What is the purpose of the retreat?
Our goal is collaboration and dialogue between event planners. As much as we love our fellow industry professionals, we created this space to discuss topics specific to our needs.
Who is this retreat intended for?
The retreat is intended for any Chicago area event planner or coordinator that has an established business or has been working in the industry for a minimum of one (1) year.
How many attendees will be at the retreat?
We expect 15-25 planners to attend the retreat. The goal to ensure we foster an environment to make real connections with other planners.
How should I prepare for the retreat?
Please come ready to be open to new ideas and sharing what has worked for you. More information about the program will be shared with registered attendees closer to the event date.
How much is the Retreat Registration Fee and what's included?
The Retreat Registration Fee is $250 per attendee. A $150 deposit required to hold your spot. The $100 fee balance is due by January 15, 2025. The registration fee includes retreat sessions and access to resources and materials, meals and snacks. This fee is for all attendees who are staying overnight or who will be commuting each day. Any attendee staying over night will also need to register for a room or bed. The fee does NOT include your room or bed arrangements.
Refund Policy: The Retreat Registration Fee is non-refundable. It may be transferred to another attendee but will not be refunded.
What's the deposit? $150 Transferable but not refundable.
The Retreat Registration Fee is $250 per attendee. A $150 deposit required to hold your spot. The $100 fee balance is due by January 15, 2025. The Retreat Registration Fee is non-refundable. It may be transferred to another attendee but will not be refunded.
How do I get to the retreat? Are there car pooling or public transportation options?
Options for parking include:
1) Driving only yourself in your own car, or
2) Driving yourself in your own car and brining another attendee with you (carpooling). They will contribute to fuel expenses, or
3) Riding with one of the attendees who will be driving to the retreat (carpooling). You will contribute to fuel expenses, or
4) Taking the South Shore Line train to Michigan City, IN and one of the planning committee team members will pick you up and bring you to the retreat house.
Where is the retreat?
The retreat is being hosted at vacation home in Michigan City, IN. The exact location will be sent to all full-registered attendees. More about the home itself can be found here.
Is there parking?
There is free street parking for anyone driving to the retreat. For attendees who will be commuting in to the retreat each day (not staying overnight), there will be designated parking assigned to you.
What are the sleeping arrangements for attendees staying overnight?
The retreat is being hosted at a large vacation home. Sleeping arrangements will vary. Each attendee will need to register for a room or bed. This home hosts 2 king bed bedrooms with ensuites, 1 queen room with private bathroom adjacent, 2 rooms with twin beds and twin trundle beds each with an adjacent bathroom, and one basement sofa bed with adjacent bathroom. Attendees may book a room and share it with another attendee or book a bed. Shared bed will need to be booked by one attendee and the sharing piece coordinated with their attendee of choice. We will NOT assign two people to a bed. We will take into consideration roommate requests for rooms with multiple beds. Attendees staying overnight will need to register for one sleeping arrangement option. The sleeping arrangement registration does NOT include your retreat attendee fee.
What are the meal arrangements?
Meals, drinks and snacks will be provided throughout the retreat. Some meals will be cooked together as a group and other meals will be ordered in. We will accommodate for dietary needs. Attendees are welcome to bring additional snacks and drinks for just themselves (no judgment) or to share. But trust us - there will be lots of snacks!
What should I bring?
Attendees should bring whatever they need to feel comfortable in a collaborative setting. This may include a laptop, notebook, writing utensils. For any attendee staying overnight, they should bring their overnight bag and necessary accessories.
Attire? What should I wear?
Come as you are! Come comfortable. The retreat fosters a very comfortable and casual setting. Last year, most attendees came in yoga pants, etc.!
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, Wi-Fi will be available at the home the retreat is being hosted at.
Is alcohol okay?
Alcohol is totally ok. While the fee does not include the cost of alcohol, you are welcome to bring some for yourself or some to share. We request that you reserve drinking it to the appropriate times.
How do I pay for the retreat?
Payments for the retreat are processed through Zelle to chicagoplannerretreat@gmail.com. If you need a different payment option, please just select that need when you register and the retreat planning committee will follow-up with you.
This is a Not for Profit Retreat
This retreat is hosted by event planners for event planners and is AT COST to all attendees.
Is the retreat a safe space?
100%. This a group of open-minded event professionals looking to have productive discussions and find ways to work collaboratively. Any antagonistic or abusive behavior will not be tolerated.
Do you have a question we didn't address above?
Contact the planning committee at chicagoplannerretreat@gmail.com.