No two events are exactly alike. A church retreat has different needs than a family reunion, and a family reunion has different needs than a board dinner. While Montreat offers a wide range of accommodations to meet the needs of each of these events, it is important for us to know the details of your event in advance so that we can serve you best. Below, we’ve outlined some things you should consider when planning your next gathering so that we can ensure, together, that your event is a success.
Purpose and Timeline
As you start planning your event, it’s important that you ask yourself a few guiding questions. For example: When would you like your event to take place? How many people do you expect to attend? What is the purpose of your gathering? Will you need lodging? Meeting spaces? Meals? Each of your answers will help us hone in on your specific needs.
As you answer these questions, it’s important to know upfront that we are unable to host guest groups from mid-May through mid-August. We can accommodate most events during the remainder of the year, but even then, it’s always a good idea to have some backup dates in mind in case your first choice is unavailable.
Event Packages
Once you’ve started thinking about the details of your event, you can start looking at the three main event packages we offer. Our Complete Package is best for larger groups who plan to stay overnight in our lodging, eat meals served in our dining room, and use at least one on-site meeting space. This package also offers the most support from Montreat Conference Center staff. Our Lodging package is for groups looking to spend the night together, but who don’t need access to other Montreat amenities. These groups typically reserve one of our lodges, allowing them to cook their own meals and gather in communal spaces within the lodge. Lastly, our Day-Use Package is perfect for groups who only need a meeting space to host their event.
Each of these packages can be further adapted to meet your groups’ unique needs. Be sure to let our staff know if you are interested in specific room setups, refreshment breaks, outdoor spaces, or if you have audio/visual needs.
What are Your Priorities?
Knowing which elements of your plan are most important can be crucial for making decisions related to your event. Maybe you need a specific date, but your meeting space needs are flexible. Or maybe you’re open to other dates, but want a specific lodge. If you are willing to compromise on certain elements of your plan, we can prioritize those elements which are most important. And if you aren’t willing to compromise, that’s okay too! Either way, by sharing these details with us, we’ll be better equipped to find time and space that will work for you.
When it comes down to it, planning your event is all about aligning your group’s size, schedule, budget, and desires with Montreat’s flexible offerings. Whether you opt for a fully supported weekend, a self-sustained lodge stay, or a day-only meeting, our staff and facilities can help you create a meaningful and restorative experience. By reflecting on what matters most to your group and sharing that information with us, you’ll be well on your way to planning an event that nurtures both community and purpose.
To start planning your event, visit our Retreat at Montreat webpage or submit an event request form using the link below. We can’t wait to welcome you!
This article was originally published in the November edition of Montreat Conference Center’s email newsletter Embodying Hospitality which highlights information related to retreats and guest groups at Montreat. Sign up to receive Embodying Hospitality directly in your inbox by clicking here.