The Planning Stages

Are you starting a retreat from scratch? Have you come up with a catchy title to go along with your theme? Is your date locked in and the location secured? There are a few things you should know before mailing out your flyer!

Looking from the Outside-In

My Hubby is putting together a Marriage Retreat for September 18-19, and it’s been interesting to observe the process as “an outsider.” I say “an outsider,” because my input has been minimal but it’s given me more to think about, for the retreat planning process. Our Women’s Retreat has settled into a comfortable routine with knowing our needs and securing the location. But this Marriage Retreat is a whole different ballgame. Literally! Roy is lining up the opportunity for guys to golf together and gals to shop or swim before the actual conference begins. Using golf as a hook is a great way to get the men interested in a marriage seminar. But it also bumps up the price! When you add amenities to your retreat, list the cost for each one separately. If you list the total in one lump sum, potential attendees may get sticker shock and not read any further into your brochure! For instance: one night stay for 2 people + 3 meals each + conference = $. Optional additional night = $. Golfing = $. Spa = $. And so on.
Your flyer should answer the 5 W’s and an H without being too wordy. Who is it for? What is it? When will it be held? Where? Why should I come? How much does it cost? Use pictures to build up excitement for the location. Add the website so that people can do some dreaming on their own. Use catchy phrases to explain what to expect. Capture highlights with action-packed words!
Deadlines for registration are necessary for event planners. Food has to be ordered, rooms reserved and staffing in place for your event. My Husband said when he went to Rick Warren’s conference at Saddleback Church, they actually had three deadlines: Super Early Bird, Early Bird and Regular Registrations. With the passing of each deadline, the price increased. However you choose to motivate people to sign up, give yourself plenty of margin to work with your contacts.
Are you planning some summer retreats? Maybe a day-long trip to a state park or fishing with the guys? An overnighter with your son or daughter? Camping under the stars? A scrapbooking weekend?
Let me know what you’ve got in the works and we’ll highlight your stories in the next issue of “The Oasis!”

Treasure Hunt!

I’m always on the lookout for retreat themes. As we travel to our church’s annual convention, you can be sure I will have my ear to the pavement for the latest innovations! Keep looking for ideas in conversations, magazines and in the news. You never know where your next idea will sprout!
Blessings,
Sally

Sally Ferguson

sallyswords@windstream.net

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