Tips for Effective Retreat Planning at Kettunen Center

Plan early. At Kettunen Center, we accept reservations 18-24 months in advance. Keep in mind that weekends are the most popular time, so they fill up fast. Have several dates in mind that might work for your group when you book your retreat. Kettunen Center’s most sought-after dates are mid-September through early November.

Be realistic with your attendance numbers. If this is the first time you have planned a retreat, it is better to be able to fill up all the space you reserve and have a waiting list for next year, than to overestimate and have to pay for unused space. At Kettunen Center you can adjust your original reservation 90 days out without a penalty.

Ask lots of questions. The conference center has its own unique features and benefits. You need to know if you are sleeping in bunk beds or in a hotel-style room. Are linens provided? What are the meal times? We have a Conference Center Professional on staff to guide each group through the conference planning and implementation process.

Stay in touch with us. The plans we make for each retreat or conference are only as good as the details you provide to Kettunen Center. We want your group to have a quality experience. Please keep us updated on any changes. Please do not wait until the day before to call with a number of requests; it may be too late to make arrangements.

Read your contract!  Kettunen Center must utilize good business practices in order to be good stewards of the facility. Know how much your deposit will be. Is it refundable? What is the final date changes can be made? What are the check in and check out times? What is or is not allowed. Share these details with your group.

Charge appropriately! If this is a retreat or conference that individuals pay their own way, you should get a financial commitment from each person to match the commitment you made with the facility. If you have add-on services such as recreation, snacks or additional refreshments, make sure you add those to the amount each person pays. If an organization is paying for your retreat, make sure the appropriate person or department writing the check understands the financial arrangements with the facility.

Pay your bill on time! Kettunen Center has expenses that must be paid in order to provide quality services to your group as well as others. It is essential that payment is received in a timely manner. Also, if you feel adjustments should be made to your bill, ask to talk with someone before you leave the facility or at least ask for someone to call you.

Arrange for speakers or special guests! If your retreat or conference requires that you have a special speaker or musician, please determine if they require special set ups or needs before they arrive. Then relay that to the center. Remember, for a successful retreat; schedule your speaker or entertainers well in advance as well. We also have a resource list of speakers or entertainers that can be recommended to you if you are having difficulty scheduling one.

Promote your retreat or conference! Make sure the targeted attendees know of your retreat or conference and the scheduled dates. State the specific purpose and details. The more informed your group is the more likely they will attend.

Evaluate your retreat! The most successful retreats or conferences are those that are planned well from start to finish. Kettunen Center would like for you to evaluate our services. Also, you should allow your attendees to evaluate your program as well.

Rebook for next year!  If you know that you are planning to repeat your retreat or conference check on available dates before you leave the facility. If possible go ahead and make a tentative reservation.