Ep. 152 - Retreat Realities: Unpacking the Highs and Lows of Creating Events
The Bloom & Grow Show with Amber Housley
Release Date: 03/14/2024
The Bloom & Grow Show with Amber Housley
In today’s episode, I’m sharing my spring favorites—from glowing skin to my new fitness routine with Peloton strength workouts. I talk about my favorite wellness drinks and even dive into what I’m watching on TV. Plus, I’m embracing my spring color palette and refreshing my wardrobe with some fun new pieces. Tune in for a little light-hearted catch-up on what’s blooming around here! Links: Apply to the Coterie Mastermind: FG Funnels Special Offer: amberhousley.com/fgfunnels Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: Join Me at Inspired Retreat:
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In today’s episode, I’m exploring the idea that instead of chasing algorithms, you should focus on creating deep connections with your audience. With so much content flooding the internet, it’s easy to get caught up in the noise. But what if you slowed down and created transformative experiences that people couldn’t stop talking about? I share insights from my recent Coterie Mastermind Beach Retreat and discuss why connection is the key to building loyalty and trust in your business. Resources Mentioned: The Retreat Effect Masterclass (April 16th): amberhousley.com/retreatclass...
info_outlineThe Bloom & Grow Show with Amber Housley
In today’s episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my recent Coterie Mastermind Beach Retreat. I share the power of hosting intimate, well-curated retreats, and how this event reminded me of the deep connections and transformations that can happen when we gather together. You’ll hear how I’ve refined my retreat process over the years and why retreats—whether big or small—offer incredible value for both hosts and attendees. Resources Mentioned: The Retreat Effect Masterclass (April 16th): amberhousley.com/retreatclass Coterie Mastermind:...
info_outlineThe Bloom & Grow Show with Amber Housley
After a break from the podcast, I’m back to share some personal updates and how life’s challenges led me to rethink my business planning. I talk about embracing more flexibility in my approach, starting a new creative outlet with Sweet Life Letters on Substack, and setting meaningful intentions with my word of the year, Golden, and my spring word, Open. Join me as I reflect on life’s seasons and the freedom that comes with embracing change. Resources Mentioned: Sweet Life Letters on Substack: Spring Virtual Retreat Replay: Retreat Planning Masterclass:
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Today I'm sitting down with Sage Polaris, consultant, copywriter and VIP Day extraordinaire, to discuss her approach to taking time off in her business and how she was able to double her revenue with VIP days. Sage shares how she's taken four months off every year for the past nine years and has continued to grow her business. Sage shares her insights and strategies for using VIP days as a marketing method and the need to consistently grow your audience in order to maintain the effectiveness of this method. Takeaways Strategically plan your time off in advance to create more white...
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Welcome to summer in the Bloom & Grow Show! Today I'm sharing tips and strategies for growing and thriving in your business during this busy season. I encourage you to embrace the summer season for content creation, hosting summer sales or events, planning for the future, connecting with your community, refreshing your brand, focusing on personal growth, creating summer-themed products, enhancing customer engagement, optimizing operations, and preparing for the back-to-school season. Takeaways: • Embrace the summer season for your content creation by incorporating seasonal themes,...
info_outlineThe Bloom & Grow Show with Amber Housley
In today's episode, I'm sharing all about my pre-retreat preparation process and how I shift from a business-focused mindset to a warm and welcoming hostess mindset. I'll take you behind the scenes of what I'm doing to prepare for Inspired Retreat, ensuring that when my attendees arrive, I'm ready to create a fantastic experience for them. Highlights & Takeaways: • Shifting Mindsets: I discuss the importance of transitioning from focusing on business priorities to creating a welcoming atmosphere for retreat attendees. • Engaging Pre-Retreat Communication: I share...
info_outlineThe Bloom & Grow Show with Amber Housley
In this episode, I dive into the world of marketing magic for retreats. Drawing from my extensive experience in hosting retreats and live events, I share three innovative marketing techniques to help ensure your retreat is fully booked. Whether you're a seasoned retreat host or just starting out, these strategies are sure to ignite your marketing efforts and attract the right participants to your transformative experience. Highlights: • Introduction to Marketing Magic: I share my passion for marketing and how it can sometimes feel overwhelming with so many options available. I...
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Join me in this episode as I sit down with my guest, Sarah Masci, to explore the transformative power of VIP Days within the realm of retreats and how they can take your business to the next level. Incorporating VIP Days into your business model can lead to transformative experiences for your clients and increased revenue for your business. Highlights: • Sarah shares her expertise on hosting retreats and VIP days, discussing transformational impact, location selection, logistics, and format/content design. • Discover how attending a retreat can be life-changing and translate into...
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In today's episode, I dive into the top 10 budget busters that retreat hosts face and how to avoid them. From choosing the right location to managing food and swag costs, I share practical tips to help you stay profitable while delivering an amazing retreat experience. Whether you're a seasoned host or planning your first event, these insights will set you up for success. Key Takeaways: Location Selection: Opt for budget-friendly destinations that align with your retreat's theme. Room Blocks: Approach room blocks cautiously to avoid unnecessary costs. Budgeting: Know your...
info_outlineWelcome to the realities of planning and hosting retreats. In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes, sharing my personal stories, including the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned from over a decade of event planning experience.
Combined with a bit of humor, the insights I provide in this episode offer a valuable look into the complexities and rewards of retreat planning. My emphasis on authenticity, community, and self-care offers inspiration for anyone looking to create impactful and memorable events.
Highlights:
• My extensive background in event planning, from college days to working in the wedding industry to hosting my own retreats
• The importance of managing attendee expectations and logistics, including accommodation challenges and the impact of swag size
• The significance of retreats in my business strategy, highlighting their role in my value ladder and the potential for generating revenue
• Creating a cohesive experience for all attendees, regardless of their investment level, and the power of community in my events
• Personal stories of challenges I faced, such as managing swag orders, vendor issues, and accommodation logistics at Inspired Retreat
• The importance of self-care and setting boundaries as an event host to maintain energy and focus
Key Takeaways:
• Retreat planning involves a delicate balance of logistics, attendee expectations, and creating a memorable experience.
• Swag size matters: consider the practicality of gifts for attendees who have to travel.
• Music sets the tone: invest in a good DJ or carefully curate your playlist to enhance the event atmosphere.
• Accommodation choices can significantly impact attendee experience; consider options carefully.
• Retreats are not one-off events but part of a larger business strategy that can lead to significant revenue and deeper connections with your audience.
• Self-care is crucial for event hosts to maintain their energy and provide the best experience for attendees.
Links:
Join my Free Mastering Retreats: A Three-Part Series to Design, Plan & Book Out Your Next Event: amberhousley.com/retreatworkshop
Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: amberhousley.com/inviteanddelight
Discover the Blooming Business Inner Circle: amberhousley.com/innercircle
Start Your Coaching Journey With Me: amberhousley.com/mastermind