How do you attract the right retreat guests and graciously exclude the ones who are not a good fit? You have to decide, in advance, who’s at your table.
Retreat Success Blueprint – Part 2
Last week, we talked about your why—the core purpose driving your retreat, and the transformation you want attendees to walk away with. (If you missed it, pause and read that here first because it sets the foundation for everything else.)
Now that you know the transformation you’re offering… It’s time to talk about the who.
Because here’s a truth no one talks about enough:
The right people will make your retreat magical. The wrong ones can be a disaster.
Why “Everyone” Is Not Your Audience
It can be tempting, especially when you’re eager to fill spots, to cast a wide net and include anyone with a credit card. But the most transformational retreats aren’t for everyone.
They’re built for the right ones.
Let me give it to you straight. If you try to accommodate everyone, you’ll dilute the experience, lose your focus, and potentially spend your best time and energy on guests who drain the vibe instead of adding to it.
Here’s a little story from the trenches:
At a past retreat I hosted, I let someone join last-minute who hadn’t been on my invite list. I had space, she was excited, and I didn’t want to be rude.
Big mistake.
She interrupted the quiet reflection time. She needed constant attention. She wanted to leave for a shopping trip. While the rest of the group was dropping into soul-level rest and clarity, she was knocking on my door to ask for my car keys. 🙃
Lesson learned. And now I pass it lovingly on to you.
How to Identify Your Ideal Retreat Guest
To help you guard the room for your ideal guests, you need to think through who they are.
- Who needs the transformation you’re offering?
- What stage of life or business are they in?
- What are they emotionally craving?
- How do they prefer to connect, learn, or rest?
- And importantly… who is this retreat not for?
Example:
If your retreat is designed for overworked moms who need a soul reset, a high-maintenance, chatty friend who heard you were hosting a retreat and was free that weekend might not be the best fit. Even if she can technically come, she may shift the group dynamic in ways that diminish the results for everyone else.
Where to Find the Right People
Once you know your ideal attendee, shift your marketing strategy from broadcasting to inviting.
Here are three smart ways to align your promotion with your people:
1. Private Invite-Only
Perfect for intimate retreats. Create an exclusive experience and extend personal invitations. Make guests feel seen and special from the get-go.
2. Targeted Group Promotion
Share in communities where your ideal clients already gather. Think mastermind groups, alumni circles, women’s leadership forums, or niche business groups.
3. Public Launch With Personality
If you open it up, be crystal-clear in your copy about who this is for—and who it isn’t. That alone will filter out the wrong fits. (And yes, it’s okay to not let someone in if your gut says no.)
Are you keeping track of your decisions so far?
I created a simple tool to help you nail the answers to your 10 essential questions. It walks you through all the decisions you have to make BEFORE you search for venues or put a dime down on deposits. We covered the TRANSFORMATION statement in Part 1 and the IDEAL GUEST in Part 2.
➡️ Grab the free 10 Essential Decisions Checklist HERE
Part 3 drops next week, and we will talk about your retreat VIBE
🚗 Want to Plan This with Me?
If you’re nodding your head right now and realizing “Yep, I definitely need to get intentional about who’s coming…” —you’ll love my live, hands-on workshop:
👩🔬 Join Retreat Lab Live ~ a 3-hour, Interactive Workshop. Design it. Price it. Plan it.
Seats are limited so grab yours while they’re available!
Coming Next Week…
🪷 “Vibe Check: Designing the Feel, Flow, and Format of Your Retreat”
We’ll map out your retreat structure, theme, and timing so you can deliver an experience that feels as powerful as the transformation itself.
Still Catching Up?
Catch the full series outline and bookmark the How to Plan a Profitable Retreat to get the complete roadmap.
You’re not just planning an event—you’re curating an experience that could change someone’s life. Let’s get it right. 💛
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