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Welcome back to the Million Dollar Events Podcast! If you’re an event leader looking to elevate your retreat experience, get inspired, and build deeper connections with your community, you’re in the right place. I’m Jami Johnson, your host, luxury retreat planner, and conference queen, and today we’re diving into a topic that makes or breaks your event—retreat sales.
I have to start with a bold statement: You can plan the most incredible, transformative retreat on the planet, but if nobody knows about it, does it even matter? That’s why today’s episode is all about how to ensure your retreat sells out effortlessly.
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Step 1: Get Crystal Clear on Your Ideal Retreat Attendee
Before you start scouting dreamy villas or picking out gourmet catering, you need to get hyper-focused on who your retreat is for. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and visualize your ideal attendee.
What is their lifestyle like?
What challenges are they facing in their business or personal growth?
What transformation do you want them to experience at your retreat?
Are there any prerequisites they need to meet to make the most of your event?
By defining this person with absolute clarity, you’ll be able to create an experience that speaks directly to them. Plus, marketing becomes a million times easier when you know exactly who you’re talking to.
Step 2: Analyze Your Current Audience
Once you’ve nailed down your ideal attendee, take a look at your current and past clients. Ask yourself:
How many of them fit the profile of your ideal retreat guest?
Can you list at least 30-50 names of people who have already worked with you and would be a perfect fit for this retreat?
If you can confidently name that many people, you’re on track to sell out. If not, don’t panic—it just means you need to build your audience first before launching your retreat.
Step 3: Build an Audience That’s Ready to Buy
If you don’t already have a warmed-up audience of potential retreat attendees, you need to start attracting and nurturing them months before your launch. Here’s how:
Create a lead magnet – This could be a free guide, masterclass, or mini-course that aligns with your retreat’s transformation.
Engage your audience – Use email sequences, live Q&A sessions, and content that speaks directly to their needs.
Sell them on the value of transformation – Show them why your retreat is the next logical step in their journey.
By the time you announce your retreat, they should already be primed and ready to throw their credit cards at you.
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Step 4: Align Your Retreat with Your Signature Offer
Your retreat should be an extension of your core offer, not a random standalone event. If you’re a branding coach, your retreat should help attendees build and refine their brand identity. If you’re a business strategist, your retreat should be a deep-dive implementation experience.
For example, my high-ticket offer is retreat planning. But not everyone wants me to plan their retreat for them. That’s why I created Retreats on Repeat Academy—a DIY program that teaches people how to plan their own retreat like a pro. If I were hosting a retreat, it would be for my academy students who are actively planning their own events and want hands-on guidance.
When you align your retreat with your core offer, selling becomes seamless.
Step 5: Time Your Launch Strategically
Once you’ve built the right audience and aligned your retreat with your business, it’s time to launch. But here’s the key: don’t invest in a venue before you know you have buyers.
Instead, soft launch your retreat by gauging interest with a waitlist or pre-sale. If your audience isn’t ready yet, spend a few more months building demand.
Recap: The Formula for Selling Out Your Retreat
Define your ideal retreat attendee – Know exactly who should be at your retreat.
Analyze your audience – Make sure you already have a base of potential buyers.
Build an audience of action-takers – Use lead magnets and nurturing strategies.
Align your retreat with your core offer – Make it a no-brainer next step for your clients.
Time your launch wisely – Ensure demand is there before making financial commitments.
Ready to Make It Happen?
When you build a brand and a movement that truly transforms lives, you can sell anything with ease—including high-ticket retreats. But it takes strategy, clarity, and alignment.
So, where are you in your retreat journey? Screenshot this episode, tag me on Instagram, and let me know—are you building your audience, planning your retreat, or already selling tickets?
Let’s make your next retreat a sellout success! ✨
If you found this post valuable, I recommend these resources:
Learn how to plan a profitable retreat using my signature PLANR formula (blog)