You could, of course, enjoy this experience as a retreat attendee, but how about hosting your own? There’s a growing trend, especially with wellness bloggers, to host events that create connections. While many connections today are made via social media, there seem to be fewer opportunities to connect in person. A wellness retreat can act as an escape but also a time of community and personal and/or professional development. If you’re ready to boost engagement with your wellness community while simultaneously growing your network, here’s how to get the excitement going: Reach out to professionals you’ve worked with in the past; perhaps it’s your favorite yoga teacher or health coach. There are many moving parts to an event. Even if you want to run your retreat alone, it’s usually best to have at least one other person on hand to assist. If your budget is limited, consider reaching out to a school or local health and wellness center for an intern. Visit several locales, envision your retreat there, take photos, set the stage in your head. Leave a deposit or take the necessary measures to secure the space for your retreat date. Hosting your retreat at an inn or boutique hotel helps capitalize on the getaway aspect and increases the overall value of your event. Giving your event a clever, catchy name can help others remember it, too. Think of Cherry Bombe Jubilee; you might not be sure of its meaning, but it’s memorable. Make a timed action plan outlining each 15- to 30-minute block of time throughout your retreat, even include breaks. Create a jpeg or pdf invitation that you can promote across all social media channels. Post weekly about your upcoming event and be sure to include direct links for where to sign up. Tune in to your attendees’ needs and work to meet those through an enriching experience. Be giving and thoughtful, and they’re certain to go back into the world with renewed intention and inspiration.
