There are many reasons why executive retreats are necessary, but executives tend to come together for three reasons.

“The first one is they want to work on their strategic vision and plan for their future as an organization, and do that without being distracted by phones ringing at the office and e-mails,” says Mike Whitehead, owner of Whitehead Associates Inc., a North Carolina-based management consulting firm that specializes in planning leadership retreats. “Second, they want to work better as a group and learn about each other’s personalities, motives and communication styles. Thirdly, they come because they want to celebrate … and acknowledge the high achievers in the organization.”

Although the reasons to meet haven’t changed, the way planners are expected to plan retreats is changing. Whitehead, who also manages a conference center near Charlotte, says groups that used to go out of town now are looking more for local facilities, speakers and entertainment. “There is clearly not as much money spent on outlandish or more expensive-type activities,” Whitehead adds. “Retreats are more scaled back; some of the food is not as extravagant.”

Cindy Y. Lo, the president/owner of Texas-based Red Velvet Events Inc., says instead of getting six months to a year’s notice, she’s now being asked to plan retreats six weeks out. “[Clients] don’t even know themselves if they’re going to get approval or have the funds to pay for it. …The other thing I’ve noticed is that, if they’re really on a budget, [the organization] won’t allow spouses to come, or they’ll say, ‘If you want your spouse to come, you have to pay for it.’” Individuals often are asked to pick up their own golf or spa tabs. Another trend, Lo says, is that groups don’t want the same old-same old. They may be meeting locally, but they want to experience what’s authentic and unique to that destination.

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