
All Things Retreat Podcast
From Vision to Venue: Planning a Successful Retreat
Summary In this episode, Emily Johnson shares her expertise on connecting retreat facilitators with the right venues, understanding hotel and venue needs, and how to effectively collaborate for successful retreats. Holly Porter hosts a conversation that reveals insider secrets for retreat planning and venue selection. Takeaways The role of hospitality and wellness in retreat planning How facilitators can find and select the right venues The importance of on-site support and venue inspection Secrets to negotiating with venues and avoiding red flags The difference between travel advisors and concierge services Timing and budgeting for retreat venue booking The matchmaking process between facilitators and venues Legal and insurance considerations in retreat contracts Chapters 00:00 Introduction to retreat venue planning and behind-the-scenes considerations 02:27 Emily Johnson's background in hospitality and wellness 04:06 The evolution of wellness in hotels and the rise of retreats 05:22 The fragmentation in the retreat venue market and Emily's matchmaking role 06:36 Opportunities for hotels in the retreat space 07:33 Timing and planning for retreat venue booking 08:27 How facilitators and venues typically connect and where breakdowns occur 09:44 Using questionnaires to align retreat goals with venue options 11:06 Ideal timing for retreat venue booking and early planning 12:25 Key numbers and budget considerations for retreat venue selection 14:00 Understanding the importance of on-site support and venue inspection 18:37 Red flags in venue contracts and what retreat leaders should watch for 20:00 Legal, insurance, and liability considerations in retreat planning 21:24 The value of working with a travel advisor versus a concierge service 22:15 Rapid fire: favorite types of retreats and venues 23:12 The importance of site visits and trusting your venue 24:07 Upcoming panel on wellness and experiential travel at the Independent Hotel show Connect with Emily Johnson | Elevate Hospitality Collective Email: emily@elevatehospitalitycollective.com Website: www.elevatehospitalitycollective.com/travel LinkedIn: Emily Goretsky Johnson Instagram: @elevate.wellness.collective Facebook: Elevate Wellness Collective (Group) Substack: elevatehospitalitycollective.substack.com Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR Email: holly@hollyporter.com LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR TikTok: @retreatrnr ▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational Facebook: HollyAnnPorter FREE GIFT: 2026 Retreat Industry Report https://internationalretreatassociation.org/






