Hi all,

One of the most common questions that we hear is, “How soon should we start looking for a location?”  While the simple answer is,  “sooner than later”, it isn’t always that easy.  Here are a few things you will need to consider.

1.  Is your organization serious about doing this Retreat or just inquiring?  While I have never heard any Retreat Center push inquiries aside because of a lack of commitment, I don’t know if you want to invest hours of your time until you are certain the Retreat will materialize at some point.

2.  What comes first, the speaker or the location?  The age old “chicken before the egg” question comes to mind.  If you have a speaker in mind whose schedule is ‘light’ and is flexible, then you have more leverage finding the right location.  If you have a speaker in mind and time is critical, then starting at least 12 to 16 months prior to your event will give you ample time to find a location which fits the speakers schedule.  At times, places like churches or places of worship have full calendars and need an event on a specific date, then start earlier, as in 12 months prior.

3.  How far are you willing to travel?  Distance is always a factor in how late can you start to look for a Retreat Center.  If you don’t mind traveling 100+ miles, then you can start as late as 5 to 6 months.  You will find an opening somewhere.

4.  Along that same line, there are two lines of thought; the later I start the more a camp that has room is willing to fit me in and give me a better price, or, the later you start the more expensive it will become.  I have seen both occur.  If your event is considered off peak time, such as December to May, you will have more leverage negotiating.  If you are looking for a prime summer month or major holiday, then expect to pay more.

To have some things to think about when searching for an event, check here for a list of items to consider when inquiring about a Retreat Center.

The Blog Staff