By Karen Chang-Barr
Post-COVID travel will look way different from what the world knew. Throngs of people will not be traveling in steel birds, known as airplanes, en mass.
Conferences and trade show organizers will have to develop new paradigms to feature vendors, products and services. Teams and groups, however, will still want to hold retreats to help team build and keep their momentum as a group.
The questions remaining are: will people travel outside of their community to attend retreats? If so, what are ideal locations for retreats? How does one plan a retreat that is post-COVID safe?
What is a retreat? According to Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the retreat we are referring to the second and third definitions: a place of safety or refuge and a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director.
A retreat is a chance for a workforce team or interest group to meet, learn and strategize, grow and strengthen relationships and enjoy the peace and serenity of their chosen location. They are even conducive for the post-COVID era because they can be small (under 25) and allow for an intimate-yet-socially-distant time—if the right site is chosen.
Holding a destination retreat is great for retreating but requires planning and coordination. Here are some tips on planning a post-COVID retreat:
Purpose. Decide on what the purpose of the retreat is (Corporate goals for 2021, wellness 101, etc.).
Budget. How much are you and/or your potential attendees willing to spend. This will determine if you will hold it near your community, out-of-state or out-of-country.
Location. Once you’ve decided on your budget, you can determine your location. There are many remote retreat locations available throughout the world, but it’s important to determine. It also depends on whether you want a warm or wintery location or want the backdrop of change of fall to be part of your theme.
Travel. If you choose to hold a destination retreat, logistics is important. Everyone attending will need to fly, bus or some other transportation cost. Other considerations would involve passports, organizing of materials and other tangibles to transported to the retreat location.
Technology. Does your retreat require a screen, projector, Internet service? Other technology requirements?
Theme. How many people will be able to safely attend and maintain a safe social distance? What measures are needed to keep a safe and sanitary space to achieve the goals of the retreat?
Events are always more successful with a plan and a retreat event is no exception. Planning for your post-COVID retreat involves even more considerations to ensure your attendees are safe, healthy and will be able to focus on the retreat purpose. We hope these tips will serve as helpful guidelines to success for your next retreat.