travelers. They are
designed for learning, collaboration and growth--the
same things reflected in many planners’ goals for a
retreat.
2. They have great meeting rooms
and amenities.
With both attendees’ and planners’ growing desire
for retreat centers outside of the hotel market,
retreat centers have stepped up to provide more
formal meeting spaces, A/V support, catering
menus and room sets that allow for formal or
informal meetings, large or small.
3. They generally allow the run of the space.
Many retreat centers are available for groups to
rent out exclusively without added costs, which is a
huge benefit. Not only can attendees feel more
relaxed because they are the only
group on property, but they can access all the
recreation and special places on the property
without having to juggle schedules with other
groups.
3. They generally allow the run of the space.
Most camps and retreat centers have many more
options than do hotels for unique meeting spaces,
team building and trust programs. This includes
outdoor gatherings such as amphitheaters, as well
as myriad porches to relax and spend time talking
to each other rather than being locked in
windowless rooms all day.
4. They’re surrounded by nature.
Being in nature spurs creativity and motivation, not to
mention it allows attendees to escape the hustle and
bustle of everyday life. Breathing fresh air, seeing
trees and birds and natural creations can help
attendees perform better and be open to learning in
new ways. They’re able to see their colleagues through
new eyes, which can diminish “baggage” that people
often bring to meetings.
5. You get more bang for your buck.
Traveling to a camp or retreat center can be easy and
cheap: There are hundreds of centers located less than
an hour from major metropolitan areas, which allow a
group to experience a new setting without the traveling
hassle.
5. You get more bang for your buck.
The rates at nontraditional retreat venues are often
significantly less than hotels because they have no
pressure for return on investment. Camp and retreat
properties are often mission-driven organizations,
seeking only to meet their budgets. As such their rates
are much more competitive and reasonable, so they’re
great for groups with smaller budgets, such as nonprofit
groups, churches and universities.
6. You get a personalized experience.
By offering only group rentals, camps are able to
extend their passion for group collaboration beyond
the two months of summer camp to include many
more people. The mission of camp and retreat center
staffs is only to make sure your group’s experience is a
success, meaning they can customize a group’s dining
hours, menus, program options and much more.
What does this mean for retreat planners?
Retreat planners should not limit their search to hotels or
conference centers when planning a retreat, regardless
of budget. Good properties will be happy to
accommodate just about any need and desire, just as
they do in the summer for children and families.
Nontraditional retreat venues are more than capable
of producing an experience that any group is seeking.
by Jaynie Shultz
Jaynie Schultz founded Retreat Central with Deb Williams in 2008 to serve planners looking for facilities outside of the traditional hotel market. She created the now-closed Garrett Creek Ranch retreat center with her mother more than 20 years ago, working as its founding director of sales and marketing. She is involved in many non-profit organizations and leadership development programs.
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