__You understand what a retreat is, as well as its purpose.
__You know why to organize a retreat:
- Eliminate outside distractions
- Build enthusiasm and commitment among your staff
- Cultivate a casual, unpressured mood
- Create a sense of shared experience and bonding
- Set aside uninterrupted time for problem solving
- Allow time to step back and re-examine goals and objectives
__You know when (and when not) to organize a retreat.
__You've considered where to hold your retreat.
- Four months ahead of time
__Set goals for your retreat.
__Start looking into facilities.
__Decide who will attend.
__Start looking into possible presenters/consultants.
- Three months ahead of time:
__Decide how long the retreat will be.
__Pick a date (or dates) for your retreat.
__Assign planning duties.
__Come up with a rough schedule.
__Reserve a site.
- Two months ahead of time:
__Finalize the retreat schedule.
__Find out about your consultant's needs, if applicable.
__Send out invitations and notices, if applicable.
__Make any final decisions about accessibility.
__Make transportation arrangements, if applicable.
- One to two weeks ahead of time:
__Check with retreat site to finalize arrangements
__Round up equipment/supplies
__Make final meal arrangements, if applicable.
__Do any needed photocopying.
- One day before:
__Go over agenda a final time.
__Check with committee heads, if applicable.
__Relax!
- After the retreat:
__Evaluate the retreat.
- Were objectives met?
- How were the facilities?
- Which parts of the retreat were the most useful in advancing your organization's cause?
- Which parts were the least useful?
- Was your time balanced well?
__Clean up afterwards.
__Reserve facilities for next retreat, if applicable.