2026 BK Authors Retreat

October 9–12 (Friday–Monday), 2026

Gather with us on October 9–12, 2026, at the Marianist Retreat Center in St. Louis for four days of connection, learning, and discovery. Registration is open!

Event Information

Super Early Bird registration is now open!

October 9–12, 2026
(Friday dinner through Monday lunch)

Marianist Retreat & Conference Center

4000 MO-109
Eureka, Missouri 63025
Google Maps directions | PDF directions

About 35 minutes from the St. Louis Lambert International Airport

What is the BK Author Retreat?

The BK Author retreat is an annual four-day event where around 30–50 Berrett-Koehler authors, Berrett-Koehler staff, and other like-minded nonfiction authors gather to connect with, learn from, and help each other.

At the retreat, you will:

Meet and get to know (or reconnect with) other BK authors, BK staff members, and friends of the BK community
Talk about trends, topics, and issues that are important to you
Develop your skills in building a larger author platform and marketing yourself and your books
Learn from people with perspectives and backgrounds different from your own
Discover possibilities for collaboration
Take a break from the grind of the digital work world
Spend time in personal reflection, relaxation, and rejuvenation

What is the location?

Marianist Retreat & Conference Center
4000 MO-109
Eureka, Missouri 63025

Google Maps directions | PDF directions

Established in 1967, the Marianist Retreat & Conference Center is a perfect setting for our retreat.

Located on 130 acres of wooded land on the outskirts of St. Louis, the retreat center offers several meeting and breakout rooms, single bedrooms each with a private bath (a few doubles available), and nourishing and healthy meals for all dietary desires.

What’s included?

Room accommodations Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday night, October 9–11, 2026
Catered breakfasts, lunches, and dinners from Friday dinner to Monday lunch, October 9–12, 2026
Snacks throughout
Four days of structured conversations, activities, sessions, and group interactions, as well as unstructured time for mingling or personal renewal. The exact agenda will be finalized in the months leading up to the retreat.

Why should I come?

The Retreat is an opportunity to flourish. It’s an opportunity to welcome new authors into the fold and help old authors find fresh ideas and connections.

The decision to show up is not just an estimation of the risks and benefits of an in-person retreat. It’s about deciding who you are when you show up. We’re hoping to see you in all your glory, ready to face what needs to be faced, open to whatever wants to find you.

We also hope to make the retreat a valuable learning opportunity, with sessions and conversations designed to introduce you to new ideas and trends and help authors learn from each others’ extensive experience and wisdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a commuter option?

Yes! Local residents who will be going home each night, or those who wish to arrange off-premise lodgings, can pay a per-day commuter rate instead of the full retreat rate.

I’m not a BK author. Can I come?

Yes! Our retreat is open to any nonfiction author (or future author) who cares about creating a world that works for all.

Can I invite a friend?

If you would like to invite another nonfiction author who you feel is a cultural fit for our community, you are welcome to!

Can spouses come?

Yes! Spouses and partners are welcome to register and participate.

We have several rooms with two beds. Email us at [email protected] to request a double room. We can offer a discount on the per person rate for people who will be sharing a room.

Can I share a room with a friend?

Yes! We have several rooms with two beds each. Email us at [email protected] to request a shared room.

We can offer a discount on the per person rate for people who will be sharing a room.

Is there financial assistance available?

Yes! If you have financial constraints that make it difficult to attend, you can apply for a scholarship covering part or all of the cost.

What is the closest airport?

The St. Louis Lambert International Airport is about 35-40 minutes away with light traffic.

Airfare is not included in registration.

Are there options for those with dietary restrictions?

The retreat center kitchen can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, and lactose-intolerant diets. We collect dietary restrictions in the registration process and pass that information on to them.

If you have severe food allergies or a highly specific diet, consider bringing supplemental food. Refrigerators are available.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

We can extend full refunds for cancellations received by September 1, 2026.

Because we submit a final room count to the retreat center on September 2, 2026, and are charged for those rooms whether we use them or not, we are unable to issue refunds for cancellations received after that date.

If you need to cancel your registration, please email our operations manager, Jeremy Madsen, at [email protected].

What activities will be included?

Breakout Discussions: Pre-planned discussions on topics of interest, from marketing ideas to social issues.
Open Discussions: First we will meet all together to propose and identify 4–6 topics to discuss; then you get to decide which conversation to join.
Talent Show: Authors will share songs, poetry, recitations, magic tricks, and other talents. Start thinking of what you want to share!
And more!

The exact agenda will be finalized in the summer of 2026.

If you want to lead an activity or serve on the planning committee, email our operations manager, Jeremy Madsen, at [email protected].

Pricing

Attendance Type	Super Early Bird Price (Closes Dec. 31, 2025)	Early Bird Price (Jan. 1–June 30, 2026)	Full Price (July 1–Sep. 1, 2026)
Stay-In (Room and meals included)	$595	$645	$695
Commuter (meals, no room) – Friday evening, Monday morning	$90/day	$95/day	$99/day
Commuter (meals, no room) – Saturday, Sunday	$120/day	$125/day	$130/day