EP 277 Why Being in the Room Changes Everything: Lessons from the Retreat Industry Forum
Release Date: 07/02/2026
Throwback Thursday: The Real Reasons Your Retreat Isn't Selling Out
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
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The Retreat Leaders Podcast
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EP 277 Why Being in the Room Changes Everything: Lessons from the Retreat Industry Forum
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
The Retreat Industry Forum is over... And I'm still getting messages. Every week, retreat leaders, venue owners, and wellness entrepreneurs are reaching out asking: "When is the next one?" "How do I get on the waitlist?" "I heard it was incredible. Are you doing it again?" But here's what's interesting: Most people aren't asking about the presentations. They're talking about the conversations. The connections. The collaborations. The feeling of being surrounded by people who understand this industry and are actively building something meaningful. In this episode of The Retreat Leaders...
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The Retreat Leaders Podcast
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EP 275 Retreat Leaders vs Venue Owners: The Disconnect Costing You Money
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
If you’re building a retreat business, this episode is required listening. In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with Catherine Kontos, founder of RetreatBoss, RetreatMatch, and RetreatBoss Magazine, to talk about what it actually takes to build a sustainable and profitable retreat business. With over 14 years in the industry-and a background acquiring and selling over 100 businesses and properties-Catherine brings a level of real business strategy that most of this industry is missing. This conversation about the realities of running retreats as a...
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EP 274 Why Your Retreat Isn’t Filling (Even Though You’re Posting Every Day)
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
If you’re posting every day and your retreat still isn’t filling…You’re not alone. But you are likely focusing on the wrong thing. In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail breaks down the real reasons your retreat isn’t filling-even when you feel like you’re “doing all the things” on social media. Posting is not a strategy Visibility takes time to build And most retreat leaders don’t give it enough time Shannon walks through the biggest mistakes retreat leaders make when it comes to marketing and visibility-and what to do instead if you actually...
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EP 273 How Venue Networks & Influencers Are Changing the Industry with Anna VanAgtmael
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
If you’ve ever felt like hosting a retreat is way more complicated than it should be… You’re not wrong. In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with returning guest Anna VanAgtmael to talk about what’s broken in the retreat industry-and what she’s building to fix it. Because right now: 👉 Retreat leaders have the audience but not the logistics 👉 Venues have the space but can’t fill it consistently 👉 And everyone is trying to figure it out on their own Anna shares her new venture-a curated retreat center directory and collaboration with Tiny...
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EP 272 Reinvention Isn’t Optional: The Inner Work Behind Building the Life (and Retreat Business) You Actually Want with Dr. Kim Dang
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
If you’ve ever felt like: your dreams are “too big” you’re “too much” or you know you’re capable of more… but you’re not living it yet This episode is for you. In this in-studio episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with Dr. Kim Dang, a mathematician, reinvention strategist, and founder who has rebuilt her life and career multiple times-from Yale professor to entrepreneur in the retreat and knowledge space. Dr. Kim flew in from New York to record this conversation live in Austin-and it goes deep. This isn’t just about retreats. This is about the...
info_outlineThe Retreat Industry Forum is over...
And I'm still getting messages.
Every week, retreat leaders, venue owners, and wellness entrepreneurs are reaching out asking:
"When is the next one?"
"How do I get on the waitlist?"
"I heard it was incredible. Are you doing it again?"
But here's what's interesting:
Most people aren't asking about the presentations.
They're talking about the conversations.
The connections.
The collaborations.
The feeling of being surrounded by people who understand this industry and are actively building something meaningful.
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail recaps the Retreat Industry Forum and shares what made the event so impactful—from the expert speakers and business strategies to the networking, partnerships, and unexpected opportunities that emerged between sessions.
She also discusses why information alone isn't enough anymore and why proximity remains one of the most powerful accelerators for business growth.
Finally, Shannon shares details about the upcoming Retreat Leader Mastermind, a smaller and more intimate experience designed for retreat leaders who are ready for personalized strategy, implementation, visibility, and growth.
If you've been wondering how to take your retreat business to the next level, this episode is for you.
Join me at the forum: https://
What You'll Learn in This Episode
- What made the Retreat Industry Forum so impactful
- Why proximity accelerates business growth
- The collaborations and partnerships formed at the Forum
- Why information isn't enough without implementation
- The value of surrounding yourself with experienced retreat leaders
- What makes the Retreat Leader Mastermind different
- Why personalized feedback can accelerate your success
Key Takeaways
The Best Conversations Happen Between Sessions
Some of the most valuable moments at the Forum didn't happen on stage.
They happened over coffee, lunch, cocktails, and hallway conversations.
Information Is Everywhere. Proximity Is Rare.
Most retreat leaders don't need more information.
They need:
- support
- accountability
- perspective
- connection
Your Environment Shapes Your Results
The rooms you choose determine:
- your standards
- your thinking
- your opportunities
- your growth
Retreat Businesses Grow Faster Through Collaboration
Many of the most valuable connections at the Forum led to:
- partnerships
- referrals
- speaking opportunities
- collaborations
- friendships
The Mastermind Is Built for Deeper Growth
Unlike a larger conference, the Retreat Leader Mastermind focuses on:
- personalized strategy
- direct feedback
- implementation
- visibility
- accountability
Mentioned in This Episode
Retreat Leader Mastermind
An intimate, high-level experience for retreat leaders ready to grow their businesses with strategy, accountability, and expert support.
Includes:
Personalized business coaching
Retreat pricing and profitability guidance from Erin B. Haag
Legal insights from Sarah from Destination Legal
Professional headshots and branding photos
Visibility and marketing support
Strategic networking and collaboration
Direct feedback on your retreat business
- JOIN OUR MASTERMIND IN AUSTIN IN AUGUST
- Learn to Host Retreats
- Join our private Facebook Group
- Get your legal docs for retreats
- Join our LinkedIn Group
- Apply to be a guest on our show
- Grab the AI + SEO Mini Course
- Grab the Pitch to Profit Mini Course
Subscribe:
Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify
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TIMESTAMPS
The Power of "Being in the Room" (00:02:16) The real magic of the forum wasn't just the content, but the connections, collaborations, and support that happened in person.
Information vs. Implementation (00:05:35) Information is easily accessible online, but real growth comes from implementation, confidence, and seeing others succeed in person.
Collaboration Over Competition (00:06:43) The retreat industry grows stronger through connection and collaboration, not gatekeeping, which was a key outcome of the forum.
Introducing the Retreat Leader Mastermind (00:07:48) Shannon introduces her upcoming smaller, intimate mastermind event designed for personalized, hands-on support for individual retreat businesses.
Mastermind Guest Experts and Features (00:09:09) The mastermind will feature experts on pricing and legal matters, surprise speakers, and professional headshots for all attendees.
Why In-Person Events Accelerate Growth (00:10:24) Growth rarely happens in isolation. Being in the right room challenges your thinking, raises your standards, and fuels action.